B.B. King would have been 100 this year and, in the absence of any other celebratory activities, Joe Bonamassa and co-producer Josh Smith decided to record some of his best and best known tracks using a huge number of modern Blues artists.
The line-up is incredible. Artists as varied as Joanne Shaw Taylor or Slash or George Benson or Ivan Neville, Larkin Poe or Gary Clarke Jr or Aloe Blacc, Eric Clapton or Chaka Khan.
The amazing thing is that these are songs that any Blues lover has heard since they were a toddler, but these artists manage to make them all sound fresh and alive. All recorded in the particular voice or style of the artist concerned.
All 32 tracks are standouts but there are some pairings or performances that just blow me away. Slash, Shemekia Copeland & Myles Kennedy doing a rumbustious version of ‘When Love Came To Town’ or a classically Bluesey ‘Paying The Cost To Be The Boss’ featuring Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram. Buddy Guy does a gorgeous version of ‘Sweet Little Angel’, all slow and sultry and a beautiful vocal. Keb Mo’s version of ‘I’ll Survive’ has remarkable sweetness and no little subtlety, perfect for the kindness and gentleness that King was famous for. “I had Keb’ Mo marked for this song right from my initial wish list,” says Josh Smith. “I’ve always loved this song, and I just felt he would really own it. He did more than that. It’s a perfect pairing.” “I met B.B. King in probably 1972 or ‘73, while out on the road with Papa John Creach,” Keb’ Mo’ reflects. “I did a show with B.B. King and the Average White Band. That’s when I met him, but I’ve been listening to B.B. King my whole life.” Chris Cain does a wonderful version of ‘You Upset Me Baby’, strong and funky, his voice is unique. ‘Bad Case Of Love’ has a stunning vocal and guitar solo from Joanne Shaw Taylor.
Every track has a charm of its own, King was a unique artist, and his music is utterly flexible, perfect for moulding to different artists style or talents. He was revered in life and now properly celebrated.
