Known as the ˝King of the Blues,˝ guitarist B.B. King, (short for ˝Blues Boy King˝), who has been performing for well over half a century now, turned eighty in September of 2005.
His album ˝80˝ was released just in time for the birthday party.
King is known for his distinctive sound - especially his use of the sliding ˝bent˝ note, and for calling his electric Gibson guitar ˝Lucille.˝ And he sure loves making love to Lucille!
A star studded cast of musicians join King for this celebratory album, including: Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Bobby Bland, Billy Gibbons, Mark Knopfler, Elton John, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Daryl Hall, and Gloria Estefan.
The great man’s booming voice and uncluttered guitar style, liberal use of bends, his signature tremelo, tend to overpower those he performs with.
His talent casts a huge shadow, making it difficult for others to shine as he does.
The commanding performances here, and the enjoyment, are provided by Mr. B.B., and the much younger artists have to strive to keep up with him.
˝Early in the Morning,˝ with Van Morrison is one of my favorite cuts and sets the bar high for those that follow.
˝The Thrill Is Gone,˝ with Eric Clapton’s fabulous guitar solos and B.B. playing his vocal chords, is an outstanding track, as is ˝Funny How Time Slips Away,˝ with blues veteran Bobby ˝Blue˝ Bland. Mark Knopfler (˝All Over Again’’) and Billy Gibbons (˝Tired of Your Jive’’) are also CD pluses.