Live At The Regal

If this is the blues, then why is the album cover red, huh??

From the 1970s, blues has become a dirty word. A dull genre that rewards dry technical efficiency and growling to signify passion. I automatically think I don't like blues as a result. This album shows what it can be. The energy, looseness from brilliant musicians (they could be tighter, they choose not to be) and the sheer energy of it is infectious and wonderful. You could draw a line from this album through James Brown, Hendrix, George Clinton, Prince, Outkast to Kendrick Lamar and it all makes sense. Are there occasionally overlong noodly guitar breaks? Of course there are, it's a live blues album. Do the nature of the restrictions of the genre sometimes make the songs sound a bit samey? Of course they do, it's a blues album! But there is a lot to say for a simple thing done well - sometimes a Victoria sponge is the treat you wanted. A great album - when the horns are allowed to fly free and the energy is high it's perfect, even if it does get a little samey at points. The high energy opener, Every Day I Have the Blues, and the Slinky, building closer, Help the Poor are highlights.

One where I think crowd noise really helps. Not that this album isn't fantastic, but the crowd is hyped up to see BB and it really makes the record that much more fun. BB was a phenomenal showman, and this album showcases it very well. Favorite tracks: "How Blue Can You Get?", "You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now"

I wonder if the people screaming in the crowd knew they were witnessing something special. I hope they had a sense of occasion and weren't so drunk they remember little. This is legendary, BB King cannot be faulted because he set the standard himself. His voice gives me chills. Nothing here is perfect and that in itself is just perfect. It's gritty, raw, honest, covered in smoke and whiskey, and just wonderful.

B.B. King is THE king for a reason. He's just a phenomenal performer. This live album is a great demonstration of his power, skill, and sheer magnetism. There are so many great, utterly classic blues tracks here that it's hard to find much to fault. The biggest issue is that there isn't MORE B.B. King on this list.

I'll give this 3 stars just because it's B.B. King, but I don't have the willpower to go through a full live blues album. Not at this stage of my life.

Great voice, great backing band. Every song sounded exactly the same. I had to check to make sure it wasn’t accidentally playing the same song on repeat. Also would have rather just listened to a studio version without the crowd interrupting between every line and clapping over the songs. Kind of just annoyed me for the entirety. 4/10

best live album of all time

Nobody since and to this day (besides Jimi Hendrix) has ever made their guitar cry in the way that the king of blues did all those years ago. A stellar live album, jam packed with hits and no misses, classic

I liked it but there wasnt a lot I would come back for.

