Recorded in 1971, but unreleased in the U.S. until 1999, B.B. King's Live in Japan deserves high marks for exuberance alone. Had Live in Cook County Jail not just jumped into the charts, this live album might have been rel... more »eased long ago. The recording opens with a swelling of enthusiastic cheers, as King launches into an uptempo "Every Day I Have the Blues." There are plenty of other classics here as well, including "How Blue Can You Get?", "Sweet Sixteen," and "The Thrill Is Gone" (which elicits another round of cheering from the opening notes). Live in Japan may not have the long-standing reputation of Cook County Jail or Live at the Regal, but it's an excellent album, with a decidedly different feel from these two classics. King's obvious enthusiasm for his music and for his audience is infectious, and you can hear the sheer joy of it in every note. And, for those who don't really feel that they need additional versions of well-known songs, let it be mentioned that Live in Japan contains King's only live rendition of "Hummingbird," not to mention a couple of unique jams ("Japanese Boogie," "Jamming at Sankei Hall," and "Hikari #88"). --Genevieve Williams« less
Recorded in 1971, but unreleased in the U.S. until 1999, B.B. King's Live in Japan deserves high marks for exuberance alone. Had Live in Cook County Jail not just jumped into the charts, this live album might have been released long ago. The recording opens with a swelling of enthusiastic cheers, as King launches into an uptempo "Every Day I Have the Blues." There are plenty of other classics here as well, including "How Blue Can You Get?", "Sweet Sixteen," and "The Thrill Is Gone" (which elicits another round of cheering from the opening notes). Live in Japan may not have the long-standing reputation of Cook County Jail or Live at the Regal, but it's an excellent album, with a decidedly different feel from these two classics. King's obvious enthusiasm for his music and for his audience is infectious, and you can hear the sheer joy of it in every note. And, for those who don't really feel that they need additional versions of well-known songs, let it be mentioned that Live in Japan contains King's only live rendition of "Hummingbird," not to mention a couple of unique jams ("Japanese Boogie," "Jamming at Sankei Hall," and "Hikari #88"). --Genevieve Williams
"Being a hard core fan of BB's for over thirty years, I was thrilled to hear this treasure from the time when BB was untouchable! The Live At The Regal has always been the benchmark by which all of BB's live performances, records or Cds have had to measure up to. With Live In Japan, I firmly believe, we have a new benchmark! On this release, BB Kings command of his guitar, voice, band, setlist and audience are remarkable. From the opening tune, he captures you and takes you way down an alley, to that place of rare, indigo blue perfection. BB King is a rare American treasure. A true story teller that is so recognizable, that with a single note on his guitar, he can make you laugh, make you cry and just get you up offa your backside and scream with joy! He talks a bit to the audience on this cd, though being in Japan, not as much as he usually does. He also does some brilliant, inspired guitar playing that at times is soft and soulful and at other times downright mean and dirty! He also does something that, for the time, was rare for BB. He does some extended jammiming and a bit of solo improv that is wonderful! If I could rate this higher than five stars, I would!He truly is and always will be the Worlds Greatist Blues Singer! Buy this one, no dissapointments!"
My oh my, this is seriously HOT stuff
G. Wallace | Hilliard, OH USA | 03/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Cook County Jail is considered a classic, with good reason. Live at the Regal is considered even more classic, with less reason (although it would be difficult to top the first few songs on that set). This set was bumped aside from American release by a busy schedule of B.B King records. But it blows away every B.B. King live record I've heard, including the classics. Don't know what it is about blues singers in Japan (Otis Rush also recorded a tremendous live set in Japan) but the audiences seem to elicit best performances. This disk sounds fabulous and B.B.'s singing is great, although not quite as great as his guitar playing. He plays all kinds of blues in all tempos and just nails 'Sweet Sixteen' and 'Thrill is Gone' (better than the very fine Cook County versions in both cases). Please try this disk out!"
A CLASSIC RECORDING!
deepbluereview | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA | 06/28/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is vintage BB King complete with a band providing piano, trombone, trumpet and sax for that jazzy blues feel. Recorded live in 1971 at Sankei Hall, Tokyo, Japan the CD is fast moving and has an air of excitement surrounding it. In addition to the staples, "Every Day I Have The Blues", "How Blue Can You Get?", "The Thrill Is Gone" the disc contains some rarities such as "Niji Baby", "Japanese Boogie", "Jamming at Sankei Hall" and "Hikari #88". A fine performance from a living legend."
Dare I Say.... Better Than Regal?
N. Wakabayashi | Jawsey | 10/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Don't want to sound like an echo, but this album is a real treasure. Not enough banter? I'd rather hear the man play Lucille, & play he does... all over this disc, & than some. He's in absolutely fine form on this night, & there are some obscure gems on this set that will delight the BB King fan. After having this disc for a few months... I ask myself if it isn't more enjoyable than the acclaimed Regal album. This album is THAT good. Highly, highly recommended!!"
King at his best
N. Wakabayashi | 06/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording has a different feel from Live at the Regal or Live from Cook County Jail. There is much less playing with and talking to the audience. Instead, this one is just powerful, full-steam blues guitar playing all the way through. B. B.'s singing is very soulful here, but he keeps it short and lets the guitar do most of the singing. You won't find better versions of his classic songs anywhere. The jam sessions show a jazz-blues master at work and is something generally not heard these days. Great cd."