Albert King – Live Wire/Blues Power
This set of 6 live Albert King blues pieces was recorded at the Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco (June 26 & 27, 1968). Produced by Al Jackson Jr. the music was originally released in ‘68 & the reissue was produced by Mason Williams (who also did Lightnin’ Hopkins with Sonny Terry – Last Night Blues).
It’s all part of a precise effort by Craft/Concord to capture older blues sides & remaster them with clarity for blues aficionados & younger listeners. The reissue of Albert King – Live Wire/Blues Power (Drops Sept 13/Craft/Concord/Stax Records/38:19) revisits the acclaim & reception the counter-culture/hippies of the late 60s bestowed on the elder blues artists, such as Albert (one of the 3 Kings of the blues: Albert, B.B. & Freddie) at this time when the late 60s white audience may have missed it the first time around. This particular set was Mr. King’s definitive guitar LP & it featured a tight quartet of supporting musicians.
Extra tracks from this live performance were later found on LPs like “Wednesday Night In San Francisco,” & “Thursday Night In San Francisco.” Hopefully, Craft/Concord may get their hands on those stragglers & polish them up as well. For the most part, this project upon its original release was considered a classic live blues album. A viable introduction to a wider younger audience.
The Mississippi-born left-handed guitarist Mr. King began his career in 1949 — a post-war blues player who became influential. His playing’s been called deep & dramatic with countless blues & rock guitarists emulating his style to this day (Stevie Ray Vaughn was one). King always wanted to remain in vogue, so he often played with contemporary artists & dabbled in funk in later years.
Considering the old blues players were regular people who played small clubs & juke joints. I marvel at how natural Albert King was as an entertainer. He brought a dazzling show with no laser beams, skimpy-clad dancers, or smoke machines to his showcase. His guitar was his lady, his voice was his authority & the stories that precluded his fiery playing were as essential as the lyrics to the songs. “Blues Power” is the best example. Can you dig it? As Mr. King would say. “Night Stomp” is incendiary & will offer a hint as to where Eric Clapton may have learned the blues.
Highlights – “Watermelon Man,” “Blues Power,” “Night Stomp,” “Please Love Me” & “Look Out.”
Musicians – Albert King (guitar/vocals), Willie James Exon (guitar), Roosevelt Pointer (bass), Theotis Morgan (drums) & James Washington (organ).
Included: a 4pp insert with review quotes/liner notes. B&W portrait courtesy of Craft Recordings. Color image at the Fillmore concert courtesy of Grant Gouldon. The cover image of Mr. King courtesy of Ivan Nagy.
CD @ Amazon & eBay + https://craftrecordings.com/