it's a cloudy afternoon, mid-july. about this time you listen to your daily album of culture. (it is a prerequisite of death.) what's today's album? "live at the regal" by b.b. king. it's got a rating of 3.7 and it's a blues album. if anything can show you the full potential of the blues, surely this will be it... you start the album. they introduce the King of the blues himself. a song plays. it sounds like a typical blues song, but a bit upbeat. pleasant enough. it passes, and your majesty announces the next song, a "real oldie." it starts playing. it sounds familiar... it's like the last song but slow... a real oldie indeed. all the way from a couple minutes ago. another song plays. the Blue King proclaims, "it's my own fault, baby!" and the crowd absolutely ROARS at this. you listen. wait a second. something's strange... this sounds familiar... that's it! it's the same song you just listened to, but with different words! you can't fool me mr king. time for the next song. "while we're reminiscing here" mr King (of the blues) says. yes, reminiscing over the last three songs a.k.a. the last one song. "i'd like you to pay attention to the lyrics, not so much my singin or the band" im sure you would mr King (of the blues). but you cant pull the wool over my eyes. and so the song plays... again another (the same) song plays, an upbeat variation this time. it passes and the next song is introduced. "what do you say we bring him on, ladies and gentlemen? the great b.b. king!" little did they know they'd already brought him on. infact, he's already played five songs(one song)! the sixth variation passes. time for the next song introduction. "we wanna go way back. WAY back." they can't trick me, that's just like how track 2 was introduced! it plays. one could describe this variation of The Blues Song as "dynamic." it is the longest version of The Blues Song on the album. it ends. off-topic, but if there's anything you can say about mr King (of the blues) it isnt that he's impolite. he always says thank you to his screaming adoring fans. thank you too, mr King. the (next) song plays. it's pretty upbeat and the brass is excited. it is a fun variation, it makes itself stand out a bit. the High King of Bluesia thanks his subjects and the next variation begins. it sounds like the others. mr. The King tells his subjects to applaud his band and help the poor because he is a noble and just monarch. time for the next track. alright, the last track stands out from everything else. the last track is a gift. the last track is the King's luxurious gift to the commonfolk who support his kingdom. they thought it was impossible. they thought it couldnt be done. a second song on the album. while i was listening i decided to look up "best albums of 1965" and see what was going on those days, let's see... - The Who were born, good on them! that'll be a future roll from the generator - the Beatles release Rubber Soul, the 17th-highest rated album on the site as-of-reviewing. is it fair to compare? - dylan's gone electric, that rascal! how does it fee-eeellll.. - the Byrds release the album Turn! Turn! Turn! containing the song Turn! Turn! Turn! i like that one - The Temptations Sing Smokey! neato, the version of My Girl that most people know, among other things - the Beatles also release Help! man they were busy... - a Charlie Brown Christmas! nice, got an iconic piece of christmas history on that. not what i expected to see well looks like 1965 was an alright year! the details of my experience of this album come nearer to their close, and judgment approaches. "but the blues were foundational to all of rock music!" aint getting founded in 1965, that's for sure all in all i can't be a critic. i simply don't understand. i don't understand The Blues. it's like an episode of the Twilight Zone condensed into a music genre. this is Groundhog Music. help me. 1966 is just around the corner and it's coming in with a bang. you need to be more prepared than this. 2/5

There’s joy in this, which I don’t hear often, especially not in what’s called the blues. The songs are mostly rhythmic containers for King’s Heaven’s trumpet of a voice, the melodies he makes with it, and his guitar chatter, which is the exact opposite of the solemn, respectful, dusty stuff that his fans made after. A couple of times his guitars makes a big “PARP”, or clears its throat, moves onto the next bit of chat. I had fun with this today.

The best blues I’ve heard yet!

Great album love the crowd interaction. Sent me on a blues rabbit hole.

This is not 'guy-sitting-on-a-chair-playing-the-same-riff-on-guitar-that-everyone-associates-with-blues' blues. This is big band coming at you rattling the plates on the table while everyone around you cheers along. This is definitely worth the listen. Side note to say that I loved recognizing the original sample that Primitive Radio Gods used for 'Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in my Hand' - it comes from 'How Blue Can You Get?'.

the immersion!! wow, you feel like you’re really there. love the fluidity, and the storytelling, my goodness. and of course the instrumentation is fabulous. that guitar sings!!

What's there to say? A true Blues legend, performing at the top of his game.

Powerful. You watch tv and there always seems to be that character that says "Listen to that guitar! listen to that pain and emotion!" and in the middle of a sitcom you kinda ignore that comment...but now that I've listened to this album I think I get it a bit more

I grew up with this in HS. It's slick, polished and represents the energy he brought to every performance. You have to see him in person for this to really hit hard because the man was the consummate performer. His studio albums were milquetoast, but that was not his passion. His passion was crowds and the stage and this album is the best example of it.

I admit blues isn’t really my thing, but it was enjoyable regardless.

I can respect and appreciate the influence that blues greats like B.B. King, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, et al have had on music, and I enjoy listening to it in short stretches. But while this may be an unpopular opinion, the repetitive nature of the songs and actual repetition of standards by various artists wears on me after a while. It's a genre best enjoyed live, which I give this album a tip of the hat for trying to capture. I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could, but it falls short of great.

Such a great album! Wish I was alive back then to see this live because I loved every moment of this album.

5/5

Compusary listening for anybody into blues music. A cornerstone in the genre. Just fantastic

Being a kid is wishing B. B. King’s band would shut up and let him play. Being an adult is knowing that subtraction cak be musical addition, and those horns fuckin’ rip. King’s stage presence is outstanding, no wonder he crossed over in a way that many of his contemporaries did not. It goes without saying that his ability to wrangle strong emotion out of a few simple notes is second to none. Surprised to find some Latin jazz influence on “Help the Poor.” Take a drink every time King “tells a story.”

