A live performance from the late, great blues guitar maestro Freddie King has been unearthed and restored after 50 years, and will be released in its entirety for the very first time in a triple-vinyl special edition for Record Store Day.
Feeling Alright: The Complete 1975 Nancy Jazz Pulsations Concerts (Elemental) promises to be a triumphant document of the Texas Cannonball in full force, holding 50,000 French blues fans in the palm of his hand. This was King in his late-career glory. He would die the following year, aged 42.
The Record Store Day release (18 April) will be followed by CD/digital versions on 24 April. The liner notes are written by the music journalist and historian Cary Baker, with ZZ Top frontman/guitarist Billie Gibbons also contributing alongside King’s daughter, Wanda.
“At this show in Nancy – just a year before his untimely departure – the Texas Cannonball poured it on in a big way,” writes Gibbons.
King would tear off the blues standards – Stormy Monday Blues, Sweet Home Chicago, Got My Mojo Working – and jam Sen Sa Shun, Looking Good, and Boogie Chillun together in a medley. Having already established himself as a regal presence in blues, he was stepping out, embracing other styles.
His 1974 studio album, Burglar, welcomed the likes of Clapton and Bobby Tench to the studio, and saw him tour with Rush in support of the album. His performance at Nancy includes and takes its title from King’s cover of Dave Mason’s Feelin’ Alright. There is a rendition of Don Nix’s Going Down, which King recorded with Leon Russell for 1971 studio album Getting Ready…
FREDDIE KING – Full Concert (Live in France, 1973) – YouTube
Watch On
The restoration was approved by the Freddie King Estate and undertaken with renowned archivist/producer Zev Feldman (the New Yorker calls him “the Indiana Jones of jazz”).
Working from the original ORTF recordings, the album was mixed by sound restoration guru Marc Doutrepont and mastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab.
These recordings capture a moment when he was transcending audiences and influencing players around the world
Zev Feldman
Feldman describes king as a “defining figure in blues and rock guitar”.
“These recordings capture a moment when he was transcending audiences and influencing players around the world,” says Feldman. “It’s also been deeply meaningful to work with his daughter, Wanda King, as we set out not only to release this music, but to celebrate Freddie’s legacy and the impact he made. These performances present him at his very best – and they’re thrilling to hear.”
On that night on 25 October 1975, King was backed by Calep Emphrey on the drums, organist Alvin Hemphill, Mark Pollack on guitar, Lewis Stephens on piano, and Benny Turner on bass guitar.
For more information, head over to Elemental. And keep your eyes peeled with your local record store for the vinyl release. Rough Trade says the vinyl release is limited to just 5,000 units.
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These Performances present Him at His Very Best – and They’re Thrilling to Hear: Blues gold Unearthed as Rare Freddie King Live Performance Surfaces After 50 Years
Rediscovering Freddie King’s Timeless Blues Mastery
In a groundbreaking moment for blues enthusiasts everywhere, a rare live performance of legendary blues guitarist and singer Freddie King has recently surfaced after more than five decades.This invaluable recording presents Freddie King at his peak, offering a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse into his electrifying stage presence and guitar prowess that defined the very essence of blues gold.
Why This Rare Freddie King Live performance Matters
The meaning of this revelation cannot be overstated for fans, historians, and musicians alike. Freddie King,often hailed as one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar” alongside B.B. King and Albert King, captivated audiences with his unique fusion of Texas blues and Chicago blues sounds. The newly unearthed recording captures King’s raw energy and soulful artistry in a way studio albums simply cannot.
- Authentic Blues Experience: the live recording delivers the spontaneous and dynamic atmosphere Freddie King was renowned for.
- Ancient Value: It provides a rare archival insight into Freddy King’s live act during an era when live blues recordings were scarce.
- Technical Showcase: King’s expert guitar work, powerful vocals, and interplay with his band shine brilliantly throughout the set.
- Fan Connection: Offers contemporary listeners a thrilling chance to connect with blues history firsthand.
