B.B. King and Lucille strike again, backed by Dr. John who charms the piano, Jim Keltner keeping time on drums and ex-Clapton bassist Nathan East.
“”One Kind Favor”” is King’s new record, and it will be adored by blues and King fans alike. Throwbacks are revamped by the one and only, and will sink you into a hip swaying state. My favorite, “”Midnight Blues,”” is a swank, sassy tune highlighted by Ira Nepus’ trombone playing. The album ranges from Big Bill Broonzy’s tribute to New Orleans, “”Backwater Blues,”” to Blind Lemon Jefferson’s Caribbean rhythm, “”See That My Grave Is Kept Clean.””
Album producer T-Bone Burnett gives a fullness to the quartet that makes you feel you are staring over King’s shoulder – an accomplishment appreciable by anybody, audiophile or not. Burnett doesn’t use filler or fluff in this album. Each song is a gem in its own right and only glows brighter with King’s flawless guitar phrasing.
The album is a masterpiece. The blues and King deeply understand each other – they’ve developed a relationship that has aged like a fine wine. My only complaint with Geffen Records’ flawless release is that I fear this is King’s swan song.