ALBERT KING
Live '69 (Tomato Records)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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My goodness! Albert King could play the Blues as well as anyone. No wonder Rock stars such as Eric Clapton and Keith Richards loved his music. As the liner notes to Live '69 state: "King's technique seemed simple. He played a right-handed guitar upside down without bothering to restring the instrument, combining his signature solos (typically an explosive blast of noise cut short by a tension-building pause, followed by a series of notes squeezed out with miserly deliberation) with a strangulating method of chording." If this brings to mind Jimi Hendrix, you're paying attention and have a good grasp of musical history.

Live '69, simply put, is a wonderful blues cd, full of gripping solos and daunting musical technique. Most of the music is from King's 1967 release Born Under A Bad Sign which ranks among the top ten blues albums of all time. Live '69 gave King the opportunity to stretch out several songs from Born Under A Bad Sign. He joyously responded to the moment, alternating between staccato burst of notes and perfectly timed moments of silent space. Tension then release, a classic format.

I have one complaint. Tomato Records does a great job with mixing the live sound plus the liner notes are outstanding as they address both King's place in Blues history and the particulars of this 1969 concert. However, Tomato never provides a list of the supporting musicians on this date. This is a big oversight. It sounds like King used another guitat player, a saxaphonist, bass player, and drummer as band members, but I'm simply guessing.

Whether you are a long-time Blues fan or a relative novice to this musical genre, Live '69 is a must buy. The absorbing music is near perfect. Get it and listen to a master at work.

Track List:

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

© 2004 - Ron Saranich