Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Stax artist remaster: I'll Play The Blues For You - Albert King - Review (release May 22, 2012)


Stax has done it now. They have unleashed the fury of Albert King and his classic I'll Play The Blues For You. This was initially an 8 song release but with remastering came 2 additional alternate tracks as well as 2 unreleased tracks. This recording really shows Albert at the top of his game matched with up with guitarist Michael Toles, bassist James Alexander and drummer Willie Hall from Bar-Kays/Movement. They are also joined by Memphis Horns featuring Wayne Jackson on trumpet and Andrew Love on tenor Sax. The title track is the opener and King's vocals are so smooth and his guitar is so stylistically Albert. No one has ever captured his spirit although many have copied his style. Albert had an uncanny ability to make the guitar bark without pulling it's leash. Breaking Up Somebody's Home is another absolutely terrific track and the blend of soul, funk and blues is just perfect. I'll Be Doggone is a real funky track that is outstanding in the blues world... not to really be approached until Johnny Guitar Watson, Walter Wolfman Watson and now Hamilton Loomis stepped into the arena. King lead this train and he is the King. Answer To The laundromat Blues is a great stinging blues a la King! You want to hear Albert do his guitar thing...this is it! The original recording concludes with Angel of Mercy, a classic King style blues. Brace yourself for a great guitar ride! The bonus tracks are an 8 plus minute alt take of I'll Play the Blues For You and an alt 5 plus minute take of Don't Burn Down the Bridge as well as unreleased tracks I Need Love, a great soul styled blues and Albert's Stomp, a driving guitar ripper. This is a must have for Albert King fans... all blues lovers!



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