B.B. King ‎– Live In Kansas City

B.B. King – Live In Kansas City

Recorded in Kansas City in 1972, Live In Kansas City captures B.B. King during one of the most important periods of his career, shortly after "The Thrill Is Gone" had transformed him from an established blues star into an international crossover success. The performance was recorded at the Cowtown Ballroom and was subsequently released in 1994, giving listeners the opportunity to hear King and his band delivering a powerful live set from the early 1970s.

The concert opens with an extended "Introduction" before moving into "The Thrill Is Gone", King's signature recording and one of the defining blues hits of the era. His original studio version had been recorded in 1969 and became a major R&B and pop success in 1970, winning King a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Here, the song takes on a different character in the live setting, with King's expressive guitar phrasing and instantly recognisable vibrato at the centre.

"Sweet Little Angel" and "Nobody Loves Me But My Mother" bring the performance back towards King's deep blues roots, while "Guess Who" and the instrumental "King's Shuffle" demonstrate the relaxed, swinging side of his live work. King's guitar is supported by a seasoned band featuring Milton Hopkins, Ron Levy, Wilbert Freeman and Sonny Freeman, alongside a horn section including Bobby Forte, Louis Hubert, Kenny Walker, Edward Rowe and Joseph Burton.

The extended "Outside Help" is another highlight, giving King plenty of space to develop his trademark call-and-response approach and expressive single-note guitar style. "I've Got A Mind To Give Up Living" follows with a slower, more reflective blues feel before the set closes with the lengthy "Ain't Nobody Home", ending the performance on a strong note.

For collectors of B.B. King, vintage electric blues and classic live recordings, Live In Kansas City offers an excellent snapshot of the artist in concert during the early 1970s. The combination of "The Thrill Is Gone", "Sweet Little Angel", "Guess Who", "Outside Help" and "Ain't Nobody Home" makes this a particularly appealing release for fans of classic blues, soul-blues and B.B. King's distinctive live sound.

Tracklist

1. Introduction – 3:27
2. The Thrill Is Gone – 5:03
3. Sweet Little Angel – 5:11
4. Nobody Loves Me But My Mother – 4:50
5. Guess Who – 3:48
6. King's Shuffle – 3:12
7. Outside Help – 7:35
8. I've Got A Mind To Give Up Living – 5:29
9. Ain't Nobody Home – 7:23