Spotlight on Lucille (CD - 1991)

From the contemporary-looking cover, this would appear to be recently recorded material. But wait -- these are all 1950s/early-'60s instrumentals from the Modern/Kent vaults, spotlighting B.B. King's pristine lead guitar in an often jazzier mode than he usually adopted in the studio. His workout on Louis Jordan's "Just like a Woman" is a tour de force that's been reissued often, but much of the compilation is rare stuff that gives Lucille her full due. ~ Bill Dahl

On SPOTLIGHT ON LUCILLE, B.B. King closes his mouth and lets his significant other speak for him. Featuring a dozen instrumentals recorded in 1961 and '62, this set finds a still-young King further developing his sound into the instantly recognizable trademark it would soon become. Listening to these tunes, you can hear him drawing from such diverse influences as Robert Johnson, Django Rheinhardt and Charlie Christian. But you can also hear the elements that were already influencing the next generation in Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck.

Backed by a swingin' rhythm section and potent horns, King and Lucille explore the territory where the blues becomes rock & roll. From the medium shuffle of "Blues With B.B." and "King Of Guitar" to the up-tempo "Jump With B.B" to the Basie-esque "Powerhouse," these tunes offer a glimpse of a legend in the making, performing in a unique situation. And through it all, Lucille speaks her mind with the openness and surety of someone who knows exactly what her partner is thinking even before he does. minimize