The setlist and Performance Highlights
The live show features classics alongside some deep cuts, giving the audience both familiar favorites and rare gems. Highlights include breathtaking renditions of “Have You Ever Loved a Woman,”” Hide Away,” and the electrifying “Help Me.” Each track is imbued with Freddie King’s signature fiery licks, emotion-packed vocals, and a sense of urgency that commands attention.
| Track | Duration | Performance notes |
|---|---|---|
| Have You Ever Loved a Woman | 7:05 | Emotional vocal delivery, soulful bends, heartfelt solos |
| Hide Away | 5:48 | Signature instrumental hit, dynamic band interaction |
| Help Me | 6:32 | Intense rhythm, captivating guitar riffs |
| Woman Across the River | 6:15 | Dark, gritty blues storytelling with poignant guitar work |
“These performances present him at his very best” – The Authenticity that Thrills
One of the most remarkable aspects of this newly uncovered recording is how it captures the raw and unfiltered power of Freddie King’s live persona. Unlike polished studio versions, these performances are unpredictable, vibrant, and thrilling – a testament to King’s mastery as not just a studio musician but a thrilling, emotive live performer. Music critics describe it as “a prime example of blues gold unearthed,” demonstrating why Freddie King remains a towering figure in blues guitar history.
“These performances present him at his very best – and they’re thrilling to hear.”
– Music Historian & Blues Critic
How This Discovery Impacts the Blues Community
The archival find is already sparking enthusiasm and renewed interest in Freddie King’s work among both long-time fans and younger musicians discovering blues roots:
- Blues Preservation: Strengthens efforts to preserve authentic blues recordings and live performances.
- Educational Use: Provides material for teaching guitar techniques and blues history.
- Inspiration: Motivates contemporary blues players to return to the emotional depth and technical skills of pioneers like King.
- Collector’s Treasure: An essential addition to any serious blues or vintage music collection.
Behind the Scenes: Unearthing the 50-Year-Old Recording
Music archivists and collectors have been on a relentless quest to uncover lost recordings from blues legends. The origin of this particular live session dates back to the late 1960s, captured at an intimate club setting where Freddie King regularly performed. The tape was discovered in a private collection belonging to a former sound engineer who worked extensively with blues artists of that era.
Steps Involved in Restoring the Recording:
- Careful digitization of fragile analog tape.
- Noise reduction and audio enhancement without losing the live essence.
- Collaboration with blues historians to verify authenticity and context.
- Archival packaging for release with detailed liner notes and photos.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Freddie King Rare live Performance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When was the original performance recorded? | Late 1960s, around 1968, in a small blues club setting. |
| Where can the recording be listened to or purchased? | Released on select digital platforms and limited-edition vinyl collections. |
| How does this live performance compare to studio albums? | It offers a more spontaneous, raw, and emotional experience showcasing Freddie King’s true live energy. |
| What makes Freddie King’s guitar style unique? | His fusion of Texas and Chicago blues, fiery picking technique, and expressive string bends. |
Practical Tips for Guitarists Inspired by Freddie King’s Live Performance
For blues guitar players and learners, this rare recording is a treasure trove of inspiration and technique. Here are some tips to glean from Freddie King’s style:
- Master the Bends and vibrato: King’s emotional vibrato and precise bending create his unmistakable voice on the guitar.
- Practice Call and Response: Notice how Freddie interacts with his band and the crowd, using guitar phrases like a conversation.
- Dynamic Control: Experiment with volume and attack to build tension and release in your solos.
- blend Major and Minor Scales: King’s melodic choices blend soulful major lifts with gritty minor blues notes.
First-hand Experience: What Listeners are Saying
Blues fans worldwide have already expressed their excitement, with many calling this discovery a “new blues bible” that reignites the spirit of live electric blues. Some early listeners mention feeling they have physically stepped back in time to an electric night filled with passion, grit, and dazzling guitar work.
“I’ve listened to Freddie King for years, but hearing him live in this rare session is on a whole new level-these performances present him at his very best.” – Avid Blues Fan
This rare live performance is a must-listen event that continues to enthrall lovers of blues guitar and live music authenticity by delivering “blues gold” that truly stands the test of time.