Classic!

This album is a fantastic example on why live albums may also be great, adding new layers to the discography of many artists. It's such a great experience to listen to it, and the songs are excellent.

What an album! Loved it! It was so enjoyable, I couldn't believe it was over. One million stars!

Fantastic live performance by The King of the Blues

The more I go through these albums the more I realize I like the blues and jazz less than I thought it did, Bb king is the exception. He is and always was the best at his craft

Classic

Now THAT'S realer than Real-Deal Holyfield, and now you bachelor degree holders know how I feel. Singer, guitarist, songwriter, bandleader extraordinaire.

Hit with an immediate smooth blues listening experience with Every Day I Have The Blues. Simply a nice vibey album to listen to in the background. Imagine a mix of Ray Charles and Parliament

Wow... I heared a couple of his songs beforehand and I knew he was good... I didn't know he was THAT good. So enterntaining and his guitar playing is like Hendrix before Hendrix and Page before Page. Why it had to be only 33 minutes long???

Hey Joe Bonamassa. This album has a message for you. Piss off, you silly white boy.

Yes, this is real. Not some wanker in the studio, self-satisfied bloke who thinks more of himself than he should. Plus, the crown noise is almost erotic with their love. Great album....

In terms of the music itself I was leaning closer to a 4 but given how much I have ragged on a lot of live albums on this list for their poor quality and feeling antithetical to the point of a live recording by cutting out certain parts. I have to applaud this album for doing basically everything I have asked for from other live albums. How the fuck did they get it so right back in the 60s but we still have dolts messing this stuff up from albums listed here from the 90s

The actual blues. You can keep your blues rock, Mr White.

I don't like the blues. But I like this. B.B. Kings blues are so good they transcend to the joys.

nice jazz

Yeah

The best part of this album is the atmosphere this live performance creates. King has his audience eating out of the palm of his hand. Every time he bellows a lyric and every time he rambles on his guitar, the crowd goes wild. On top of that, his charming storytelling between songs has them captivated. King is taking them on a ride through songs about every aspect of love. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows are represented within the tracklist. But in King's hands with support from his incredible backing band, these blues have a whole lot of life to them. The energy is electric and contagious and you know damn well, for some people in the audience, this was the best night of their life.

The blues numbers are solid. However, someone should make a supercut of B.B. King addressing the audience on Live At The Regal. That person is not me, so I will simply summarize here: Thank you. Thank you very much. Give it up for my band. They are wailing out there. Please make some noise if we happen to play a song you have heard before. Now, for this next number, we are going way back. But I want to tell a story. Ladies, if your man does not do right by you, do not cut him. And fellas, if your woman does not treat you right, do not go upside her head. Thank you. Thank you very much.

This is what a master sounds like.

Brilliant album and a fantastic atmosphere created by the audience too

Loved this. Blues is great but it’s made even better when it’s live. I could smell the cigarette smoke. BB’s banter was amazing.

Familiarity: 1/10 Notes: I was not familiar with BB King live prior to this recording. The energy and drive he had as a showman as well as a musicians combined, with a fantastic backing band, led to an enjoyable and fun 35min jazz journey. Would definitely like to find myself listening to more Favorite Tracks: - Sweet Little Angel - Worry, Worry - Woke Up This Morning True Rating: 7/10

Rating shamlessly stolen system from George Starostin: Variety: 2 Adequacy: 5 Listenability: 3 Uniqueness: 1 Emotionality: 4 B.B. King has more or less been the default "this is blues" sound that's been in my head since I was a kid. Never one to be taken with the genre, I was still exposed to quite a bit of it growing up, mostly via movies and tv. I think King had such an overwhelming influence that most of what I was hearing, if it wasn't actually him, owed him a heavy debt at the very least. This usually amounted, in my mind, to a pleasant, but very samey background noise. One I associate with some cosy chain bbq restaurants I used to frequent to some degree. Unfortunately I also associate the sound with a certain brand of over-kinetic blues rock familiar to anyone who was aware of Bruce Willis, Jim Belushi, and the like that has since become grating when performed this mode. This was a first listen for me, and was pleasantly surprised to find that King doesn't suffer too much from any associations I have with the watered down product mentioned previously. While it did end up mostly being pleasant background noise, my ears did perk up at "How Blue Can You Get" and "Worry, Worry". The banter and the crowd noise made this a pretty chill experience, but far from an essential one. Glad I listened but can't say I'm any more or less a fan of King.

