kparsons13's Full Review: Reflections by B.B. King
~Introduction~
I can recall the first time my father introduced me to B.B. King through his CD collection. It was a Sunday morning when my father loves to have a coffee, read the paper, and listen to great music. It was one of the older B.B. King albums since then he has done so much more. However B.B. King music wrapped around my ears was singing to my soul and heart. B.B. King had me enthralled on that Sunday morning back when I was just ten years old.
Now I am an adult now in my late twenties and I still find B.B. King fascinating with his music. When I saw that there were a few of CDs available at the library nearby I picked them up immediately.
~A little bit of History of the Great B.B. King~
Riley B. King was born on 9-16-25 in Indianola, Mississippi. As a son of a share cropper, King had to spend his time as a young man working at a plantation. When he grew older he went to Memphis and was able to score some time on a radio station as a host of the “Sepia Swing Show.” It was here that Riley B. King became “B.B. King.” In 1949 B.B. King was signed with Bullet Records and then to Modern Records for 10 years. For 15 weeks straight B.B. King was recognized as #1 on Billboard R & B with “Three O’Clock Blues.” In 1960 B.B. King moved to ABC Records where Ray Charles was having a lot of success off of that same label. As an electric guitarist, B.B. Kin even personalized his Gibson as “Lucille.” It was black, gold plated, pearl laid in Gibson 335 model and he held her close to his heart. B.B. King has made more albums than my own years on this earth and brought forward the legendary “Blues” Sound into the “Mainstream of Music.” Since then he was worked with Louis Armstrong, Bono from U2, Ringo Starr, and Steve Winwood to name a few.
~The Music of B.B. King~
King is a legend that has opened up the door to Blues Music. I can’t imagine Blues without his influence. The way that his “Lucille” plays out each and every note amazes me. The voice of King is soulful and beautiful. He really knows how to touch your heart with some of his music and for others he just a great listen. The “Reflections” CD offers some of the best music I have heard from King. He sings with such passion and paints you a picture of each song. The words that King sings with such confidence and emotion that is incredible. Yes, I must admit, King knows how to steal my heart away.
~Highlights of Reflections~
“Exactly Like You” starts off this great album. King’s voice is full and powerful over the music and as he plays along with Lucille. It has a nice drum beat in the background that makes the piece open and fun. A little solo from King that keeps your attention for a little while. It is a love song about King falling in love with someone. The horns that are playing bring this music alive and beautiful. I found myself tapping here there with my foot.
“On My Word of Honor” immediately has the making of a great blues number. King’s voice is rugged and rough yet still touches your heart. It is another love song about being honorable to her. He has those deep vocals and uses his voice like another instrument as he plays along with Lucille. It is one of my favorite pieces on this CD. King just keeps belting out each lyric with conviction and love.
“Always on My Mind” is a song that most people know from other artists that have sang it previously. No one has done such a rendition of it as well as the King. He has the lyrics beautifully coming out of his mouth and rolling off the tip of his tongue. A lover he is to this Blues interpretation and fascinates me and my fiancé. He made this song his own with blues.
“What a Wonderful World” has been another song that other greats have sang, but never in a Blues Twang. The drum beats in the back with the guitar making the melody true to form. King shows off his spectacular voice and has this classic taking a new turn in blues. I was really surprised that he made this classic to a blues status and the guitar has you mesmerized and wanting more.
“I Love You for Sentimental Reasons” is a great remake of this song. He captures the melody and beats with the guitar as well as the drums in the back. The soul in his voice is remarkable. There isn’t anything that King can’t do when it comes to his musical talent. It isn’t just a simple tune here and there, but an incredible interpretation made by King.
~Overall Impressions and Recommendations~
“Reflections” is a classic to take home and listen to. King really brings everything he has to this recording. It is mind-blowing that King has been around touring for years and used to do 300 performances in a year. When he turned 70, he cut it to 200 performances. King is truly a classic himself with his guitar, Lucille. He can play sweet melodies and sing out the tunes from his soul. There isn’t a Blues Performer out there that is as talented as B.B. King. He is sensational. And like I said, be careful or he may steal your heart away as well.
~Tracks~
1. Exactly Like You (*****)
2. On My Word of Honor (*****)
3. I want a Little Girl (*****)
4. I'll String Along with You (*****)
5. I need you (*****)
6. A Mother's Love (*****)
7. I love you for sentimental Reasons (*****)
8. Neighborhood Affair (*****)
9. Tomorrow Night (*****)
10. There I've Said It Again (*****)
11. Always on My Mind (*****)
12. Cross My Heart (*****)
13. What a Wonderful World (*****)
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