B.B. King and his Orchestra
(Acrobat Music)
By the time you hit the slap-bass speed trial (just before the bassist moves on to the melody of "Dueling Banjos") on this 1983 recording's second track, it should be pretty clear that Live is not among the more essential live recordings B.B. King has ever made. It's credited to B.B. "and his Orchestra." And while it's clear he had some world-class musicians (and at least one Flea supporter) in his band at that point, there's way too much orchestra, not enough B.B.
"Everyday I Have The Blues," for example, could be a ‘90s swing revival band. When he does get his turn in the spotlight (at his own show), the results can brilliant. The melancholy guitar work on "Darling You Know I Love You," for instance. Or his aching vocal on "The Thrill Is Gone," where the orchestra hangs back just enough to let him do his thing for almost an entire song (until they kick in like a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute band at one point near the end). But why work for those moments when he's done so many great live albums, from the seminal Live at the Regal to 1971's Live in Cook County Jail, recorded when "The Thrill is Gone" was just a baby.
Standout Tracks: "Darling You Know I Love You," "Paying The Cost to be the Boss" A. WATT
