Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan
In Session (1999/2003)

Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
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  I remember when In Session with Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan was first released. I could not wait to hear it. It was everything I could have hoped for and more. Now several years later, it is back in all its glory in the SACD format.

Vaughan was fresh off his breaking it big with his debut album Texas Flood and the grand blues master King gave the humble youngster his due by acknowledging his capabilities and prowess on the six-string in this now infamous live in-studio session. Although his peers held King in high regard, he never attained the status of BB King or John Lee Hooker. Many fellow guitarists felt he was the man. What we did not realize at the time of this classic recording was that King would pass away soon thereafter and Stevie Ray would become the king of the blues.

As I do recall, the sound on this recording was exceptional. Now it is out of this world! Every subtle nuance is detectable and the sonics are outstanding and incredibly vibrant. I especially enjoyed the interplay between the two guitarists in between tracks. King readily passes the torch to Vaughan and he shows why he was ready to carry it. They both are on fire on all eleven tracks. Stevie Ray sings his "Pride and Joy" with all the intensity and verve that made him into an international star, and it would be the only song he sang lead vocals on. King handles the vocals the rest of the gig and is in total control throughout, yet he gives his counterpart an opportunity to take the reigns and cut loose while showing him how to grasp the necessary restraint to respect his senior.

This is one of the greatest blues-rock albums ever recorded; I do not think there is anyone that would argue with that. Even if you have the original recording you need to hear this one, it is amazing. I guarantee you will get chills listening to it.

Enjoyment: 100

Sound Quality: 100