Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan: In Session
Original Release: 1999 Stax Records
Reissue: 2003 Analogue Productions
There are few records that highlight the talent of two legends of the same genre as well as In Session. Albert King (Nelson) and Stevie Ray Vaughan are two of the most talented blues guitarist to have ever graced us with their presence. Albert King is often regarded as one of the greatest and most influential blues guitarists of all time. Stevie Ray Vaughan is often regarded as one of the greatest and most influential guitarists of all time. Together, they create magic. This is exactly what the two do on In Session. Besides the great music, the in between song dialogue is just as engaging.
In Session was recorded in 1983 as a part of a live television performance at CHCH-TV studios in Hamilton, Ontario, when Vaughan was 29 and King was 60. Initially, King was not going to do the show because he allegedly did not know who Stevie Ray Vaughan was. Ironically, Vaughan was who King knew as 'little Stevie', the 'skinny kid' that he let sit in when King played in Texas. Once King realized who Vaughan was, he agreed to session.
Live recordings can be hit or miss, especially those that are done as radio and television broadcasts. However, In Session was designed to be released as an album. Therefore, appropriate gear was used to record the session. The original release on CD excluded many songs, including Born Under a Bad Sign. However, songs left off the CD were later included on the DVD release.
The vinyl version of In Session came with the rebirth of vinyl records. Given the era when this album was recorded, the source is likely a digital transfer. However, Analogue Productions did a wonderful job mastering the album for vinyl. Both artist guitar playing is front and center, as it should be. Vocals are crisp and clean and the feeling one would have being at a live venue is very much present. When compared to the Stax Records release from 2009, the Analogue Productions release has more depth and musical separation, making it the certain choice for those looking to acquire In Session on vinyl. Plus, it has more tracks than the Stax release.
Track List
A1 Call It Stormy Monday
A2 "Old Times"
A3 Pride And Joy
B1 Blues At Sunrise
B2 "Turn It Over"
C1 Overall Junction
C2 Match Box Blues
D1 "Who Is Stevie"
D2 Don't Lie To Me
D3 Ask Me No Questions
D4 "Pep Talk"
Nowhere will you find a better and more enjoyable live release of two blues guitar legends than you will by listening to In Session on vinyl.💰
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