Riding With The King

Description

Although Eric Clapton and B.B. Kings 30-plus years friendship originated during a chance meeting and subsequent jam session at New York Citys Caf Au Go Go in 1967, the idea for a collaborative album only crystallised during the sessions for Kings 1997 album DEUCES WILD. The resulting record, 2000s RIDING WITH THE KING, is a stellar event thanks to a wealth of rich material and a solid supporting cast including Jimmie Vaughan, Joe Sample and Steve Gadd. B.B. Kings extensive catalogue provides a wellspring of inspiration, including signature songs such as the smoldering Three O Clock Blues, alongside lesser-known numbers like the ribald shuffle Days Of Old, and the LIVE AT THE REGAL chestnut Help The Poor. Elsewhere, King and Clapton look to guitarist Big Bill Broonzy (an acoustic Key to the Highway) and Chicago pianist Maceo Merriweather (the slow-rolling Worried Life Blues) for inspiration. Even the non-blues numbers are delivered with a rich subtlety befitting these guitar icons consummate musicianship. John Hiatts title track becomes a mid-tempo exchange between old friends, while their honeyed vocals on the standard Come Rain or Come Shine are worthy of Ray Charles 1959 version.