Freddie King - Live and Loud 1968

by Carl Bookstein

published: 18 / 1 / 2015

Label: Floating World Records
Format: CD

Enthralling live album, recorded in San Francisco in 1968, from Texan-born blues guitarist, Freddie King

Review

Hailing from Texas and later moving to the south side of Chicago, Freddie King was a guitar master of urban electric blues. 'Live and Loud 1968' captures the influential guitarist in fine form. On 'Ain’t Nobody’s Business', Freddie King’s guitar playing exudes soul from the get go. The power he ushers in from his subtle touch is inspiring. King was highly influential on the playing of disciples from Eric Clapton to Peter Green. Along with BB King and Albert King, he is recognized as one of three kings of blues guitar. Freddie King’s style is pure taste. The sonic fidelity of this live recording is decidedly imperfect, but still audible. While King’s vocal is somewhat “off mic,” the guitar can mostly be heard shining clear and bright from tracks captured at the Fillmore West, San Francisco in 1968. King’s guitar leads twang and travel - a rich, resonant master class in the blues. 'Have You Ever Loved a Woman?' showcases a blistering guitar lead - soulful down to the bone. “Have you ever loved a woman so much that you tremble in pain?” sings King poignantly - the lyric Clapton would famously record on the Derek and the Dominos 'Layla' album. Fidelity aside, 'Key to the Highway', which also appears on 'Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs', is heartfelt and moving - a guitar serenade bolstered by a fine backing band featuring distinctive organ playing. The momentum continues to flow on 'Whole Lotta Lovin’', King’s guitar casting some kind of blues sorcerer’s spell. 'Five Long Years' captures a down and out kind of mood and feeling. “Have you ever been mistreated?” King asks, “then you know what I’m talking about.” 'Hideaway' is included here in two alternate arrangements - cool instrumental blues guitar jams. 'Going Down', the last track here from the Fillmore West, 1968, is likewise in the groove and inspired. Bonus tracks include a well delivered 'Play It Cool' taken from a live performance at the Ann Arbor Blues Festival, from 1969. 'Feelin’ Good (I Wanna Boogie)' is the closer here, recorded live in Sweden from 1973, with more stirring, poignant lead guitar from Freddie King - absolutely one of the all time greats.

Track Listing:-

1 Ain't Nobody's Business (Live)
2 I Wonder Why (Live)
3 Have You Ever Loved a Woman (Live)
4 Key to the Highway (Live)
5 Hideaway (Live)
6 Whole Lotta Lovin' (Live)
7 Fine Long Years (Live)
8 Hideaway (Alternate Arrangement)
9 Going Down (Live)
10 Play It Cool (Live)
11 Feelin' Good (I Wanna Boogie)