Track Listing

1. Call It Stormy Monday
2. Old Times
3. Pride And Joy
4. Ask Me No Questions
5. Pep Talk
6. Blues At Sunrise
7. Turn It Over
8. Overall Junction
9. Match Box Blues
10. Who Is Stevie?
11. Don't Lie To Me

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #18031 in Music
• Released on: 2006-10-16
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Running time: 63 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Recorded for a television programme of the same name back in 1983, In Session bills itself as the only known recording of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert King, who was Vaughan's idol and mentor, playing together. That leads to some heavy expectations, which fortunately aren't disappointed, at least if you aren't expecting the customary over-the-top performances Vaughan was famous for. His playing here is much more laid-back and controlled, which is actually a recommendation--the stylistic similarities between teacher and student are that much more pronounced. The songs are mostly King concert staples, with the exception of "Pride and Joy"; highlights include the T-Bone Walker classic "Call It Stormy Monday" and one of King's own, "Overall Junction", which features some excellent guitar solo work. The snippets of recorded conversation between songs are interesting curiosities as well. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews

Insightful and Incredible
To begin with this CD is an excellent quality recording of master and apprentice playing some stunning songs. It really gives insight into how SRV took and developed Albert's sound, the King even goes as far to say "That sounds familier", as SRV plays a King inspired lick. The dialogue inbetween tracks is also extremely interesting and it comes across as a handing over ceremony from one blues generation to the next with Albert instructing Stevie to work hard and take the sound somewhere else. A riveting CD, buy now!

Superb blues from two all time great players - a real gem!!!
I bought this CD after reading a lot of review about it. Most were positive, but to my surprise on the US Amazon there were some bad ratings, too.

Well, I put it on, - at it is mind blowing! You have to listen to it - proud and loud!!! - to appreciate what these 2 guys were doing during that session in Canada back in 1983. It is all about 2 great blue players, the old established one (AK) and the upcoming "new blood" (SRV), how they play the blues in a relaxed way, and enjoying themselves thoroughly.

It not only about music: AK is giving his advice to SRV ("Little Stevie" as he used to call him) about life, achievement and work. Yes, SRV is faster and more sophisticated with his guitar play, but he shows enormous respect to AK. As good student who became better than his older teacher, but would never embarrass him with the fact. SRV throughout his - sadly short - career always cited AK as the man mostly influenced him with his guitar playing. And AK is really great, indeed.

I have never heard any blues recording - and I have over 150 blues CD - when two players complimented each other both musically and personally so well. They obviously liked and respected each other so much.

If you like blues, you should have this CD. If you like either AK or SRV, buy it now! You will not be disappointed.

In Session
'In Session' is a unique album in as much as that you get to hear two amazing blues guitarists playing a host of songs with their usual flair, but in a much more laid back and intimate way. You get some example of SRV's exuberant talent, but I'd say he plays with more feeling rather than showmanship on this CD and it is a delight to hear. It is almost the perfect counterpoint to other live albums by him. Albert King plays with his usual distinctive touch and this is almost a blues masterclass on one CD. I love hearing SRV and Albert King banter in between tracks and as they play, you get a real sense of their friendship and mutual respect. Overall this is an excellent CD and comes highly recommended for all blues fans and those SRV devotees who want something a little different.