Search - B.B. King :: My Kind of Blues

The one, if one only

eurocrank | Ketchikan, Alaska | 12/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The material on this album is probably the most widely available B. B. King on the planet. Numerous inexpensive compilations include four or five of its tracks (often the most striking ones) along with tracks from other periods of King's career. Yet "My Kind of Blues" is the source, and it may be the purest expression of King's blues.



B. B. himself called this album his favorite of the many he'd recorded (at the time of the quote), and it's hard to imagine anything more essential. I have lots of his albums--most of the 50s material, most of the 60s albums, some of the 70s, and a couple from the 80s. The only other album I like as much is "Spotlight on Lucille," an all-instrumental compilation that complements this album in much the same way that Freddie King's "Just Pickin'" complements "Freddie Sings."



Which isn't to say that "Live at the Regal" or "Live at Cook County Jail" or the Virgin/Flair 50s compilations aren't as good! Perhaps what I like most about "My Kind of Blues" is its focus and coherence. It sounds like an album recorded as an album (unlike most of King's 50s material) with the most basic of bands and with the intent of making a statement. It lacks the larger band sound of the live albums and of much of the typical 50s recordings. It also lacks the enthusiasm of a crowd, but when the performances are this impassioned, the crowd is not at all missed.



Such as on 'Catfish Blues,' which is so dynamic it's perhaps my favorite version of this standard. There's a fine balance between the couldn't-be-more-classic-B.B. cuts of 'You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now' and 'It's My Own Fault, Darlin',' letting us know what's always been part of King's blues message--that relationship is a mutual responsibility. 'Mr. Pawnbroker' describes marital blues from a pawnbroker's perspective. The best thing about all the songs is that they feature King's voice and guitar, upfront sharp and strong, in a spare, blue setting.



I'd been looking for this album for years, having heard how great it was and having heard evidence of its greatness on various compilations, but expecting never to see it (Crown? in what record shops??). Thank you Capitol for making it available and at such a low price. I would have been happy to pay far more, of course, and would have liked to pay more just for some informational packaging (this has no notes, band information, recording dates--nothing). But the CD sounds very good (better than the wellspringing compilations), and I feel grateful for its appearance."

My Kind of Blues as well

J. Gallimore | 08/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had read that this was B.B. Kings' favorite album. After hearing I can see why. I don't know what year this was produced, but from the cover photo it seems to be early in his career.



Many of the songs are blues standards that have been covered by others, but in BB's hands, they sound like true blues songs.



While the recording is may not be up to current standards, his voice is top notch. I have never heard it stronger. His guitar playing may not be the fastest or most complex, but it shows the solid BB King playing style with all his signature licks.



If you are a fan, you need this. If you are interested in his music, or electric blues, this should be part of your collection."

One of his best!

Sea Otter | Millbrae, CA United States | 08/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own several BB King records and CD's but this is definitely one of my favorites. Check it out!"