Search - Albert King :: Funky London

Sweet Fingers

07/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Albert King was the coolest guitar player of the blues scene, and his marvellous solos and licks were blended with the funkiest grooves of the early seventies. That's FUNKY LONDON, a collection of great, uplifting songs. The first 4 songs were recorded circs 1969, the others in 1973, but the high quality is the same. "Sweet Fingers" is simply a divine instrumental number, pure happiness and joy translated to guitar phrasing. "Finger on the trigger" is an energetic rock-a-rolling blues, "Bad Luck" is an ultra-funky one that ends in a sensuous jam. "Lovingest woman..." is an extended slow blues, and the way King built the emotional intensity during his 3-minute-plus solo is masterful. Actually, all the solos in this album are a lesson for blues players. The licks can be simple, sometimes you can anticipate what's coming, but the tone of the guitar, the incredible voice-like quality of the phrasing... it is just what I always dreamed to listen in a blues recording. As I wrote above, the band relies on soul and funk, this is not a "pure" blues album. But the band is so tight ("Cold Sweat" is outstanding), the feeling so good, I think anyone interested in early seventies black music and rock can have a great time listening to this album. Also recommended are I WANNA GET FUNKY and THE BLUES DON'T CHANGE."

The best and most rocking/interesting album by Albert King

Mr. K. Sinclair | leeds, w yorks United Kingdom | 11/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm sticking my neck out here and saying that this album is the album which I would recommend above all of the others. I own the majority of the albums and I was shocked at how much rawer and grittier this is than most of the recordings on Kings other albums.
Kings playing is more complex than normal too.
This is King playing with the Bar Kays and the MG's. Highlights are many, but Driving Wheel is sharp and intense and Finger on the Trigger is now my favourite track by Albert. Next up, go check out 'Burglar' by FREDDIE KING!"

This one is all you need to sample Albert King.

P.J. Le Faucheur | Canada (ex- U.K. resident) | 06/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As Dan Fortes sleevenotes to this album truly indicate (quote)" many might try to emulate Alberts licks but nobody has his VISION". Albert sounded deceptively easy to copy but when you try you find you can't obtain the same feel. Infact i don't anyone can or ever will.

This whole album is a shining example of Albert in great form and is possibly the ULTIMATE CD out of all the rest to obtain even though the tracks are from two seperate eras (some trax are from 1969 & the rest from 1974). The track "Lonesome" has a false start with Albert sounding like he has the flu. The song commences with the lyrics from Alberts song "Door To Door" then changes to it's listed title ("Lonesome'). It turns out to be nearly 9 minutes of scorching blues at slow tempo.

Some of the tracks fade out which is my only regret but the c.d.s highlight is the instrumental version of James Browns "Cold Sweat" which to me is one of the greatest & funkiest, unrestrained solos that Albert ever performed. "Drivin' Wheel" is another example of why Albert is regarded as a guru among axemen. One of the most famous Albert King songs is included on this disc i.e. "Can You See What You're Doing To Me?". It's a shame it fades but nevertheless we are treated to some 5 minutes of grinding blues guitar. Instrumentals rule on this CD and it's a shame Albert didn't do more of them. "Funky London" has Albert showing you how to bend strings and "Sweet Fingers" has that Booker T/Meters feel to it.

I played this c.d twice today and i can't get enough of it still. It's a short c.d but they do say good things come in small packages!

In my humble opinion this CD and "Years Gone By" still rate as my favourite Albert King albums."