Classic Masters (CD - 2002)

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

B.B. King's edition of Classic Masters concentrates on his RPM recordings from the first half of the '50s, adding two cuts from his stint at Kent in the early '60s. At 12 tracks, this isn't particularly extensive, nor is the track selection very imaginative, but it nevertheless is very strong all the same, containing such staples as "Three O'Clock Blues," "You Upset Me Baby," "Every Day I Have the Blues," "Sweet Little Angel" and "Peace of Mind," all in clean remastered sound. While there are some collections from the '90s that present this material in a more comprehensive form, few American collections are as sharp and concise concerning his early material as this, making it a good choice for those on a budget or those looking for a streamlined introduction to King's early years. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

The 12-track CLASSIC MASTERS is a concise overview of B.B. King's early work, collecting his best singles from his 1950s tenure at RPM Records. (The last two songs, "Sweet Sixteen" and "Peace of Mind," date from 1960, shortly before King jumped ship to the larger ABC label.) Although some detractors dismiss King's later, more pop-oriented material, these dozen songs are bedrock electric Memphis blues that rank among the finest blues sides recorded in the '50s. From his early Lowell Fulson-inspired hits ("3 O'Clock Blues," "Every Day I Have the Blues") to sweet ballads ("On My Word of Honor"), King was not only one of the defining electric guitarists of his generation, but also a fine, underrated singer. CLASSIC MASTERS showcases both attributes to the fullest extent. minimize