There are both good and bad points to this CD. Of the latter, the Phillip Morris "Super Band" is confined to background work with other than a few spots for Plas Johnson's tenor, no soloists being heard from. As an ensemble, the all-star orchestra performs well, but is essentially anonymous. Also, despite the backing, B.B. King does not attempt to play jazz, a wasted opportunity. But, switching to the good points, Live at the Apollo is an excellent example of a strong B.B. King live performance. Somehow he always makes his combination of blues and familiar hits sound fresh. With a liberal amount of space set aside for his guitar solos, B.B. is in top form throughout the well-paced set, which is far superior to most of his overproduced studio sessions for MCA. Even if the big band is mostly irrelevant, this CD is recommended for B.B. King's singing and playing. (AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow)
3 comments:
My rip & scans : http://www27.zippyshare.com/v/ZyCebQFu/file.html
Having a great time with this, Gus.
Sometimes (most times?), I don't understand what Snott Yanow is going on about or why. There is no need for B.B. to be playing "jazz" or whatever. His gig is to be playing himself, which he does better than anyone. Neither is there need for the band to be anything other than anonymous. Their job is to be backing for B.B. like a pro-band does - providing the finest support they can in a professionally non-intrusive manner, but swinging all the way.
My conclusion is that Yanow don't know, and that this could easily become my favourite B.B. recording.
Thanks, matey.
A much better review and insight From you Lazz ...It echoed in my mind
Cheers old boy...LOL
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