Customer Reviews

Friends

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Each of the selections are ok - but they're all replays of previous recordings. But mainly, titling it `BB King & Friends' mischievously leads one to assume, as I did, that BB, Brubeck, & Heath Bros. at different times performed TOGETHER (which they do not!). I mean, that's how it usually is on albums titled like this. I feel robbed.

The product description given here is for a different album called 'B.B. King & Friends' - that is not this album. This album gets its name 'Friends' from the title track - it was originally released in 1974, and my parents bought an 8-track back then with this album on it. 'Philadelphia' is my favorite track on the album - it reminds me of spring vacation from 4th grade in 1975. The track 'Friends' comes in at a close second, and is a great song that conveys a sense of 70s soul to it. I'll finally be able to listen to the album tracks in the proper order - anyone who's owned an 8-track player knows how hard that was back then!

This CD is a composite of three talents. I am only addressing the BB King selections.
His portion is what I always was looking for. Essentially a recording of a live performance. Not a polished dressed up studio job but a gritty, soulful real stage performance where BB earns his living and forged his unique style. I see BB every time he comes by. His live performances with his high mileage tried and true entourage of accompanying musicians outshine his recordings. This album has full length versions "The Thrill is Gone" and the best version of "Guess Who" you will ever hear in your entire life. His voice and health was at its peak and this CD has captured his essence. It's that good.

In spite of an ecletical mixed of rythms,this work must reveal all of the influences and friends this man captivated along his career as one of the great musicians of all the times! One of the most beautiful things of the blues,is for me,the capacity to put together on a stage,a great number of distinct musicians,in a great spirit of confraternization,tha is an example for the mankind in this wartimes! B.B. King you really must always be with many many friends.You're fantastic man!