published: 18 /
1 /
2015
Label:
Rockbeat Records
Format: CD
Evocative blues rock from legendary guitarist Albert King, which was recorded live across the 1970s
Review
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)
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