Search - B.B. King :: Live in Kansas City

B.B. King Live (1972)

Robert Vangundy | London, UK | 08/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"B.B. King's live recordings generally are much more satisfying than his studio releases, and he's overdue for a concert disc. Despite the recent photo on the cover, however, this isn't it. "Live in Kansas City" -- recorded in 1972 -- catches King in roughly the same period as "Live at the Regal" and "Live at Cook County Jail."What distinguishes this CD from those, though, is the exceptional recording quality, especially impressive given that it's a nightclub performance captured 30 years ago. The mix is spot-on and instrument voicings are clear on up-tempo numbers (like the Introduction and King's Shuffle) as well as the numerous slow blues tracks. The selections, in fact, are mostly slow 12-bar tunes, which give King the opportunity to stretch out in his playing. Here you'll find beautiful fluid runs that for the most part have been missing in the last 10 years or so, as well as the jazz-influenced phrasing and extraordinary use of dynamics that make his playing instantly recognizable. The introduction to Sweet Little Angel is nothing short of inspirational.Other comments: As you might expect from an import CD, some room exists for improvement. Track 8 has been mis-titled; it's actually "All Over Again." And the fade out/fade in between songs breaks the live mood a bit. But those are minor complaints. This is a very good CD that captures one of the most influential artists in his prime."