e reviewer in #21 of Blues unlimited expressed grateful thanks to the person who had the idea to capture B B King in concert - previous studio pieces only hinted at how good he was when you saw him. The songs were chosen to showcase King at his best and he effortlessly delivered. "Live At The Regal" is often defined as the benchmark for blues in concert - and there are few genuine contenders for it's crown. Previous blogs have mentioned a few but this one is the fan's favourite.
It's probably about two years since I listened to the whole album straight through - STAR BLUES gave me that privilege this week. Only when you get the full context can you appreciate the power and majesty of King's performance. His modest brief introductions tee up some fierce fills - case in point "Worry Worry". Then there's "How Blue Can You Get?" ...
That November 1964 date in Chicago is but one gig from the Windy City to feature on STAR BLUES this time out. Luther Allison was consummate master of all he surveyed and was the obvious choice to get our show started where everything was done in front of a live audience. Big Jack Johnson and Johnny B. Moore had gigs there out on live albums; Magic Sam, Otis Rush and Jimmy Burns were done for Chicago label Delmark.Travelling a bit further to our side of the pond: Larry Garner was in Germaby, London played host to Taj Mahal and Professor Longhair (the latter album coming out more recently through the Orbis Blues Collection magazine series). Jimmy Burns is one of Detroit's finest; he was but one of a number of men with gigs recorded and issued through Delmark. The Magic Sam gig was thought to be lost and caused quite a stir when issued for the very first time last year. Big Jack Johnson took no prisoners and must have been a top draw wherever he played.
Both Ray Charles and Muddy Waters reached wider audiences than just blues, partly through strong performances at various Neport festivals. The Robert Cray selection came from early in his career - at time he eschewed live recording - Austin Texas was the place for him. These days he's a much more relaxed performer who's warmed to the environment quite nicely.Roger "Hurricane" Wilson's two-hander with Willie "Big-Eye" Smith has a lovely relaxed feel and Smith relishes the setting to return to his first instrument, his harp.
All in all, our Easter Day STAR BLUES was something we'd not tried before and it proved to be a treat to hear our music played where it should be heard: in front of a crowd. We had the large Hadron Collider on standby just in case there were socks to eat. Not tonight Josephine. As for next Sunday, you'll need to be ready at your place at 10pm (BST) to find out - until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you
track.title | track.artistsort | index | album.title | album.artistsort | label |
Soul Fixin' Man | Luther Allison | 2 | Live in Chicago | Luther Allison | RUF |
Buzz Me | Otis Grand | 6 | Live Anthology | Otis Grand | MYSTIC |
Phone Booth | Robert Cray | 14 | Authorized Bootleg - Live, Outdoor Concert, Austin, Texas, 5/25/87 | Robert Cray | UMI |
Hello Josephine | Luther 'Guitar Junior' Johnson | 8 | Live At The Rynborn | Luther 'Guitar Junior' Johnson | M.C. RECORDS |
Eyesight To The Blind | Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith And Roger 'Hurricane' Wilson | 1 | Live Blues Protected By Smith & Wilson | Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith And Roger 'Hurricane' Wilson | BLUESTORM |
Everyday I Have The Blues | B. B. King | 1 | Live At The Regal | B. B. King | MCA |
Sweet Little Angel | B. B. King | 2 | Live At The Regal | B. B. King | MCA |
It's My Own Fault | B. B. King | 3 | Live At The Regal | B. B. King | MCA |
How Blue Can You Get | B. B. King | 4 | Live At The Regal | B. B. King | MCA |
Please Love Me | B. B. King | 5 | Live At The Regal | B. B. King | MCA |
Catfish Blues | Muddy Waters | 10 | Live At Newport // Sings Big Bill | Muddy Waters | soul Jam |
You Gonna Miss Me | John Lee Hooker | 9 | Live At Sugarhill Vols. 1 And 2 | John Lee Hooker | ACE |
night time is the right time | ray charles | 1 | at newport | ray charles | atlantic |
all my whole life | Johnny B. Moore | 5 | Live At Blue Chicago | Johnny B. Moore | DELMARK |
the twist | Big Jack Johnson | 6 | Live In Chicago | Big Jack Johnson | EARWIG |
where the blues turn back | Larry Garner | 6 | Embarrassment To The Blues? (Live In Europe) | Larry Garner | Ruf |
mailbox blue | taj mahal | 2 | live at ronnie scotts | taj mahal | sanctuary |
Whole Lot Of Loving | Professor Longhair | 3 | Live In London | Professor Longhair | ORBIS BLUES COLLECTION |
i gotta find my baby | little arthur duncan | 13 | live at rosa's blues lounge | little arthur duncan | delmark |
You Upset Me Baby | B. B. King | 6 | Live At The Regal | B. B. King | MCA |
Worry, Worry | B. B. King | 7 | Live At The Regal | B. B. King | MCA |
Woke Up This Morning | B. B. King | 8 | Live At The Regal | B. B. King | MCA |
You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now | B. B. King | 9 | Live At The Regal | B. B. King | MCA |
Help The Poor | B. B. King | 10 | Live At The Regal | B. B. King | MCA |
Still A Fool | Magic Sam | 10 | Live At The Avant Garde 1968 | Magic Sam | DELMARK |
Feel So Bad | Otis Rush | 10 | All Your Love I Miss Loving Live At The Wise Fools Pub Chicago | Otis Rush | DELMARK |
Wild About You, Baby | Jimmy Burns | 11 | Live At B.L.U.E.S. | Jimmy Burns | DELMARK |
hot tamale baby | Joe Louis Walker | 10 | Live At Slims | Joe Louis Walker | DEMON |
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