Truckin With

Albert Collins | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 19, 1991)
• Original Release Date: 1991
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Fontana Mca
• ASIN: B000002OIG
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #83,161 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

One of the coolest things about the Iceman was his guitar lines; his clean, clear style suggested that it was impossible for him to put a note wrong. Truckin' with Albert Collins, a mostly instrumental collection of recordings from the early '60s (originally released as The Cool Sound of Albert Collins in 1965) is an early example of that icy-smooth playing, unhindered by vocals (the one exception is the slow blues "Dyin' Flu"). Take a gander at the titles, for starters: "Frosty," "Frostbite," "Thaw Out," "Don't Lose Your Cool," "Shiver 'N Shake," and more--one senses a trend, here. Many of these songs became signature Collins tunes, including "Sno-Cone" and the aforementioned "Frostbite." The backing band, which includes alto and tenor sax, trumpet, and organ, and includes elements of R&B, jazz, and rock, provides a warm contrast to Collins's guitar, making his guitar work stand out even more. Small wonder that he came to be known as the Master of the Telecaster. --Genevieve Williams

From Grove Press Guide to Blues on CD

Collins, in his early thirties, was already a guitarist of considerable imagination and finesse when he recorded these dozen songs for a couple of Houston labels in 1962-63. "Frosty," "Sno-Cone," and "Don't Lose Your Cool" belong to the blues-instrumentals hall of fame, with two or three of the others perennially on the ballot. The cool breeze of his unusually pitched tones is a perfect foil to the warm feel of the three horns, organ, bass, and drums. Collins's one vocal, probably his first on tape, seconds the misery of his guitar entreaties in "Dyin' Flu," another classic. -- © Frank John Hadley 1993

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quality at any Age, March 14, 2000

By 

[e-mail] (Western South Dakota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Truckin With (Audio CD)

I went surfing thru Amazon.com and found the heading of 'Blues under $10. Stopped and looked around. There was the name of Albert Collins. I remembered playing some of his music in my days at college radio. And for less than $10.00, how could I go wrong. This has become a must have CD for any blues fan. The switch from analog of the early 60's to the digital CD of now is one of the best. The stye of the music he did almost 40 years ago still holds up. This may not be an album you want to hear everyday, but one to take you back and realize quality is quality whenever the recording was done. I just wish the CD was longer than 33 minutes. But in the world of vinyl...

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant music from Albert Collins, August 9, 2008

By 

6 String Guy - See all my reviews

This review is from: Truckin With (Audio CD)

These tunes are all instrumentals (except Dyin' Flu) and were recorded sometime in the early 60's, I believe. This is fantastic music that is just not made anymore. The songs are all short and there is a good variety on the basic instrumental combo. Every track is loaded with riffing horns, grooving organ and Albert's guitar. Think Grant Green with a sharp edge and a shuffle. If you want more, look for the enhanced version on the Blue City label titled The Cool Sound of Albert Collins. This CD expands upon the 12 tracks here and adds 11 more for a total of 23 tracks and there isn't a bad track in the lot. The sound is also great on these recordings. Either one is highly recommended!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Album, January 4, 2012

By 

Hank Rearden (Georgia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Truckin With (Audio CD)

A classic blues album with from Albert Collins. It could use a remastering job for sure but definitely good to have in your collection. It sounds a lot better on vinyl I might add.