The Hawk

Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: Entertainment

B.B. King doesn't need to do much at this point to cement his reputation as "The King of the Blues," but releasing an album full of reinterpreted blues standards doesn't hurt.

"One Kind Favor" ranks among B.B. King's best efforts. He's lost some of his energy since "Live at the Regal," but just because his playing is a bit slower doesn't make it worse.

King makes his mark on some of the more famous standards he does. "How Many More Years" is presented without the Howlin' Wolf edge, but manages not to lose anything in the process. "Blues Before Sunrise" is slowed down drastically, but the void left by Elmore James's fiery slide is filled by B.B. King's smooth soloing.

Part of what separates the album from the rest of B.B. King's more recent efforts is his all-star supporting cast. Not that he hasn't been backed by the likes of Eric Clapton, Ray Charles and Billy F. Gibbons, before, but the collaborators stole the spotlight on most of these recordings.

On "One Kind Favor," B.B. King is backed by Dr. John on piano, Jim Keltner on drums, and Nathan East on upright bass. The band not only plays well, but stays out of the way and keeps B.B. in the spotlight of his own album.

Another problem with some of King's newer albums is the production. Too often he is given flat, muddy guitar tone or his vocals are quieted and don't accurately convey the power or soul of his vocals. T Bone Burnett makes everything clear, and highlights different instruments without making them the focus.

One Kind Favor" is one of the best albums B.B. King has put out in his career, let alone the last few years.

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