THE FABULOUS B.B. KING compiles 12 digitally remastered recordings from the years 1951 to 1956, when King recorded for Modern Records.
Digitally remastered by Duncan Cowell (The Digital Editing Suite).
Personnel: B.B. King (vocals, guitar).
The Best of B.B. King, Vol. 1, also on Flair, has 20 tracks from the same era covered by this collection, which only has 12. So you should probably stick with the other Flair compilation, even if it's a bit more expensive. Which doesn't mean that this CD is bad; the 12 songs, all from the early and mid-'50s, include some of his most famous early classics, such as "Three O'Clock Blues," "Everyday I Have the Blues," and "Sweet Little Angel." ~ Richie Unterberger
The Best of B.B. King, Vol. 1, also on Flair, has 20 tracks from the same era covered by this collection, which only has 12. So you should really stick with the other Flair compilation, even if it's a bit more expensive. Which doesn't mean that this CD is bad; the 12 songs, all from the early- and mid-'50s, include some of his most famous early classics, such as "Three O'Clock Blues," "Everyday I Have the Blues, " and "Sweet Little Angel." ~ Richie Unterberger
This collection of early works by blues master B..B. King comes from an era (1951-1956) when he wasn't considered the national treasure he is now recognized to be. The recordings are nearly all mono, and not recorded with great finesse, but it hardly matters because whether he's working in a straight blues style or incorporating elements of doo-wop, R&B or New Orleans, King imbues everything he touches with the magic of his unmistakable vocals and guitar playing. Somehow the lo-fi sound of the record almost enhances the intimacy and authenticity of these recordings.
Included here is the original version of "Sweet Little Angel," one of King's signature songs and one that appears on nearly all of his many greatest hits compilations. On songs like "On My Word of Honor," he tries his hand at '50s-era romantic ballads in the style of vocal groups like the Crests and the Moonglows. But it's mostly the blues, straight from the heart. The pain of loss is made palpable on such aching numbers as "Ten Long Years," while "Whole Lotta Love" and the glorious "You Upset Me Baby" show the up side of B.B.'s blues, and will instantly lead to grinning and head-bobbing among listeners. minimize