Search - Albert Collins :: Frozen Alive

The Master of the Telecaster

jay c gorham | st.paul, mn. United States | 10/31/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Albert toured extensively during this time and the Union Bar in Mpls. was a usual stop. I was lucky to attend these shows and many others featuring Albert and his band.
His shows began with the band warming up with Casey Jones (drums) or A.C. Reed (sax) taking vocals. When the crowd was good and ready, Casey would lead into the instrumental "Frosty". After building up fury, he would announce "Ladies and Gentleman, here for you in Mpls, by way of Houston Texas, The man that cuts so deep he gets into your soul, the master of the Telecaster, Albert Collins!Albert Collins!!" With that, you would hear Albert, but not see him. He'd come into the bar playing, wringing vibrato from his Tele. Albert would then launch into any of his trademark tunes. The songs presented here are a showcase of his talent and what he did night after night.
During "Mind to Travel", Albert would get out the 200 foot guitar cord and wander both rooms of the Union, often stopping to sit at your table, talk, have a drink, and all the while wailing in his unique open-tuned and capoed solo style.
"Cold Cuts" features A.C. Reed helping on vocals, and Johnny B. Gayden's awesome bass solo. He played what we called his "Popeye" solo many times to adoring crowds.
This recording takes you back to the nights when the weather was frigid, the beer frosty and the music searing. A nicer more approachable group of musicians you won't find anywhere.
Please buy this and relive Albert's glory days. You won't be sorry."

Gotta have this one!............

Rolltide | Columbia, Tn | 06/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is another favorite live electric blues recording. Albert absolutely makes that guitar sing. This guy should be at the top or near the top of any list of great eletric guitarists past and present. The only complaint is that there isn't more material here. Just 7 songs and about 36 minutes worth. All of it is good though. From the beginning you know your listening to something special...............socks"

Classic early Collins

Rolltide | 06/29/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like electric guitar blues, this is a must-have.All the tracks are good, but "Things I Used to Do" is my favorite. He plays the first couple of verses just like the original (Guitar Slim) version, then he really cuts loose in pure Albert Collins style. It's like he's saying, "I know where this comes from, but this is how *I* play it."."