There are musicians that have nothing let to prove except the fact that they can still make great records
after all those years. That is the case of Eric Clapton and BB King, who have finally released
a joint studio album, properly entitled "Riding With The King"
Eric Clapton, who is almost sixty years of age himself, co-produced this album with utmost respect
his partnership with the septuagenarian BB King. Both have been longtime friends, and after
a long time of planning, they figured this would be a perfect timing for a joint album.
After all, both of them have consolidated careers and no longer have to ask the record
industry executives what to do.
The record's cover itself is an invitation to pleasure. Eric Clapton at the Cadillac's wheel
next to his Strat, and BB in the back with his inseparable Lucille. What can you expect more?
For the first time, the king of the blues and the god of guitar have made a full studio collaboration.
Those who expect a landmark in blues history will surely be disappointed, for the goal of
the album is not to make a statement, but simply to document two living guitar legends having
a ball in the studio.
The title track, "Riding With the King", shoes where the album is heading to. However, considering
the other tracks, the song is almost dismissable.
The other tracks are a ride through King's stage repertoire plus a few gems. The attentive listener
will quickly distinguish Clapton's "slowhand" sound and BB's economical, conversational riffs.
In my view, the album's best tracks are "Ten Long Years"(one of King's earliest hits, recorded in the fifties),
"Help The Poor", "Three O'Clock Blues", and the ultra-standard "Come Rain Or Come Shine",
which was also recorded by Frank Sinatra in his "Duets"album.
The latter is augmented by a beautiful string arrangement conducted by legendary
R&B producer/arranger Arif Mardin, known for his work with Aretha Franklin and also
for the horn arrangement in Queen's "Staying Power"(one of the few decent tracks on their
"Hot Space" album.
"Riding With The King" is incredibly soothing to hear, and it is not at all bring. Leave your
CD player on the repeat mode and party on!!!
Links
Read last month's review
Purchase the album
Lyric for
BB King's official site
Eric Clapton's official site
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