80
The blues master's 80th birthday gift to his fans is his third all-star collaboration. Its dozen tunes are a mix of classics and obscurities from King's past. They include commendable versions of his signature "The Thrill Is Gone," withEric Claptontrading vocal lines and licks, andHoward Tate's "Ain't Nobody Home," withDaryl Hallanswering King's gritty growl. There are obscurities, too, like "Tired of Your Jive," with a jocularBilly Gibbons, and "Hummingbird," transformed into a melodic gem with the assistance ofJohn Mayer.What's surprising is how well King's singing and playing continue to resist the years, especially when he unfurls his hearty voice on "All Over Again" asMark Knopfler's guitar plays equally soulful foil. AndGloria Estefanis richly colorful duetting on "There Must Be a Better World Somewhere." What's disappointing is the perfunctory quality of King's match-ups withRoger Daltrey("Never Make Your Move Too Soon") andElton John("Rock This House").Van Morrison,Glenn Frey,Sheryl Crow, andBobby Blandcomplete the guest list.--Ted DrozdowskiRecommended B.B. KingCompletely WellRiding with the King(with Eric Clapton)Let the Good Times Roll: The Music of Louis JordanChronicles: Live at the Regal/Blues Is King/Live in Cook County JailKing of the BluesThe Ultimate Collection