I've always loved Albert King's meaty blues playing and have looked high and low for a decent DVD from him. The only one I have been able to find is "Albert King: Live In Sweden" from Experience Hendrix and Reelin' In The Years Productions.
The disc features a filmed club set and extended television interview with Albert from 1980. The production is pretty good with lots of good shots of the blues legends huge hands as he wrings some pretty amazing sounds from his trade mark Flying V. The set includes:
Born Under A Bad Sign
The Sky Is Crying
The Very Thought Of You
Cadillac Assembly Line
Summertime
Cold Women With Warm Hearts
As The Years Go Passing By
I've read that many people thought this was an off night for Albert, as he seems to grimace and chastize the band often, but that's Albert. He was never satisfied and always strove for the very best from his muscians (just like another musical giant - James Brown). His playing is hot and I was surprised at his smooth silky singing, especially on the standard "The Very Thought Of You", a real crooner there! The only song that had me reaching for the fast-forward is when he lets the band do a long muzak version of the old "Summertime" tune and whoa, pure elevator music blando dominates. King's playing more than makes up for this quick filler tune.
The extended interview with him is good fun, although it's spliced right into the beginning of the set, which is kind of jarring, but listening to Albert describe his early years and travels is a joy, so hey...
You can grab a few copies of this DVD from Amazon or Muscians Friend by typing it in my search box, so if you love the blues and Albert King, have at it!
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