When Albert King signed with Stax Records in 1966, he was at the height of his fame and productivity. He recorded nine albums that were released during this time period including some classic material such as “Born Under A Bad Sign” or “Cross Cut Saw.” Albert kept his guitar in an E-minor tuning and played it upside down without reversing the strings, which meant when he bent a note, it bent the opposite way than most guitar players would bend it) influenced everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton. The Definitive Albert King on Stax The album’s production is sparse but definitive, as it features Steve Cropper on guitar and Booker T. Jones‘ trademark keys (think: “Green Onions”), Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn on bass alongside Al Jackson Jr.’s drums for one of King’s signature tunes; namely Born Under A Bad Sign – written by them both! This track also showcases some interesting reinterpretations in songs late into Disc One such as Hound Dog or Lucille . Disc two features backing on a number of tracks by members of another Stax house band, the Bar-Kays. Originally the backing band of Otis Redding , most of the group perished along with Redding in a 1967 plane crash. The two surviving members then put a new version of the band together. The five tracks with the Bar-Kays providing rhythm also feature backing vocals by Hot Buttered Soul and horns by The Memphis Horns, both being Stax regulars. These tunes feature funkier, more expansive grooves than the ’60s material. A smoking live track, a King original called “Match Box Blues,” is among the other highlights of disc two. Albert King’s time with Stax was one of the better relationships in blues history, as it produced an impressive catalogue. His singles were universally excellent but found little mainstream success; today they remain very collectable and essential listening for any electric guitar fan!
The Definitive Albert King On Stax
Tracks on Disc 1:
- 1.Don’t Throw Your Love on Me So Strong
- 2.Laundromat Blues
- 3.Oh, Pretty Woman
- 4.Crosscut Saw
- 5.Born Under a Bad Sign
- 6.Cold Feet
- 7.(I Love) Lucy
- 8.Blues Power
- 9.Killing Floor
- 10.The Sky Is Crying
- 11.Drowning on Dry Land
- 12.Tupelo, Pt. 1
- 13.Water
- 14.Wrapped Up in Love Again
- 15.Hound Dog
- 16.Can’t You See What You’re Doing to Me
- 17.Honky Tonk Woman
Tracks on Disc 2:
- 1.Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven
- 2.She Caught the Katy and Left Me a Mule to Ride
- 3.Tell Me What True Love Is
- 4.Angel of Mercy
- 5.I’ll Play the Blues for You, Pt. 1
- 6.Breaking Up Somebody’s Home
- 7.Answer to the Laundromat Blues
- 8.Match Box Blues [Live at Wattstax]
- 9.I Wanna Get Funky
- 10.Playing on Me
- 11.That’s What the Blues Is All About
- 12.Flat Tire
- 13.Crosscut Saw [1974 Remake]
- 14.Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’
- 15.Driving Wheel
- 16.I’m Doing Fine
- 17.Dust My Broom