A Tribute to the King

The term 'legend' doesn't do justice to B.B. King. The eight-decade story of how a Mississippi cotton-picker rose to the heights of the blues - changing the genre forever with his soul-drenched voice and 'one-note' touch - is told by his acclaimed studio catalogue and fabled live shows. Now, as the men who walked alongside him every step of the way for over 35 years, The B.B. King Blues Band write the next chapter, on an album that salutes King's classic songs and showcases their own. "It's important, nods executive producer Terry Harvey, "to continue what he started."Boasting several world-class songwriters in their ranks, The Soul Of The King finds the lineup supplying material that stands alongside their late leader's catalogue. There's the addictive brass-bolstered shuffle of Low Down. The slow-burn balladry of She's The One. The spring-heeled funk of Taking Care Of Business, and trumpet legend James 'Boogaloo' Bolden's own Hey There Pretty Woman. Joe Louis Walker gives a soulful hat-tip on Regal Blues - while the King would surely approve of Louisiana gunslinger Kenny Wayne Shepherd's masterful solo on opener Irene Irene. As Harvey says: "This record is a representation of B.B.'s musical styles and influences, to those who never got to hear or see him live." Mission accomplished, with The Soul Of The King making a bracing return to some of King's greatest cuts. There's a heartfelt turn from Michael Lee on The Thrill Is Gone. Mary Griffin and Taj Mahal combine their vocal and guitar talents on Paying The Cost To Be The Boss. Kenny Neal lends poignant vocals and licks to Sweet Little Angel. "Recording with the different artists and the band was an enlightening experience," reflects Harvey. "Everyone came in prepared, but when Mary Griffin came to record, she came in all bubbly - and nailed her vocals in two takes."