BB King was born from the wilds of the blues and fed the infants of rock and roll by allowing them to suckle from one of the most prolific force known to music. B.B. King’s signature blues guitar is known to many and revered by guitarists worldwide. For well over 50 years, the spirit of the blues have hovered favourably over this man who would become the living legend he is today.

His output has created an aura of the supernatural with his honed style that still retains the hint of unrestrained rawness; a core of fire and primitive spirituality. It’s this element that characterizes the blues, rock and roll style. It’s B.B. King.

His latest album, “Reflections” not only parts the curtains again but adds a new diamond to his already encrusted crown. What this album gives is a bluesman’s approach to classic standards that, on their own are already timeless works. In addition, the gospel flavours that wraps around these songs create an atmosphere. It’s that atmosphere that permeates the whole of this work and redefines the familiar songs to make of them something new.

“On My Word of Honor” is a gospel tinged rework of his own material that sounds as good today as it did back in the 50s. On the jazzier “I Want a Little Girl”, B.B. King shows off his ability to take on styles and provide a quality tune with his own inimitable vocalizations and guitar licks. From the softness of “I’ll String Along With You”, popularized by Sinatra to the very bluesy Lonnie Johnson’s “Tomorrow Night”, B.B. King reworks every song on this set with a precision that zeroes in and captures the heart of it’s originality.

Using some of the best session men in the business including Doyle Bramhall as a second guitar, whose recent work included a stint with Roger Waters; the bass of Nathan East; the keyboard wizardry of Joe Sample and Tim Carmon; and drums of Abe Laboriel, Jr, B.B. King extracts magic that can only be conjured by a master. A single listen to King’s very haunting version of “Always on my Mind” will keep you in thrall, bringing you back for more; the steel guitar gliding through this piece like a forlorn soul that exemplifies the tenderness of the words. It’s complemented by King’s licks and his ‘plugged in’ touch.

The magic of song is magnified when someone can communicate it effectively. There is a direct line from the soul to the vocal cords that shape the song and filters it as it’s absorbed by the ears of the listener and then translated by the heart. It’s such a rare trait and is exhibited by so few. Fortunately, B.B. King, with his able crew, have succeeded with this work. To hear his moving rendition of “What a Wonderful World” is to experience an epiphany of what this album is. The guitar interlude is beautiful on this song.

The album contains 13 songs of covers that spread from country to jazz, from blues to pop, and from heart to soul which makes Reflections a truly unique experience. B.B. King sings in “Exactly Like You” that “..no one does those loves scenes exactly like you.” Well, Mr King. No one does these songs exactly like you.

Search Tour Database by: Artist City Venue

B. B. King
Reflections

Released: June 10, 2003
Origination Year: 2003
Time: xx:xx
Tracks: 13
Produced by: Simon Climie
Engineered by: Don Murray
Mixed by: Nick Guzauski at Barking Doctor Studios, NY
Style: Studio
Format: CD
Enhancement: SACD
Label: MCA/UME
Website:
www.bbking.com

Exactly Like You
On My Word of Honor
I Want a Little Girl
I'll String Along With You
I Need You So
A Mother's Love
I Love You (For Sentimental Reasons)
Neighborhood Affair
Tomorrow Night
There I've Said It Again
Always On My Mind
Cross My Heart
What a Wonderful World