Search - Albert King :: Big Blues

Proper Restoration At Last

BluesDuke | Las Vegas, Nevada | 05/22/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This was Albert King's first official album and, finally, the material therein - usually splattered across various slapdash bargain collections - is restored to context. The rhythm section isn't anything close to the precision of the Stax/Volt crew which graduated King from rumour to star in 1966 (well, name one rhythm section that is) - but if you can overcome both that and a couple of songwriting turkeys, you're in for a treat. Put this together with the King tracks on Chess's "Door to Door" and you've got a comprehensive gathering of just what made Albert King's reputation enough that Stax couldn't wait to sign him when they had the chance in the first place. Even at this comparatively early stage of his blues career, Albert King was playing like his life depended on it."

Simply the BEST!

R. Levy | USA | 09/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Albert G-d rest his soul, was simply the best that ever played a blues guitar. As a teenager in 1969 I played organ for him before joining BB King's band. NOBODY ever outplayed him on a good night. His perfect timing & rhythm and total on key in-tune bends never ceased to amaze me.

Maybe some could play more notes, but no one could play one note better'n him. As soon as you'd hear him, you'd know it was him and not someone else stealing his licks, as so many have. Arguably, he may have played & grooved better on his Stax material, but he was no slouch here and was well on his way towards developing his signature stinging sound that was so unique and original. He was a great, kind and wonderful human being as well."