In the mid-70s – at a time when black-oriented radio stations coast to coast had all but banished blues records from their playlists – Albert King continued to penetrate the airways with his up-to-date blues sound. Indeed, in early 1974, the wonderfully funky “That’s What the Blues Is All About” reached No. 15 on Billboard’s chart, becoming King’s biggest hit of the decade. Other highlights of this thoughtfully crafted album include King’s rendition of the Little Milton classic “Walkin’ the Back Streets and Crying” and a scorching new arrangement of “Cross Cut Saw,” a tune King had earlier borrowed from the ultra-obscure Binghampton Blues Boys. King also affords his young guitar disciple Donald Kinsey plenty of room to burn on the latter selection.

1. I Wanna Get Funky
2. Playin’ On Me
3. Walkin’ The Back Streets
4. ‘Til My Back Ain’t Got No Bone
5. Flat Tire
6. I Can’t Hear Nothing But The Blues
7. Travelin’ Man
8. Cross Cut Saw
9. That’s What The Blues Is All About

Musicians:

Albert King (vocals, guitar)

Donald Kenzie (rhythm guitar)

Hot Buttered Soul (background vocals)

The Bar-Kays / The Movement (rhythm section)

The Memphis Horns

The Memphis Symphony Strings