I do not have the musical skill, knowledge, or aptitude to speak on the craft here. As a listener though, I dig a bluesy electric guitar just jamming out, that is a mood I could sit with for a while.

Sixty years has a way of completely recontextualising an album. I am not listening to the same music B.B.’s audience were. They are hearing something white hot, innovative and unbelievably, unbearably exciting. They cannot contain themselves and the MC is doing everything he can to whip them up into a frenzy so it can be bottled for the LP. It's impossible for me to connect with this music in the same way. It’s nice, it’s solid, it’s very pleasing music, it may even be ahead of its time or genre defining. But it is not exciting, it is not electrifying. I would need to be on a diet of very restrained or antiquated music to be able to hear what they are hearing. But regardless, I had a good time and I’m happy to have heard him roll out the classics.

Definitely not my style of music, but I have to admit that dude has one of the best voices I have ever heard, I just wish for songs to be a little bit different from each other, every song was the same, with the same meanings, basically great voice, it would be greater with better songs that are maybe at least slightly different from each other.

I admit blues isn’t really my thing, but it was enjoyable regardless. 3.5⭐️

I'm sure this album is really good. Perhaps Mark will tell us more about why?

I don’t love listening to a whole album of essentially the same song. But it sounds like it was a lot of fun to be there.

Nr. 129/1001 Everyday I Have The Blues 4/5 Sweet Little Angel 3/5 It's My Own Fault 3/5 How Blue Can You Get? 4/5 Please Love Me 3/5 You Upset Me Baby 4/5 Worry, Worry 3/5 Woke Up This Mornin' 3/5 You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now 3/5 Help The Poor 4/5 Average: 3,4 Was a really enjoyable listen, but lacked some highlights to really bump it up.

The album offers pure electric blues performed by a superb band. And yet, at the same time, it contains everything I detest about blues: clichéd lyrics, predictable solos, rigid structures. The “Oohs” and “Yeahs” from the audience complete the stereotype. Yes, the album is certainly a role model for many blues (rock) musicians of later years. But I simply can’t relate to this 12-bar blues structure and the “my baby, she left me” lyrics at all. Because I’ve heard it all a thousand times before and it always comes across the same. If you're a Blues fan, this album is a full ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, but for me, as a Blues skeptic it's barely a ⭐⭐ because I have to give some credit for musical excellence.

Jazz isn’t really my vibe and I don’t like “live” albums where you can hear people screaming I’d rather just listen to the music.

BB with a horns section and full band—-get the hell out of here my word!!! Every single second of this set is perfection!

Great introduction to a "new" genre for me. You can hear how B.B King and his peers have contributed to the evolution of music. It may not be my favourite to listen to, but it is undeniably influential. I will absolutely listen again

What a voice, what a vibe and what a hard time for someone like B.B King

I had always thought that, as great as B.B. King is, the truest standards of blues music were Robert Johnson & Howlin' Wolf - that those two touch on the limits of art while King & Muddy Waters were brilliant but containable. I still feel that way about Waters, tho I recognize his genius, but after taking in Live At The Regal, I'm happy to add B.B. to that list of preternatural blues talents. Yes, his guitar playing is superbly nuanced & human, yet what I am most moved by is his singing, especially on 'Worry, Worry.' I don't think of him as a truth-teller, more like a truth-shaker, someone that agitates your foundations w/ a voice that's as sturdy as it is malleable. Maybe it's the live thing, as it is for Sam Cooke at the Harlem Square Club, that brings it out.

Felt like having coffee with an old uncle or friend who's already seen the world at a young age

simplemente BB king

A revelation. Putting aside the musicianship for a moment—which is across the board excellent here, both from King and his band—despite the songs lyrically being about the worries and troubles so typical of the blues, there is so much joy in BB King’s delivery on this album. There’s no woeful self-pity here, it’s as if King has found freedom and liberation in the dejection. It’s an excellent listen, and five stars for me because this album is I think going to shape how I listen to the blues.

