B.B. King: In France: Live At The 1977 Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival

B.B. King In France captures the blues legend at a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his impeccable musicality and performance style rooted in nuance rather than sheer force. In this live recording produced by Zev Feldman, King offers something akin to jazz standards, channeling timeless emotional narratives through a blues lens that feels as classic as it does fresh. With King on guitar and vocals, the ensemble surrounding him represents a rich tapestry of musical experience with Walter King (B.B.'s nephew) on tenor sax, Cato Walker III on alto sax, Eddie Rowe on trumpet, James Toney on organ, Milton Hopkins on guitar, Joe Turner on bass and Calep Emphrey, Jr. on drums, thus the band manages the ebb and flow through each track with freedom and ease.

The concert opens with two linked jazz war-horses: Thelonious Monk's "Blue Monk" with a segue into Fleecie Moore's jump blues "Caledonia," a number which had been introduced to the public in the 1940s by saxophonist Louis Jordan. As expected, the band brings a jazz-infused richness to the blues foundation, and King's vocal attacks the latter number with gusto. Keeping in mind that a jazz festival encourages an expansive format, the band extends itself on several instrumental showpieces, including "I Need My Baby," "When I'm Wrong," and "Have Faith." King's guitar is at the forefront in these numbers and exhibits total control. The band complements King's playing, with Emphrey Jr. providing an unfaltering rhythmic foundation on the first tune and Toney adding soul to all three numbers.

Not to be overlooked are several numbers that have become closely related to King, namely "Sweet Little Angel," the Brook Benton ballad "It's Just a Matter of Time," and his 1970 hit, the lush ballad, "The Thrill is Gone." In these numbers, his guitar solos are a master class in tone and phrasing, allowing each bend and vibrato to land with emotional precision. In addition, his vocals are reminiscent of the enduring power of restraint and authenticity. Rounding out those stunning performances is the Stevie Wonder piece "To Know You Is To Love You." In this rocker, King is supported with power and conviction by Turner and Emphrey Jr., who know the sonic space he plays as he shapes each note with purpose, fully trusting the moment. This release reminds us why King remains the defining voice of the blues.

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