Product Description

Recorded in December 1983, IN SESSION captures an in-concert jam between Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, the latterof whom had become the hot blues guitarist of the year thanks to his debut Texas Flood, as well as his work on David Bowie's hit Let's Dance. Vaughan may have been the new news atthe time, but King was not suffering either--he had a world-class supporting band and was playing as well as he ever had. In other words, the stage was set for a fiery, exciting concert and that's exactly what they delivered. Vaughan was clearly influenced by King--there are King licks all over hisfirst two recorded efforts, and it was an influence that stayed with him to the end--and he was unafraid to go toe-to-toe with his idol. King must have been impressed, since IN SESSION never devolves into a mere cutting contest. Instead, each musician spurs the other to greater heights.

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: #3132 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

"A title for your review"
Word has it that Albert "King" Nelson didn't know the man with whom his manager had arranged for him to play on the night of December 6, 1983.
29-year-old Stevie Ray Vaughan had released the succesful (and superb) "Texas Flood" earlier that year, but the name Vaughan didn't mean anything to Albert King.
He did recognize Stevie Ray however, knowing him as "Little Stevie", a kid from Texas who had attended numerous of his concerts, occationally even sitting in with him when he (King) passed through Austin.

At first, Stevie Ray Vaughan seems a little bit in awe of the legendary 60-year-old bluesman, not wanting to interfere with his playing (it is almost two minutes into "Stormy Monday" before Vaughan's guitar can be heard for the first time). But once he gets going, the concert evolves into one of the one of the best jam sessions you'll ever hear.

Backed by Albert King's world-class touring band, the two guitarists lay down tight, muscular versions of some of King's best songs, as well as a blistering six-minute rendition of Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Pride And Joy", and a rollicking cover of Tampa Red's "Don't Lie To Me". There is more great guitar playing here than most artists record in a liftetime, but the jamming never gets out of hand or trail off into meaningless shredding. "In Session" never evolves (devolves?) into a mere cutting contest. Instead the two musicians complement each other beautifully, somehow managing not to tread on each other's toes when soloing.

Bits of dialogue between King and Stevie Ray Vaughan has been preserved on this release, and the sound is excellent, crisp and clear. For fans of either guitarist, this album is more than just worth a listen, it is a record that sounds as fresh and exciting on each subsequent listen as does the first time through.

Wonderful
The quality of performance and the fidelity of the recording combine to make this a truly wonderful CD. The combination of these two masters of Blues Guitar is magical. Vaughan seems to be somewhat overawed by the master's presence and gives, for Stevie, a subdued performance, a performance which is all the better for Stevie taking a back seat (for the only time in his career!).

Stevies playing though is as good on this CD as you'll hear anywhere, and King puts in his finest performance too.

King leads the vocals throughout - apart from Pride and Joy.

A oone-off recording of Blues at at best. By far. This is the most played CD I have. I cannot recommend it highly enough. You will not be disappointed

Excellent Reminder of How Great These Legends Were
Some guitairsts come and go but the truly great ones stay around for ever. It is only when I have listened to this album that it makes you believe what alot of people say - Without Albert King the Careers of Hendrix,Page,Clapton, and SRV could have been very different.

SRV might be playing faster and more fluid but there is no doubt of who his insperation was. Track one Stormy Monday - the blues classic sets the scene for what quality is to come, and Track 3 the BB King Cover is a truly magnificent song and sounds refreshing nearly 17 years on. This Album is an absolute must for any Albert King or SRV fan.