Albert King - Live in the 70s
by Carl Bookstein
published: 18 / 1 / 2015

Label:
Rockbeat Records
Format: CD
intro
Evocative blues rock from legendary guitarist Albert King, which was recorded live across the 1970s
Albert King's 'Live In The ‘70s' is an evocative one disc blues guitar collection tracking some of this legend’s live work across a decade. King came from Indianola, Mississippi, where he once picked cotton, years before he developed a stellar career in the blues. 'Blues Power' is stinging blues guitar from the start. Albert King’s subtle fury makes every note of significance. He played his trademark Gibson Flying V guitar left-handed, but strung for a right hand. This unique approach made King’s style all the more distinctive - exuding both great talent and the soul of the blues. 'Crosscut Saw' is tasteful soul-shining blues and a real treat from the opening notes. At the Fillmore East in New York in 1971, we hear the legendary guitarist who influenced greats from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Mick Taylor to Eric Clapton, as the notes resonate in flurries in a rich flow cascading from King’s guitar. Next is 'Got to Be Some Changes Made'. In addition to his piercing, wailing guitar leads, King also puts forth a heartfelt vocal. “If you don’t dig the blues, you got a hole in your soul,” he recites as he chats to the audience between lines of song. Tasteful guitar fills are enhanced by the accompaniment of a well played horn section on 'Personal Manager'. On this live collection from Retroworld, we move from the Fillmore in NY to the Forum in Hollywood, California, 1972. King’s playing here remains every bit as strong. “Angel of mercy,” he sings “a little mercy is all I need.” The tracks from the Forum showcase a first rate band, buoyed by steady drumming alongside King’s hard charging guitar line. 'Oh Pretty Woman' is another fine electric guitar serenade, followed by the likewise strong 'Breaking Up Somebody’s Home' - true blues mastery. On 'Stormy Monday' we hear this great purveyor of a tradition whose weighty influence can be heard on the celebrated generation that followed- from Clapton to the Allman Brothers Band. The music seizes you up in its rollicking swell. 'I Believe to My Soul' is culled from the Purple Carriage, St. Charles, Illinois, 1974 and the closer 'I’ll Play the Blues for You' is taken from the Double Door, Chicago, Illinois, 1978. This is rich, satisfying blues guitar playing by King from across the 1970s - a fine set.
Track Listing:-
1 Blues Power (Live)2 Crosscut Saw (Live)
3 Got to Be Some Changes Made (Live)
4 Personal Manager (Live)
5 Angel of Mercy (Live)
6 Matchbox Blues (Live)
7 Oh Pretty Woman (Live)
8 Breaking up Somebody's Home (Live)
9 Stormy Monday (Live)
10 Born Under a Bad Sign (Live)
11 I Believe to My Soul (Live)
12 I'lI Play the Blues for You (Live)
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/AlbertKingOfficialLabel Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/Rockbeatrecordshttps://twitter.com/RockBeatSmore
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQWV71CGHgU0IzfdZ21Dew
http://rockbeatrecords.tumblr.com/
https://www.pinterest.com/rockbeatrecords/
https://instagram.com/rockbeatrecords/
soundcloud
reviews |
Fillmore East, NYC, 1971 Plus Early Studio Recordings (2017) |
![]() |
Impressive compilation of live and studio recorded electric blues from the legendary Albert King, on which he plays alongside a legion of superb backing musicians |
most viewed articles
current edition
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - InterviewJack Frost - As Seen on TV
Nils Petter Molvaer - El Molino, Barcelona, 24/4/2025
John McKay - Interview
Editorial - July 2025
Robert Forster - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Kruder and Dofmeister - Paral-lel 62, Barcelona, 27/4/2025
Skunk Anansie - Old Market, Brighton, 16/5/2025
Yardbirds - Des Plaines Theater, Des Plaines, 18/4/2025
most viewed reviews
current edition
John McKay - Sixes and #SevensDavey Woodward - Mumbo in the Jumbo
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
HAIM - I Quit
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a Circle
Pulp - More
Garbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Morcheeba - Escape The Chaos
Little Simz - Lotus
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart