ALBERT KING
Live '69 (Tomato Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Tomato Records has released Live '69 from Albert King, and it's a King-sized reason to celebrate one of the true giants of guitar blues. This never-before-released performance features Albert King at The Cue, a 400-seat club near the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Shortly before this Madcity show, Albert celebrated his 46th birthday, three years after his classic Born Under a Bad Sign album. On Live in '69, King's on fire with scorching versions of "Why Are You So Mean To Me" and a 17-minute jam on "Please Come Back to Me." This live set also includes an inspired "Crosscut Saw," King's 1967 Top-40 hit. King's work has come full-circle on Tomato: he made his Tomato debut in 1976 with Truckload of Lovin,' but I'm partial to this live disc that captures a late, great bluesman in his prime.

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

© 2004 - Eric Steiner