"This CD contains two B.B. King studio efforts, from 1962 and 1965. Offering them back-to-back allows listeners an acute sense of King's rapid maturation and development during what was by all accounts the nexus of the guitarist/vocalist's career. The dozen-song "Mr. Blues" was a haphazard start for King with the contents taken from 3 different recording sessions in a 13-month period. Based on the results, the artist was being presented as a blues shouter, supported by an antiquated big band and/or orchestra. The landmark "Live At The Regal" (1964) is a critical link between these two albums. It essentially redefined King's presence in the (then) modern blues revival. He retained his expressive combo from "Live At The Regal" with Duke Jethro (piano), Leo Lauchie (bass), and Sonny Freeman (drums) who have collectively become increasingly adept at providing King room for his solos. Plus, they generally support -- rather than detract from -- his skills as a vocalist." (Lindsay Planer, Allmusic; 4 uit 5 sterren)
"Simply put, this is a killer 22-track compilation of early -- as in from the beginning -- sides by B.B. King, first as he developed as a quintessential blues shouter, and second and more famously as a guitarist. These tracks are compiled from masters dating between 1949 and 1953, when the great one was a youngster and beginning to cut singles for Regal. His strong vocal style -- derived from Big Joe Turner but more melodic and bright -- captured jukeboxes first across the American South and later across the nation. But by 1950 and 1951, King's guitar was singing as loudly as his voice and became his true and much more recognizable forum for expression. These sides offer a well-rounded portrait by turns: the vocalist is showcased on the first half and the guitar player on the second. That said, no single cut is more enjoyable than another and virtually all are winners, including a sampling of both A- and B-sides from this early period. The sound quality is good to great." (Thom Jurek, Allmusic)
In de jaren '70 gingen deze twee grootheden binnen de blueswereld regelmatig samen op tournee. De soulvolle vocalen van King, diens door merg en been gaande bluesgitaarlicks en de bijzondere soulblueszang van Bland (inclusief zijn eigenaardig 'keelknor') combineren uitstekend. Vaak worden de leadvocals gedeeld, in andere stukken geeft de een snedig commentaar als de ander de lead zingt. Zeer entertaining. Ook de begeleidende band is in uitstekende vorm (met regelmatig tot de toppen van hun bereik uithalende blazers). Oorspronkelijk was dit een dubbel-LP, maar het past met gemak op één CD (net geen 70 minuten).
Graad 2-3
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