BB King

I saw BB King at the cavernous Wembley Arena a few years ago, on his ‘Farewell’ tour. He was supported by and featured the late Gary Moore. Frankly it was a waste of time. BB King was tired and looked to on his last legs, the band were disinterested and we hardly heard any of Blues Boy’s wonderful guitar. The only real point of interest was Gary Moore and he was no better than OK.
On that basis I passed up the chance to see BB King at the Albert Hall – what an idiot! On the basis of this video/CD he seemed to have shaved 10 years, his eyes sparkled, he talked to the audience like he knew them personally and his playing was excellent – even better, that voice. Chills down the neck time.
He spent the set sitting on one of the Albert Hall’s chairs but, unlike the Wembley gig, he was animated (even from a sitting position), his expressions lively and his voice clear.
The version of ‘See That My Grave Is Kept Clean’ is simply gorgeous. It swings gently and it is somehow imbued with some humour but the follow up, ‘All Over Again’ really showed that his voice has all its old potency.
He flirted outrageously with Susan Tedeschi when she came on with hubby Derek Trucks and when he had Trucks play some slide he really seemed to enjoy his playing, even better was Tedeschi’s vocal on ‘Rock Me Baby’ and ‘You Are My Sunshine’ as she duetted with the King. Trucks guitar was, as always, a thing of joy.
The band was then joined by Slash on one side and Ronnie Wood on the other and Mick Hucknall proving he actually can sing and the ensuing jam, with Trucks and Tedeschi and help from BB was stunning. Slash’s playing was surprisingly soft and subtle and Wood’s smile was almost as wide as BB’s.
‘ The Thrill is Gone’ was thrilling with the sight of Susan Tedeschi outsinging Mick Hucknall and Slash ‘crowning’ BB with his top hat.
The closer ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’ was rumbustious and full of joy.

This must have been a magical night for those that were there and the sight of BB King enjoying himself and on those occasions when he brought Lucille up and played her he showed he still had the majesty.
Don’t expect revelatory playing or new stars coming forth but as a memento of a brilliant night it is exceptional and I wish I had been there