Customer Reviews

In Session

5 star:		(116)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This wonderfully recorded CD sheds light on the warm relationship SRV had with Albert King. This kinship comes across throughout the entire recording. SRV plays great guitar and takes many powerful and colorful solos. Here, we find a little known aspect of Albert King's guitar playing. He was also a fantastic rhythm player when he backs up Stevie! We should be grateful that this session has surfaced because it's as if the blues master passes the torch to the student. If you are a fan of Stevie Ray Vaughan or Albert King then this CD should be in your collection because it cooks from start to finish.

This is an entertaining cd for any true blue blues fan. Two masters of blues. Old with the new, not vs. This was my introduction to Albert King and his wild guitar riffs and smooth blues voice which makes me think about Eric Clapton. Just hearing the two talk during several pauses between songs is enough to make this album a must including the same song that Albert did with Hendrix and Joplin, guess who got to do Jimi's part? Stevie Ray, who maybe the only electric blues rocker to set foot in the highest levels of the Hendrixian territory that even the greatest living guitarists work for like Clapton, Santana, and the newest prodigies Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mato Nanjii and the likes. There is truly a huge connection to Jimi Hendrix and the travels of the blues. Jimi's idol and his far away student playing together. This cd has a lot of magic and a great deal of liner notes that will make you laugh. Worth every penny and a set of songs that you can listen to endless times without tiring of them. Not to mention the cd is over an hour long, so it's not cut short in the least, it's a whole concert. Almost like VH1 storytellers. Also this has great sound quality for a live performance.

I just got this cd and think it is outstanding! I just wish there were more albums by these two out there. I have everything available on SRV and none of it tops this CD. It is easy to see why SRV chose Albert King as his mentor. King is truly a master of the blues guitar. The world suffered a tremendous loss when these two musicians died. There will never be anyone like them again. If you like rockin blues, you need this for your collection!

Imagine for a moment two of the most amazing and influential artists to the electric blues together in the same room. An idol and a protege chair to chair, face to face, and neck and neck in guitar prowess. For many years, Stevie Ray Vaughan claimed Albert King to be his idol, and one of his influences. To sit next to him and jam out was his dream, and with "In Session" in became a reality. If you are a Stevie fan... this is a must. If you are an Albert King fan... this is a must. If you like music at all... this is an absolute must. From greats like "They Call me Stormy Monday" to "Matchbox Blues" and even on to "Pride and Joy", this CD will never let your foot stop tapping. Albert plays, and Stevie adds his own solo licks. Then they swap tables. And to top it all off you hear wonderful conversation between the duo... their playing... their lives... and even discover their first meeting. This is a must have. Dont think... BUY!

I,ve been looking for SRV and Albert material together ever since the overcrowded taping of the tribute to Paul Butterfield was aired in the mid '80's. Just listening to the snippets here on amazon made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Truly an answere to every blues fans dream.

This work represents all that the people of the world must do.To comunicate with each other! And what SRV,and Albert King done is really that! And what comunication! Perfectly in all the ways,this moments are rare,full of intensity feelings.....Really a gift to all of bluesfans! If you want to begin to listen blues music,this record "in session" is a great step!It reveals the linkage between traditional electric Chicago blues of Albert,and the modern spicy player of the new blueblood SRV! I really agreed about the information that Albert was always at B.B. shadow.I love B.B.'s music but definitely Albert's music and his way to play are most sensual,intense.....really a joyfull music!

In a day and age where musicians are measured by their media persona or how anti-establishment or offensive they are, it comes with great relief that we can still rely on true talent to shine through. Buy this album, sit back with a large whiskey and allow yourself to be taken to a higher musical plain. SRV allows all his influences space to wander his fretboard- Hendrix, Albert Collins, Lonnie Mack, and it does make a welcome change to hear another vocalist complement Stevie's playing, and with the added bonus of that vocalist being Albert King, you know there will be some great licks thrown in for good measure. A must-buy for anyone wanting to learn blues guitar.