CD B. B. King* – Easy Listening Blues

Experience the raw, masterful artistry of the Blues legend with B.B. King – Easy Listening Blues. Originally released in 1962, this essential collection captures a unique moment in King’s discography, stripping away the large orchestral arrangements for an intimate, off-the-cuff studio session.

Despite the album's title, this is no collection of background music. Accompanied by the estimable Lloyd Glenn on piano and Maxwell Davis on organ, King delivers a sophisticated blend of blues and jazz-inflected guitar work. It is a masterclass in tone, featuring elegant ninth chords, salty shuffles, and stinging licks that showcase King’s deep musical versatility.

Key Highlights:

• Authentic Blues Craft: A back-to-basics approach featuring a tight rhythm section, free from the heavy horn sections of his other era-specific records.
• Essential Tracks: Enjoy the sophisticated title track, the lively "Shoutin' The Blues," and the rhythmically charged "Low Rider."
• Jazz Versatility: Discover King’s straight-ahead jazz sensibilities on the standout cut, "Rock Jazz."
• Reissue Quality: This 2016 Hallmark Music & Entertainment edition offers a crisp, professional presentation of these historic 1961 sessions.

Whether you are a lifelong collector or a newcomer to the King of the Blues, Easy Listening Blues is an underrated gem that highlights B.B. King at his most focused and spontaneous.