Deuces Wild

B.B. King

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 4, 1997)
• Original Release Date: November 4, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mca
• ASIN: B000002P86
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #20,141 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
B.B. King, probably the most celebrated living blues player, has come a long way from Itta Bena, Mississippi, and this CD illustrates just how far. A series of guest shots by such artists as Van Morrison, Tracy Chapman, Eric Clapton, Mick Hucknall, Bonnie Raitt, Dr. John, Joe Cocker, Marty Stuart, the Rolling Stones, and Willie Nelson, Deuces Wild is far removed from the blues King played in the '40s and '50s. It's more like psychodrama, especially in the case of the Cocker track, "Dangerous Mood." Nobody here, celebrity notwithstanding, is just going through the motions. The album's crass concept is redeemed by, among others, drummers Steve Jordan, Jim Keltner, and Charlie Watts. Although it's an overblown international project with no affinity for the meaning of the blues, the players and their love for the music triumph. --Stanley Booth

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tried to hate it, ended up loving it., February 20, 2003

By	Don Lawrence (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Okay folks . . . take it from me. Buy this album. But please promise me to buy another couple of albums if you like this one, okay?

I don't care if you've new to the blues, have never before heard a BB King song before, or have never seen BB King in concert. This is perhaps the best introduction to the blues as you'll ever hear. From the Rolling Stones to Heavy D, there's something for everybody.

Typically the phrase "something for everybody" means lukewarm acceptance across a wide range of genres. I tried so hard to hate this album, but I just can't help loving it. Every artist here really sounds like they're pouring their best into the recording.

I defy you to tell me Bonnie's not leaning back and gritting her teeth when she plays slide guitar. Tell me that Heavy D wasn't breaking more than his usual room-temperature sweat when BB kicks the track back to him. My money's on Mick Jagger wishing he had some of Keith's alcohol-sodden blood running in his veins when the first few riffs of BB's guitar hits back harder than Mick expected.

Now that you've listened to it, go buy Blues on the Bayou. Then buy a Susan Tedeschi album. Grab some Little Milton too. Oh, and it wouldn't hurt at all to round it out with some Albert King, Ronnie Earl, and maybe some Johnny Lang or Kenny Wayne Shepherd if you're feeling spunky. But overall, shame on you if you don't have any John Lee Hooker!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's fun to play with B.B., January 31, 2001

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

This cd again proves that it is great fun to play with B.B. King. The man loves his music and brings out the best in people he performs with. On this cd they are all superb musicians on their own . There are some wonderful duos here. The first cut with Van Morrison If You Love Me is the kind of soulful and moving vocal that Morrison can do so well. Hearing Tracy Chapman do The Thrill is Gone is worth the price of the cd. I could listen to it over and over. There isn't a song on here that's a throwaway. I even enjoy Keep It Coming with Heavy D and Rap is definitely not my thing.

This cd would be a good introduction to the blues. We can see how many of these popular musicians have been influenced and moved by the blues.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A royal flush, March 16, 2000

By	George Schaefer (Croydon, PA USA) - See all my reviews

B.B. King got to be the King of the Blues for a good reason. He is a phenomenal blues guitarist and a great vocalist to boot. Then you add an incredible presence and charisma and you get the man who is called King. No slight is intended toward Freddie King or Albert King but B.B. is the true king of the blues. This album is filled with great tracks. Paying the Cost to Be the Boss (featuring the Rolling Stones) is one of the highlights for me. I also like the duet of The Thrill is Gone with Tracy Chapman. Bonnie Raitt who also did a fantastic duet with John Lee Hooker in the late 80s shines on Baby I Love You. I could go on forever about what B.B. King means to me but it would take too long. Just do yourself a favor and buy this CD. This is a great celebration of a true American icon.