B.B. King Asks One Kind Favor
I’ll be going Jellyfish-ing again today. I can feel it. It’s Friday and Jellyfish, my new BFF, are clearly Friday music. I’m going Jellyfishing again today, just as soon as I finish obsessing over B.B. King’s “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean.”
“Grave” is the first song on King’s new album One Kind Favor. The line “one kind favor” actually comes from that song. I’ve been working on a review of the disc for a few days and it just went live this morning.
There’s this swinging, syncopated groove to King’s version of this Blind Lemon Jefferson classic that just won’t let go. Veteran drummer Jim Keltner creates this great swinging shuffle and everyone elese just falls right in. Dr. John’s piano, the rhythm guitar, and organ are minimal but effective.
As for the King… this isn’t the best lead guitar he lays down on this album, but it’s quite good. On “Grave,” his voice is his key weapon. At 83, King is still in command. He is able to summon the power when he wants to go big and back it down to a humble, plaintive, conversational tone. Some people wonder why I’m not listening to “the kids.” Who needs the fuckin’ kids? The grownups have not yet left their seat at the table. Otis Rush reigns before and after, Muddy Waters sits at the right hand. B.B. King is the arch angel.
One Kind Favor is making my Top 10 of 2008. I try so hard not to call my shots, but I’m calling this. Do Mr. King One Kind Favor and one for yourself: get this record.
Filed under: Tags: Bloggin' the Blues
It Ain’t Snowing In Memphis
Looking out the window.
Feeling cold inside.
It ain’t snowing in Memphis.
Chilling to the bone.
Baby by my side.
It ain’t snowing in Memphis.
How I wish I were in Memphis.
Walking down Beale St.
Sipping on a Coke.
Hearing BB sing the Blues.
Cause it ain’t snowing in Memphis
Cause it ain’t snowing in Memphis.