This is an awesome album… BB King is one of the greats. Live at Cook County is another great live album by him!!!

Brutalidad de álbum, creo que el hecho de que esté en vivo le da otro toque y es una maravilla de blue

I've seen BB King a couple of times in the late 90's early 00's so his voice in this throws me off. He's still one of the best bluesmen to walk the planet. The first track was wild as it reminded me of a James Brown show more than a BB show. Gotta remember these aren't the old men I am used to. I've listened to it twice. Great album, the recording is actually great so you don't get a garbage quality album. BB King is one of the greats, the man has the energy and works the crowd. If you are expecting an old blues player this isn't it. This is King in his prime and it shows. The lyrics are blues but with the band it's something else. Great album, go listen to more blues, Buddy Guy still tours, Kingfish, Eric Gales, and Marcus King are out there. Go see them.

Oh hell yes

I'll be listening to this again and again and again. Superb musicians and a great live recording. KING indeed.

This was a pleasant surprise. Probably the first BB King album I've listened to and while Blues isn't typically my genre of choice there is no denying the skill and passion that went into every vocal and guitar note. No way to rate this one other than a 5.

12 bar blues baby! Fun vibes very nice very nice

Hands down the greatest blues guitarist.

The way that audience sounded like the grinding, sweaty extras in the juke joint scene from 'Sinners'. This was fun!

Phenomenal recording.

10/10… jazzy blues / soul / *1965 👂

He's good, isn't he?

will definitely be listening to this again, i usually dislike live albums but this was defo worth a live version!!

This has to be up there as one of the best live albums of all time. This is my most surprising 5 given out so far. I love some blues here and there but I don’t find myself really getting into it that much but this feels like the gold standard. The can feel the energy of the recording in an incredible way.

One of the best live records ever.

Rating: 4.9/5 Short Review: A live album that feels completely alive, capturing blues at its most expressive and immediate. B.B. King’s guitar and voice carry raw emotion with total control and charisma. Favorite Track: How Blue Can You Get. The call-and-response with the audience and B.B.’s phrasing make it feel intimate and powerful at the same time.

Very good

Great blues album all around

How do young purple not appreciate BB King? You have to move and feel it in your soul. Every time. Every song.

100% the best thing to happen to my music taste in the past couple of years is falling in love with the blues. its a very Helpful thing for one...really reinvigorates my excitement for Most Western Popular Music by some kind of proxy. but man as much as i was praising little richard yesterday, i'll take the blues over rock and roll anyday at this point. b.b. king is most notable as a real virtuoso guitar player, and he's got a band here that really keeps up with him, including when its someone else's turn to solo. but equally important is his voice, which is so pristine and well-enunciated in a way that makes it so you dont miss a word, but he can still yell and growl and croon without breaking that composure. he wasn't the most Wild performer but he really illustrates how much room the blues gives both the performer and the listener...so much thought and effort in every inflection, and enough time for all of it to actually be Processed and have real gravity. few other genres move at exactly my speed with exactly my priorities these days. and what a great show of all of it!

Goddamn. When you want to a show an alien what music is to humans, show them this. They'll get it. Don't think anyone could compare to King's combination of soulful, bombastic, power vocals, and clean, stank face making perfect tone guitar playing

Nice live version of bb and band!

Legendary. Pure Blues bubbling away in a hot cauldron poured ontop of you washing away any bad music taste you’ve ever had, first tightly grasping your heart and purifying you from the inside out.

Der King, einfach unschlagbar, und wenn es um Blues geht einfach die Ikone.

Absolute classic. Wonderful guitar work, powerful vocals, electric backing band, AND marriage advice? What more could you want

I'm going to be honest. I hate Live albums and never give higher than a 2 for them... But this is B.B. King. The King of Blues and a legend... The fact his only album on this dumb list is a live album is bullshit and as much as I hate and despise live albums. I cant disrespect the man with a low rating.

