King Curtis
'Live' at Filmore West
Rhino/Atlantic
UK Release Date: 25th September 2006

The late King Curtis was one of those saxophonists who were musically as talented as Jr. Walker but somehow never quite got the same exposure of chart success even though he was held in high esteem by fellow musicians and a quick glance of your sleeve notes of soul albums of the 1960's will find his name cropping up time after time. Along with Aretha Franklin Curtis enjoyed some success with his original Atlantic LP recording of his appearance at Filmore West in 1971 and tragically, just weeks before his murder that year!

In my ignorance during the late 60's I knew, nor cared little, for his musical output and although I thrilled at collecting anything I could on the Atlantic label I ended only with a couple of his singles in my collection most notably his best known 1968 recording of 'Memphis Soul Stew' which was a musical jam workout after introducing the groups individual instruments as the ingredients to make up the 'Stew' a method adopted at one point by Philadelphia's Archie Bell on one of his early projects.

This live set also included some notable musicians in the line-up including Billy Preston on organ, Bernard 'Pretty' Purdie on drums, the memphis Horns and of course not forgetting his backing band 'The Kingpins' who between them all cooked up some delicious grooves throughout this set including some blistering organ work from the late Bill Preston on 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' as well as their take on Isaac Hayes' Stax waxing 'I Stand Accused'. What I liked about this set was Curtis' ability to switch from a funk groove to something that would have graced any credible late night radio show such as 'Soul Serenade' which was one of his other most notable single releases. A gentle approach too was given to the country classic 'Ode To Billy Joe' a gentle jazzy groove displaying some dynamic sax blowing of the highest order.

King could change like the weather when he needed to and evidence of that is heard with 'Whole Lotta Love' which is given a rousing rock style treatment that originators Led Zeppelin would have been proud of yet never straying too far from a funky groove and some exemplary drum breaks you just can't fault it. On this set at Filmore most of the songs appear to be cover versions of hit songs at that time, and whether he has written more of his own material as opposed to presenting his own interpretation's is something that would need further investigation.

The obvious bonus track on this set has to be Billy Preston's fine vocal version of George Harrison's 'My Sweet Lord' which is one of his finest moments in his long and successful career which had seen him as mainly an instrumentalist but this particular track had the audience singing along and clapping. King Curtis had been around for many a year before this live set was recorded and his absence on the music scene during the 70/80's is evident although this CD is testament to his musical ability and the high regard he was undoubtedly held amongst his fellow musicians.

If you enjoy live CD's and concerts featuring world class musicians playing that late sixties groove then this may well be of interest to you. Once again as this is the Deluxe CD set you can mix and match which versions you like the best from the original LP and the included alternate and unused takes - enjoy!

Rating 7/10

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