Track Listing

1. Iceman
2. Lights Are On But Nobody's Home
3. If You Love Me (Like You Say)
4. Put The Shoe On The Other Foot
5. Frosty
6. Travellin' South
7. Talkin' Woman
8. My Woman Has A Black Cat Bone
9. I Ain't Drunk
10. T Bone Shuffle

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #118779 in Music
• Released on: 1995-09-12
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Amazon.co.uk Review
These were the last recordings made by Texan guitarist Albert Collins before succumbing to cancer on 24th November 1993. In the years just prior to his passing, he'd undergone something of a renewal, signing to the (at that time) ascendant Pointblank Virgin subsidiary and touring the UK with increasing regularity, then at the peak of his live powers. Albert's final dates are documented here, melting out in style. This last edition of his Icebreakers barnstormed across Europe, revisiting the Collins signature tunes of "Iceman" and "Frosty", as well as looking up old friends like T-Bone Walker's "T-Bone Shuffle", Lowell Fulson's "Talkin' Woman" and Little Johnny Taylor's "If You Love Me (Like You Say)". The trumpet/saxophone horn duo act like they're multiplied three times, with several vein-bursting tenor solos contributed by Jon Smith. Collins himself virtually patented his direct, one-note cries, and is equally at home on a stretched-out coaster like "Lights Are On But Nobody's Home", heightened emotion sparking from his tiny guitar flares over its sparse, 10-minute course. --Martin Longley

Customer Reviews

Fine latter-day Collins
These performances were recorded shortly before Collins' death in late 1993, but rather than sounding tired, they offer proof that the "Master of the Telecaster" remained a commanding stage presence until the end.

Albert Collins' highly original, percussive guitar playing is still sharp, and his vocals are strong and soulful. He is backed by an excellent band which includes two sax players and a trumpet, and they offer solid backing and the occational soul-revue riff without overwhelming the 60-year old guitarist.

Collins and his band swing on the superb "If You Love Me Like You Say" and the funky "Iceman", and they groove on the eight-minute blues workout "Put The Shoe On The Other Foot".

Other highlights include the rocking "Travelin' South" and the sweaty soul of "Talkin' Woman". And listen to Collins' solo on "Iceman", and his take on T-Bone Walker's classic "T-Bone Shuffle".

This is a strong collection of some of Collins' best and most accessible latter-day material. It is a great place to start if you're new to the music of Albert Collins, and a must-have if you're a fan.
Definitely recommended.

Truly truly great
I avoided this album for years and now I regret it. We saw Collins in Birmingham (UK) in 1991 and the support, CJ Chenier, simply blew him away (catch him if you can). So, many years on I finally bought this out of curiosity - and can't stop playing it. The slow numbers burn. And I mean burn. Just try to sit still to the faster stuff!
When he was good he was out of this world, and we all have off nights I suppose, shame it was the one time I saw him!

Listen and Learn
There are more than enough technically brilliant guitarists with little to say, shredders who equate quality with the number of notes they can play in a minute. Albert Collins had something to say and could say it with a sparcity and tone to send shivers down your spine. The live albums are all worth hearing but despite the constant reminder that this was almost the end this is still my favourite. Some of the best of his material played with power and warmth. Seriously recommended to anyone with a taste for blues or great guitar, should be essential listening for any player.