snizz
Full Member
I'm sure I'd be more upset if I weren't quite so heavily sedated
Posts: 322
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Post by snizz on Sept 15, 2005 23:01:36 GMT -5
Looking at the big blow to the blues community with the recent rash of losses of some of our blues greats I'm glad I was around and able to catch B.B. because as much as I hate to admit it, there's always the chance it could be the last chance. In the meantime, happy 80th B.B.! B.B. King and Friends- 80 (Geffen)It's unlikely B.B. King had to push hard to get an impressive lineup of A-listers to appear on this album celebrating his eightieth birthday. The blues giant's career predates rock by more than a decade, and most of the duet partners on this CD (Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Roger Daltrey, Elton John) were in diapers while he was laying the groundwork for a style of music they would devote their lives to. Every guest takes a swing at reworking a B.B. King standard, with a pretty high batting average. Clapton adds his slowhand touch to "The Thrill Is Gone" while Morrison and King sound like long-lost brothers as they growl through "Early in the Morning" together. There are a few missteps -- Elton John's rockabilly romp through "Rock This House" being the worst offender -- but, overall, 80 works surprisingly well. (ANDY GREENE)
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Roland
Full Member
Robert Johnson King of the Delta Blues
Posts: 235
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Post by Roland on Sept 28, 2005 22:57:29 GMT -5
The same thoughts about putting off seeing certain performers occurred to me too snizz. We seem to take too much for granted and don't realize what we had until we've lost it. You haven't said, and it would prpbably go without saying, but I take it you enjoyed the show? I picked up "80" and I have to say it left me less than impressed. I had my doubts about a fair portion of the guest list so I expected it to be, at best, uneven. But even most of the cuts I was looking forward to are well enough done, but uninspired. The exception is the Van Morrison cut, "Early In The Morning." I'd never considered that pairing before, but after hearing it, there's a duet album that would be heaven sent.
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snizz
Full Member
I'm sure I'd be more upset if I weren't quite so heavily sedated
Posts: 322
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Post by snizz on Sept 29, 2005 22:08:29 GMT -5
You haven't said, and it would prpbably go without saying, but I take it you enjoyed the show? Smoked, my man. Smoked. It was a perfect evening, right down to the weather. It was one of those rare days this summer that didn't include any of the 3 Hs. Kenny Wayne burned the joint down. B.B. was first class all the way, smooth as silk and made it all look as easy and natural as breathing. When Kenny Wayne came out and played with B.B. there was nothing finer. I haven't rushed out to buy it yet, but I will. I've heard the Morrison track and in my book it's worth it for that itself.
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