Art Courtesy Fantasy Records

Recorded at CHCH Studios in Hamilton, Ontario on December 6, 1983, it's the only known recording of Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan jamming together. You always could hear Albert in Stevie's playing. This Blues guitarists summit won't disappoint and it might just suprize you.

"He's got the makings of a good fiddler"
....Albert King

Stormy Monday is ultimate slow-groove Blues jam. And the guys get right to it. Albert tells Stevie Ray to "turn it up" and the river of soulfull playing ensues. Get any two guitarists to stand on stage and play together, no matter what they may say afterward, there's gonna be some head-chopping goin' on. Luckily, we seem to spared of this. No overplaying from these guys. Their two guitars are somewhat out of tune, and will be for the whole record, but it's close enough for the Blues. "He's got the makings of a good fiddler" quips Albert between cuts. They pull out Stevie Ray's big hit Pride and Joy. The rhythm section of Gus Thorton (bass) and Michael Llorens (drums) get this version swinging deeper than the original. Cool! Ask Me No Questions jams along but gets a little lost during the piano solo, but the groove rights itself for a strong finish. Fatherly advice to the younger slinger comes next. Advice that I think Stevie Ray heard. Then on the next cut, the Albert King classic Blues at Sunrise, it sounds like it's Stevie Ray who's givin' the guitar advice and Albert's doing nothing but encouraging him. King's vocals are smoother than slick silk.  Overall Junction rips into a cool Hammond B3 in-the-brake-position solo by Tony Llorens. The great shuffle rhythm is perfect support for the guitar battle on this cut. Stevie Ray and Albert go back and forth. It's as much fun to listen to them play rhythm guitar for each other, both displaying a mutual musical respect. The fellers get greasy on Matchbox Blues. After some guit-fiddle wisdom by Albert, the groove moves ahead on this Blues classic by King. "You might could do something with this" is Albert's comment at the end. It wouldn't have been that hard. The boys take it on home with Don't You Lie To Me. You can anticipate the coming guitar fireworks as the groove builds and builds. If this cut was from a live show, you can bet it would have been the last tune of the set.
And they ain't lyin'.

The 60-year-old Albert ruled over the proceedings like a benevolent father, retaining control while allowing his guest loads of solo space in which to display his awesome command of the electric guitar. Stevie avoided flaunting his prowess.
...Lee Hildebrand from the liner notes.

Any recording of Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan is Blues guitar history. This session captured a special moment in time when two giants met in relative peace and quiet. This CD could have turned into a bloody head-choppers mess, but because these guys were first-rate musicians, we not only get history, we get a big Blues-eatin' grin.