Albert King was an American blues guitarist and singer, whose playing influenced many others. One of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar" (along with B.B. King and Freddie King), he is perhaps best known for the 1967 single "Born Under a Bad Sign". He was known as "The Velvet Bulldozer" because of his smooth singing and large size. In May 2013, King was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The live set reflects a particularly interesting time in King’s career. It showcases his traditional roots as well as his open-minded interest in contemporary music. Of particular note is his early 1960s Stax classic "Crosscut Saw" which bears a striking similarity to Cream's "Strange Brew".
The studio recordings are songs composed by King and recorded in St Louis, Missouri apart from “Had You Told It Like It Was” which was composed by Gene C. Redd and Sonny Thompson and recorded in Cincinnati, Ohio. The band were Wilbur Thompson – trumpet, Harold White – tenor sax, Freddie Robinette – baritone sax, Lee Otis Wright – bass, and Kenny Birdell Rice on drums.
Live at the Fillmore East Intro By Bill Graham, Knock On Wood (Instrumental), Blues Power, Crosscut Saw, Personal Manager, Instrumental Jam
Early Studio Recordings I Walked All Night Long, I Get Evil, Don’t Throw Your Love On Me So Strong, This Morning, I’ll Do Anything You Say, Ooh-ee Baby, Blues At Sunrise, Let’s Have A Natural Ball, I’ve Made Nights By Myself, What Can I Do To Change Your Mind, Dyna Flow, Got To Be Some Changes made, Goin’ To California, Had You Told It Like It Was (It Woudn’t Be Like It Is)