Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan: In Session Review

By: Brian D Holland

Click to Buy In Session From Amazon.com

The CD version of Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan – In Session has been out for years; however, it’s nice to finally see as well as hear both of these blues icons together. And for those who have yet to purchase a copy of this session, you can now pick up the CD and the DVD in one package. Videos of Albert King are far and few anyway, which makes it even more significant.

Recorded live in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on December 6th, 1983, it was an amazing era in the careers of both Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert King. A new yet rising sensation, Stevie had just released his powerful Texas Flood album; while Albert, already the renowned blues veteran, had added Crosscut Saw – Albert King in San Francisco to his ever-growing collection. The DVD opens with an awe-inspiring “Born Under A Bad Sign.” Later in the session is “I’m Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town,” both of which aren’t on the CD.

Unrehearsed jam sessions can travel an unpredictable course at times, but respect and common ground easily break ice for good music here. And although King isn’t as familiar with Stevie’s songs as Stevie is with the vintage blues material, he’s alright with the younger player’s assertive manner in his own “Pride and Joy” and “Texas Flood.” The amazing talent of the young bluesrocker catches his eye and brings a smile to his face on numerous occasions within these songs.

While adding only sweet sublteties, the seasoned bluesman essentially sits back and lets the young whippersnapper cut loose. Stevie appears a bit shy sitting alongside his blues idol during conversation, but that shyness doesn’t exist at all when performing. Albert appears a bit taken aback, too, maybe by the fact that the young player he had once known only as “Little Stevie,” the kid who had once joined him onstage during a show in Texas, was now an immense showman.

The interaction between the two is endearing, inspirational, and enjoyable throughout. At one point, being his humble self, Albert says to Stevie, “I wish I could use a pick. You’ve gotta teach me how to use that thing.” Stevie just smiles and says, “I’ll try,” as the song continues on. But in another conversation, the blues mentor praises the apprentice in a supportive manner, saying, “There’s lots of guitar players out there that just play fast. They don’t concentrate on no solos. But you’ve got ’em both.” The personal conversations continue throughout, often like father and son.

Stevie Ray and his greatest influential mentor exchange licks and scorching notes throughout the incredible jam session, often sounding very much alike. But for aficionados of blues guitar, along with the similarities, it’s fascinating to watch and hear the differences in tone and style each brings to the table. Stevie playing his infamous “Number One” and “Red” Fender Strats, with heavy gauged strings tuned down a half step, and Albert with his Gibson Flying V.

The left-handed veteran’s fingers move smoothly about, though the strings are upside-down in the conventional right-hand manner. Stevie was known for using his different model Strats for certain songs. As usual, he chooses “Red” for “Pride And Joy,” and it sounds very much like it was lifted from the Texas Flood album, especially the intro.

All in all, Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan – In Session is truly a worthwhile audio and visual experience, especially for fans of both artists. Though a generation apart, it’s two of the greatest blues performers in history interacting respectably within the music they both love, and utilizing the same tools of trade, voice and guitar. This is what the blues is all about; music solidarity, longevity, and resilience.

******

******

Lineup

Albert King – Guitar and Vocals
Stevie Ray Vaughan – Guitar and Vocals
Gus Thornton – Bass
Tony Llorens – Keyboards
Michael Llorens – Drums

DVD Track Listing

Act I

1. Intro
2. Born Under A Bad Sign
3. Texas Flood
4. Call It Stormy Monday
5. “Old Time” (Conversation)

Act II

6. Matchbox Blues
7. “Pep Talk”
8. Don’t Lie To Me
9. “Who Is Stevie?”
10. Pride And Joy

The Finale

11. I’m Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town
12 Outtro

CD 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. Matchbox Blues
10. “Who Is Stevie?”
11. Don’t Lie To Me