The Blues Bloggers

In December 1967, B.B. King entered the studio with noted jazz producer Bob Thiele to record what eventually became LUCILLE. Named after King's guitar, this record finds B.B. adding some fresh ingredients to his already potent stew of traditional blues. With its biting brass and female back-up singers, "You Move Me So" is a funky, spiritual workout, whereas "I Need Your Love" finds King combining Sam Cooke-flavored vocalizing with a dash of rambling country-flavored piano.

As for the blues, Riley B. King has 'em and isn't afraid to share. He digs deep and bathes Ivory Joe Hunter's "No Money No Luck" in heavy pathos. The title track is the most impressive and spontaneous number on this record despite its near-ten-minute length. Done in a talking blues style, "Lucille" started out with King telling the story of his guitar while noodling around on her during a break. Correctly sensing that blues gold was being freshly served up, an excited Thiele had the engineer flip on the record button, preserving a conversation between a man and his guitar for posterity.

Includes original release liner notes by Sheldon Harris.

Recorded in December 1967.

Personnel: B.B. King (vocals, guitar); Irving Ashby (guitar); Bob McNeely, Cecil McNeely (saxophone); Bobby Forte (tenor saxophone); Melvin Moore (trumpet); John Ewing (trombone); Lloyd Glenn (piano); Maxwell Davis, Maxwell Street Jimmy Davis (organ); Jesse Sailes (drums).

Liner Note Authors: Alan Balfour; Sheldon Harris.

Recording information: 12/18/1967-12/20/1967.

Photographers: Pauline Rivelli; Charles Stewart.

Personnel: B.B. King (vocals, guitar); Maxwell Davis (leader, organ); Irving Ashby (guitar); Bobby Forte (tenor saxophone); Cecil McNeely, Bob McNeely (saxophone); Mel Moore (trumpet); John Ewing (trombone); Lloyd Glenn (piano); David Allen (bass); Jesse Sailes (drums).

All tracks by B. B. King, except where noted.

   1. "Lucille" -- 10:16
   2. "You Move Me So" -- 2:03
   3. "Country Girl" -- 4:25
   4. "Mo Money, No Luck Blues" (Ivory Joe Hunter) -- 3:49
   5. "I Need Your Love" (Walter Spriggs) -- 2:22
   6. "Rainin' All the Time" -- 2:56
   7. "I'm with You" -- 2:31
   8. "Stop Putting the Hurt on Me" -- 3:04
   9. "Watch Yourself" (Sidney Barnes, Louis Gross, George Kerr) -- 5:47

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