Mr. Blues [Hip-O]

by B.B. King

Overview

With Hip-O Select's North American CD reissue of B.B. King's Mr. Blues (1963) in 2006, this comparatively inferior and overpriced import is rendered inconsequential. The original long-player was the artist's first for ABC-Paramount and centers on a trio of early-'60s sessions -- March 1, 1962 with the Maxwell Davis Orchestra, September 19, 1962 as Belford Hendricks arranges, and April 11, 1963 under the guidance of Teacho Wilshire. Perhaps producer Sid Feller is the common denominator, however there is an immediate stylistic kinship between King's presentation of "Young Dreamers" and that of labelmate Ray Charles circa his groundbreaking Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music (1962) era. Among the most startling similarities are the strong presence of the backing singers -- who, frankly might as well be co-leads along with King -- and the tinge of gospel influence heard in the soulful organ accompaniment. All of which occurs before King even sings or plays his first note. "On My Word of Honor" is the other entry from the same Teacho Wilshire-led recordings and bears a similar full-bodied production. The four Belford Hendricks-directed cuts are more in keeping with the modern electric blues. "By Myself" and "A Mother's Love" are similar in structure as King's mature and expressive vocals are at the heart and soul of both. More heavy-handed are the syrupy stringed setting of "Tomorrow Night" and the Jesse Belvin co-penned "Guess Who." The remainder of Mr. Blues [King] provides a platform for B.B. King's true and natural artistry to surface. The tight punch of Maxwell Davis' horn section on the covers of the "Chains of Love" and "Blues at Midnight," serve to accent King's blues testifyin'. They join the pre-British Invasion sounding rave-ups "My Baby's Comin' Home" and "I'm Gonna Sit in 'Til You Give In" to be marked by some of King's unmistakably buoyant fretwork. ~ Lindsay Planer

Product Details

Release Date:	01/01/1996
Label:	King Blues
UPC:	0012676046725
Rank:	176299

Tracks

1. Young Dreamers
2. By Myself
3. Chains of Love
4. Another Night
5. Blues at Midnight
6. Sneakin' Around
7. On My Word of Honor
8. Tomorrow Night
9. My Baby's Comin' Home
10. Guess Who
11. You Ask Me
12. I'm Gonna Sit in 'Til You Give In

Album Credits

Performance Credits

B.B. King   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guitar
Teacho Wiltshire Orchestra   Ensemble
William Green   Sax (Alto)
Ralph Hamilton   Bass
Jesse Sailes   Drums
Lloyd Glenn   Piano
Maxwell Davis   Conductor,Sax (Tenor)
Floyd Turnham   Sax (Baritone)
Belford Hendricks Orchestra   Ensemble
Jewell Grant   Sax (Alto)

Technical Credits

Cliff Owens   Composer
Belford Hendricks   Arranger
Clyde Otis   Composer
Joe Josea   Composer
JoAnne Belvin   Composer
Ivy Jo Hunter   Composer
Jimmy McCracklin   Composer
B.B. King   Composer
Will Groz   Composer
Gene Miles   Composer
Katherine Harrison   Composer
Jean Miles   Composer
Sam Coslow   Composer
Sam Ling   Composer
Jules Taub   Composer
Jesse Belvin   Composer
Maxwell Davis   Arranger,Composer
Jessie Mae Robinson   Composer
Catherine Harrison   Composer
Ahmet Ertegun   Composer
Ivory Joe Hunter   Composer
Ferdinand Washington   Composer
Jules Bihari   Composer
Ahmet Nugetre   Composer
Will Grosz   Composer
M Davis   Composer
Dave Clark   Composer,Composer
Teacho Wiltshire   Arranger
Fats Washington   Composer
A. Knight   Composer
Archie Brownlee   Composer
Chuck Young   Art Direction