In Session [Live]

Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 24, 1999)
• Original Release Date: August 17, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Stax
• ASIN: B00000JTB2
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (137 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #31,150 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #97 in Music > Rock > Rock Guitarists > Guitar Gods

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Recorded for a television program of the same name back in 1983, In Session bills itself as the only known recording of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert King, who was Vaughan's idol and mentor, playing together. That leads to some heavy expectations, which fortunately aren't disappointed, at least if you aren't expecting the customary over-the-top performances Vaughan was famous for. His playing here is much more laid-back and controlled, which is actually a recommendation--the stylistic similarities between teacher and student are that much more pronounced. The songs are mostly King concert staples, with the exception of "Pride and Joy"; highlights include the T-Bone Walker classic "Call It Stormy Monday" and one of King's own, "Overall Junction," which features some excellent guitar solo work. The snippets of recorded conversation between songs are interesting curiosities as well. --Genevieve Williams

Product Description

Originally recorded for Canadian television. The two blues g uitar legends jam on 'Stormy Monday', 'Don't lie To Me' and 'Pride and Joy'. 1999 release. Standard jewel case.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

109 of 111 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, August 23, 1999

By 

political idiot (california) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: In Session (Audio CD)

Rarely does an album get released where teacher and student aren't too shy to cut loose. I didn't have high expectations for this one but this release is clearly an an exception to the rule. AK and SRV are having a great time and while SRV is in awe of the master bluesman he doesn't take the back seat on this one because around Albert, that WOULD be disrespectful. AK and SRV go at it with great respect for each other and the music. The result is a firey session that is sure to satisfy every fan of these two artists. SRV is clearly the only guitar player to copy AK's licks perfectly and it is a real treat to hear them together. The CD is peppered with dialogue between to two and AK acknowledges SRV as the future of blues as if to pass the torch. But the music is the meat here and it is wonderful. Recording quality is very good and the disc is about 60 minutes in length. If you are an Albert King and/or an SRV fan this one will be on the top of your favorites list for a long time.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not just for sentimental value, May 26, 2000

By 

Jesse - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Session (Audio CD)

This cd really is priceless. When if first came out I took my time getting it, I figured if it was really that good we'd have heard about it before now, and it was only being released to cash in on the SRV legacy. As a long time fan of both musicians I felt like I'd probably heard their best stuff, why waste money on something that would probably be a big disappointment? Yeah, I was an idiot.

After listening to it I realized it may well be one of Stevie's best performances, and Albert's as well. I mean, who's been keeping this thing under their hat all these years? Makes you wonder what else is out there collecting dust on some clueless record exec's closet shelf.

This is unequivocally Albert's show all the way. He does allow Stevie to do one of his own songs (Pride & Joy, Stevie's only vocal performance) but every other number was straight off of Albert's regular set list. This put Stevie in the rare role of backup guitarist, and consequently produces some of his most tasteful playing ever. When he does cut loose, usually at Albert's urging, it's all the more powerful and moving as a result.

Albert, on the other hand, seems determined to prove he can still keep up with the young phenom and accordingly stretches himself further than usual, even playing some rhythm here and there during a few of Stevie's leads. "Blues At Sunrise" is by far my favorite, this 15 minute slow blues jam gives both guitarists ample time to show their best stuff. This is the point on the cd where I could finally sense Albert's respect and awe of his young protégé. Truly a classic recording.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Magic Moment, September 14, 2002

By 

booknblueslady (Woodland, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: In Session (Audio CD)

On December 6, 1983 a small independent television station in Ontario, Canada brought together Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan for a studio performance. In 1999 after both of these kings of the guitar had gone to another plain of existence, this recording was released on cd. This was truly a magic moment and some of these guitarists and bluesmen's dynamism and power has been captured forever on cd. One feels privileged to listen to it.

Albert King was unique in the blues world. A man whose class and style has been greatly emulated. a left-handed guitarist known for playing his flying v upside down, with the bass strings at the bottom rather than switching them to the top as do most guitarist. King was greatly appreciated in both the blues and rock world. He often played at the Filmore West where he rubbed shoulders with such rock note worthies as Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix who he mentions on this cd. He died of a fatal heart attack in 1992.

Stevie Ray Vaughan the young superstar guitarist from Texas who woke the rock world up to the blues yet again was just becoming famous when this cd was first recorded. He had previously met Albert King and sat in with him on a few sessions. During the recording king tells him that he had noticed him and "I thought about it all the way to Illinois and though he's got the makin's of a good fiddler."

Songs featured include a mix of blues standards, Albert King's songs and Stevie Ray's Pride and Joy. It starts of with one of the most unforgettable versions of Stormy Monday that I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. Intermixed with the songs are exchanges between Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan that are truly a delight to hear. Blues At Sunrise is an impressive display of both men's ability with the guitar. Albert King mixes in stories of playing at the Filmore with Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin while performing and chuckles with pleasure over Stevie's playing and exclaims "Oooh Wee!"

Great guitar work, two true guitar kings having a great time together is reason enough to buy this cd, but it really does have some wonderful songs. It is among my favorite in my cd collection. I wouldn't want to be without it.