King, Albert and Stevie Ray Vaughn - In Session

Year of Release: 2003
Label: Stax
Catalog Number: SXSA-7501-6
Format: CD
Total Time: 62:30:00

I remember when In Session with Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan was first released. I could not wait to hear it. It was everything I could have hoped for and more. Now several years later, it is back in all its glory in the SACD format.

Vaughan was fresh off his breaking it big with his debut album Texas Flood and the grand blues master King gave the humble youngster his due by acknowledging his capabilities and prowess on the six-string in this now infamous live in-studio session. Although his peers held King in high regard, he never attained the status of BB King or John Lee Hooker. Many fellow guitarists felt he was the man. What we did not realize at the time of this classic recording was this would be the only time the two would be recorded playing together (or so it is believed) ? Vaughn died in August of 1990 and King passed away in October 1992.

As I do recall, the sound on this recording was exceptional. Now it is out of this world! Every subtle nuance is detectable and the sonics are outstanding and incredibly vibrant. I especially enjoyed the interplay between the two guitarists in between tracks. King readily passes the torch to Vaughan and he shows why he was ready to carry it. They both are on fire on all eleven tracks. Stevie Ray sings his ?Pride and Joy? with all the intensity and verve that made him into an international star, and it would be the only song he sang lead vocals on. King handles the vocals the rest of the gig and is in total control throughout, yet he gives his counterpart an opportunity to take the reigns and cut loose while showing him how to grasp the necessary restraint to respect his senior.

This is one of the greatest blues-rock albums ever recorded; I do not think there is anyone that would argue with that. Even if you have the original recording you need to hear this one, it is amazing. I guarantee you will get chills listening to it.

Originally released in 1999; reissued again in 2009 (31423) and reissued on LP by Analogue (750145)

Tracklisting:
Call It Stormy Monday (9:00) / Old Times (1:15) / Pride and Joy (6:01) / Ask Me No Questions (5:01) / Pep Talk (0:52) / Blues At Sunrise (15:10) / Turn It Over (0:51) / Overall Junction (8:04) / Match Box Blues (7:55) / Who Is Stevie? (0:44) / Don't Lie to Me (8:57)

Musicians:
Albert King - electric guitar, vocals
Stevie Ray Vaughan - electric guitar, vocals
Michael Llorens - drums
Tony Llorens - organ, piano
Gus Thornton - bass

Discography:
In Session (1999/2003)

Genre: Other

Origin US

Added: November 30th 2003
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
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Language: english