Loved it. A pure joy. Bit concerning that the song that came on next was about a 16 year old not doing what he wanted... but that wasn't on this album.

Lots of talent and passion.

"..I gave you seeeeven children... AND NOW YOU WANNA GIVE THEM BACK..." One of my go-to karaoke tracks once I want to belt out a song after five beers. Not the same shouting from the crowd as for the King, but Im imagining it. Overall, this is one among the albums that got me into blues.

There is no way not to understand this as classic.

Not every song was a hit (many were!) but somehow I have a desire to listen to this album in entirely repeatedly.

Loved this album

B.B King - "Live At The Regal" (1965) Вывод: Это не соло ради соло - это разговор двух влюблённых, которые знают друг друга десятилетия: Кинг и гитара Люсиль. Говоря о блюзе, нужно понимать что прежде всего это нечто субъективное Сам блюз это целое пространство - свободное и неторопливо, принимающее всех За общим спокойным и тёплым тоном Кинга скрывается  большая боль, исходя из текстов Для него сцена - это не выступление, а разговор И он рассказывает о своей душе: нет ничего и никого, кто понял бы его лучше, чем гитара и блюз Это состояние передаётся толпе, в несколько буржуазной форме подаётся мысль - то что здесь, в этом месте ты дома Кинг не просто поёт, он создаёт пространство, где каждый в зале чувствует: меня поняли, мою боль услышали. Для Кинга не в первый раз было выступать в Регалии, так что он полностью в знакомой обстановке, и пение перемежающееся с разговорами с публикой выглядят особо уютно Не каждому исполнителю дано вызывать доверие, симпатию к себе, будучи таким важным и титулованным 'Королём Блюза' Истинно благородный и талантливый человек будет искреннен, исполнителен в своём деле, и уважать публику Важная деталь - это запись концерта в театре Regal Theater в Чикаго в ноябре 1964 года. Аудитория там была преимущественно афроамериканской, и это влияет на атмосферу: музыкант и зал находятся внутри одной культурной среды, без дистанции между сценой и слушателями. Тексты все об одном - любви, но не только женщины, но и к блюзу в целом Так заговорить гитара может в руках только глубоко любящего человека, это некий дуэт - Кинг и гитара, говорят о взаимной долгой любви Что можно выделить: 1️⃣Во-первых, сама манера игры B.B. King. Его гитарный язык построен на экономии. Он почти никогда не играет длинные пассажи. Вместо этого использует короткие фразы, паузы и характерное вибрато. Это напоминает речь: фраза - пауза - ответ. Именно поэтому ощущается 'диалог' между Кингом и его гитарой. Паузы в его игре столь же важны, как сами ноты. 2️⃣Во-вторых, структура концерта. Запись не устроена как обычный рок-концерт, где песни идут подряд. Кинг постоянно разговаривает с залом, шутит, комментирует происходящее. Поэтому сцена действительно превращается в пространство коллективного переживания, а не в одностороннее выступление. 3️⃣Третья важная особенность  эмоциональный баланс. Голос Кинга мягкий, почти дружелюбный, но содержание песен часто говорит о боли, одиночестве и потере. Это типичная блюзовая парадоксальность. Блюз не столько выражает страдание, сколько превращает его в форму совместного переживания. Поэтому атмосфера одновременно тёплая и трагическая. В целом, это напоминает call-and-response, традиционную форму афроамериканской музыки, уходящую корнями в госпел и рабочие песни. Живой разговор, между исполнителем, залом и инструментом. С музыкальной точки зрения альбом важен ещё по одной причине. Он демонстрирует модель электрического блюза, где гитара не перегружена техникой, а служит инструментом выразительности. Оформление обложки в духе традиционного афроамериканского дизайна, отсылаясь на особенность публики, исполнителя и самого выступления. И он, Король Блюза, растворенный в черном пространстве, является лишь проводником публики в свой внутренний мир где общество стало справедливее, добрее и эмпатичнее Сам он не важен так, как эта пустота вокруг, как и паузы в разговорах и музыке

Ooft. The King of Blues indeed.

BB is the best!

Normally don't like live music recordings but this was different. It felt real and the cheers were not distracting.