Al King Blues Master The Complete Sahara and Shirley Recordings
Released :27 August 1996
Label : Forevermore
Format : [email protected]
Though not a familiar name, Al King (aka Alvin K. Smith) was an excellent West Coast blues singer with a smooth but powerful vocal style. He was an excllent songwriter too, often taking familiar sayings and turning them into blues songs - Think Twice Before You Speak (with the classic line "I ain't no dentist/ But I'll get your teeth out free")/ Everybody Ain't Your Friend/ Don't Put Off For Tomorrow and others. He also covers a couple of Lowell Fulson songs Reconsider Baby and Blue Shadows and makes them all his own. These recordings were made between 1964 & '68 for the Shirley, Flag and Sahara labels. He is accompanied by excellent small bands and what elevates his recordings from excellent to outstanding is the incredible guitar playing of Johnny Heartsman - a truly talented and innovative musician.
Tracklist :
1. On My Way (2:40)
2. Reconsider Baby (3:59)
3. Lingerin' Love (3:35)
4. Shimmy & Shake (2:90)
5. Think Twice Before You Speak (3:70)
6. Winner (2:26)
7. My Money Ain't Long Enough (3:80)
8. Blue Shadows (3:57)
9. This Thing Called Love (3:41)
10. Everybody Ain't Your Friend (2:18 )
11. Christmas Is Gone (3:54)
12. Peace and Understanding (3:43)
13. Don't Put Off for Tomorrow (3:60)
14. Playing on Me (3:14)
15. Get Lost (3:41)
