Customer Reviews

Live '92 - '93

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

An album made up of live recordings in 1992 and 1993, this album serves as proof beyond a doubt that Albert Collins was very much on top of his game right up until his final days. Distilled from performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland and two gigs in Rockford, Illinois and Peoria, Illinois, this is a cooking set of hard-hitting blues that could raise the roof ! Bringing some of his most familiar tunes, from "Frosty" to "Iceman" and "Put the shoe on the other foot" to "T-bone shuffle" he totally sweeps the audience off its feet. Crystal-clear recording of the man who shall forever remain The Master of the Telecaster. Recommended listening !

These performances were recorded shortly before Collins' death in late 1993, but rather than sounding tired, they offer proof that the "Master of the Telecaster" remained a commanding stage presence until the end.

Albert Collins' highly original, percussive guitar playing is still sharp, and his vocals are strong and soulful. He is backed by an excellent band which includes two sax players and a trumpet, and they offer solid backing and the occational soul-revue riff without overwhelming the 60-year old guitarist.

Collins and his band swing on the superb "If You Love Me Like You Say" and the funky "Iceman", and they groove on the eight-minute blues workout "Put The Shoe On The Other Foot".
Other highlights include the rocking "Travelin' South" and the sweaty soul of "Talkin' Woman". And listen to Albert Collins' solo on "Iceman", and his take on T-Bone Walker's classic "T-Bone Shuffle"...Collins played without a pick, and often used a capo high up on the neck of his slightly metallic sounding Telecaster, plucking tinkling, piercingly clear notes from the strings (this was the technique which gave his playing its "icy" tone).

This is a strong collection of some of Collins' best and most accessible latter-day material. It is a great place to start if you're new to the music of Albert Collins, and a must-have if you're a fan.
Definitely recommended.

I decided to buy this album since there were mixed reviews on the sound quality. I love Albert and was hoping for another good live CD of his, but I am disappointed in the sound quality on this CD.

As others have said, Albert's playing is very good and you can actually hear his guitar quite well in the mix. However, everything sounds muddy and has no real definition... which makes listening not very enjoyable. You have to turn up the volume to compensate, and even when doing that the vocals are hard to hear.

If you like Albert, want to hear some good playing, and can stand sub-par sound then this isn't a bad buy. However, I'm not sure I will be listening to it very often because the muddy sound makes my head hurt after awhile.

This is a great, fun recording. Contrary to what a couple of people have said here, this is quite well recorded. Collin's guitar comes through loud and clear. I've been listening to this CD a lot lately and just can't get enough of it! This CD is an example of a great live recording! Collins' performance is very lively and the sense of space that you get with a live recording is all there. I don't know how this could be improved upon!

It's amazing some of the idiots that bring down a solid release with one star reviews. The sound quality and performances on this disc are fine.
R.I.P. brother.

This is one of my favorite recordings from one of my favorite guitarists. If you want to play in Texas, you have to play music that people can dance to. Cowboys, oil workers, black folks and Mexican Americans all love to dance in Texas and expect to hear dancin' music when they go out to clubs. This influence is heard in most of the works of Mr. Collins, a Texas native, and especially in this CD.

This live CD is excellent. It is well recorded and the band is terrific. Albert's performance is top notch. Sadly, he would pass away shortly after, but you would never know it by this inspired show at Montreaux. It leaves you wanting more!

If youre like me and love live blues albums for the improvisation and juiced up tones, this is definitely what youre looking for. Its got a great song selection and really shows you what Albert is about. A great listen from start to finish, his singing and playing is as sharp as ever. The sound is perfect, the horns arent too far up front, and his guitar is never drowned out. One of my favorites blues and live albums.

Albert Collins "the Master of the Telecaster" comes out in full force on this CD. It is the first CD I have by Mr. Collins and I bought it after hearing I ain't Drunk on KPFT in Houston Texas. Thanks Mr. V! Albert and the Icebreakers basically blow nearly every bluesman out of the water. Not only is the guitar great and the band great, but it is FUNNY! Who says the blues have to be sad. This is especially touching when you realize that this was his last tour before his tragic death and he knew that his time was almost up, but he still lived it up all the way. My only regret is that I won't be able to see him because he is one of the best entertainers I have ever heard. Yes it comes through that clear on disc. Buy this CD, turn up the radio loud, and don't worry about what your friends say about how lame the blues are because they probably listen to Britney Spears anyway.

If you are one of "Shaq's, The King Of The World Blues Reviewer's" loyal fans, you of course know that Albert Collins is one of my six favorite electric blues guitarists! Once again, a great blues performance, is hampered by faulty recording quality. The power and verve, that a true blues fan, knows is Albert Collins, is simply thwarted by the lack of loud, clear, sound. As usual, I was in a blues funk, due to the lack of any new quality electric blues on the market, so in February 2007, I took a chance, knowing the odds about buying an older (? Jeez! 1992 & 1993 ain't that old!) blues CD. What a disappointment! If you at least want some historical data in this review, here it is. The first part of the live recordings, were in 92 at Montreux, Switzerland, before Albert knew he was dying. The 2nd half of these live recordings, were in 93 in Illinois, when Albert knew he was dying, which he did in November of that year. Despite, being on deaths "door steps", Albert still played with enthusiasm, and his unmatched humorous look at life. If you're a blues collector, that might be enough to warrant your purchase. If you want Albert at his best, (I'm not talking about his health, I'm talking about recording quality!) this CD isn't for you!