Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: B.B. King (CD - 2003)

Personnel includes: B.B. King (vocals, guitar); Hugh McCrackin, David Spinozza, John Uribe (guitar); Lawrence Burdine (alto saxophone); Bump Mayers, Vernon Slater (tenor saxophone); Floyd Turnham, Jerome Richardson (baritone saxophone); Richard Sanders, Billy Duncan, Bobby Keys (saxophone); Jim Price (trumpet, trombone); Kenny Sands, Carl Adams, Henry Boozier, Hobart Dotson, John Browing (trumpets); Pluma Davis (trombone); Johnny Ace, Lloyd Glenn, Charles Brooks, Doctor Ragavoy (piano); Paul Harris (keyboards); Duke Jethro (organ); Tuff Green, Ralph Hamilton, Leo Lauchie, Gerald "Fingers" Jemmott, Klaus Voorman (bass); Earl Forest, Jesse Sailes, Sonny Freeman, Herbie Lovelle, Jim Keltner (drums); Joshie Armstead, Tasha Thomas, Carl Hall (background vocals).

Producers includes: Sid Feller, Johnny Pate, Lou Zito, Bill Szymczyk, Ed Michael.

Compilation producers: Andy McKaie.

Recorded between 1963 & 1998. Includes liner David McGee, Martin Scorsese.

Issued as part of a series in conjunction with the major television documentary series The Blues, this is a hop-skip-jump 12-song compilation of tracks spanning nearly half a century, from the early '50s to the late '90s. For a man whose prolific career has actually been the subject of more than one box set, it's a rather skimpy overview. Still, the kind of listeners who buy this sort of thing aren't looking for box sets, but for a sampler or introductory portal. What's here is certainly worthy, including his 1950s hits "Three O'Clock Blues" and "Every Day (I Have the Blues)"; a few of his more fully produced, brassy 1960s ABC sides; the 1969 breakthrough pop hit "The Thrill Is Gone"; and just three post-1976 tracks, one of which ("Playin' With My Friends") features Robert Cray as co-lead vocalist and guitarist. "Sweet Sixteen," "Sweet Little Angel," and "Rock Me Baby" are just a few of the substantial hits conspicuous by their absence. There's something to be said for a single-disc King anthology that cross-licenses from throughout his career, but the best compilations focusing on specific eras of his work give a much better idea of his scope and depth. ~ Richie Unterberger minimize