ALBERT KING
Live '69 (Tomato)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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This music was recorded in a Madison, Wisconsin club in the spring of 1969, a time when Albert King was at the peak of his powers and already established as one of the principle influences in the world of blues guitar. At that time, the influence was most widely felt through the work of Eric Clapton, who lifted whole passages straight from King's recordings for Bobbin, King and Stax records. Later that influence would be carried as widely through the work of yet another Albert King disciple, Stevie Ray Vaughn. You just can't beat the original, though, and as is so often the case, when you're listening to Albert King, live is better.

That's not to knock his studio work. His late sixties tracks for Stax, performing in front of the house band better known as Booker T. & the MGs are classics, but hearing a live performance from that era, such as is found here, is something special indeed. Of course, this was recorded with 1969 live recording technology in less than ideal circumstances, but with the mastering and restoration wizardry of Gene Paul in effect, you're not going to be disappointed in the sound.

All those considerations to the side, though, if you love the blues, you'll be absolutely delighted with these performances. The release of Live '69 is a coup for Tomato Records and a service to music loving audiences everywhere. This is the real deal, dealt straight.

Track List:

Introduction * Why Are You So Mean To Me * As The Years Go Passing By * Please Come Back To Me * Crosscut Saw * Personal Manager

© 2003 - Shaun Dale