The Blues Don't Change (CD - 1992)

Personnel: Albert King (vocals, guitar); Michael Toles, Vernon Burch, Bobby Manuel (guitar); Lester Snell, Marvell Thomas, Winston Stewart (keyboards); Donald "Duck" Dunn (bass); Earl Thomas, Al Jackson, Jr. (drums), Willie Hall, William C. Brown III, Henry Bush, Hot Butter & Soul (background vocals); The Memphis Horns.

Recorded in March 1973 & April 1974.

Personnel: Albert King (vocals, guitar); Vernon Burch, Michael Toles, Bobby Manuel (guitar); The Memphis Horns (horns); Lester Snell, Marvell Thomas, Winston Stewart (keyboards); Al Jackson, Jr., Willie Hall (drums); Hot Buttered Soul Unlimited, Henry Bush, William Brown (background vocals).

Audio Remasterer: Phil DeLancie.

Recording information: Stax Recording Studio, Memphis, TN (03/06/1973-07/??/1974); Stax Studios, Memphis (03/06/1973-07/??/1974).

Photographer: Jim Marshall .

Unknown Contributor Roles: Donald "Duck" Dunn; Earl Thomas ; Henry Bush; Vernon Burch; Al Jackson, Jr.; Lester Snell; Marvell Thomas; Michael Toles; The Memphis Horns; William Brown ; Willie Hall; Winston Stewart; Bobby Manuel.

Previously titled The Pinch when it was issued on LP in 1977, this material was actually recorded in 1973 and 1974. These are some of King's most soul-oriented sessions, with contributions from the Memphis Horns and a couple of the MG's. Blues-oriented fans may find this one of his lesser efforts, putting less emphasis on King's guitar work than usual, and more on the vocals and arrangements. This approach has its merits, though, as it's one of the more relaxed items in the King catalog, with none of the occasional excess that creeped into his blues guitar solos. ~ Richie Unterberger minimize