B.B. King at the Harbor in Baltimore, MD:
One year ago yesterday, we were fortunate to get front row tickets to see the KING of Blues perform at Pier 6 at the Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD. As usual, his show was awe-inspiring; the band was tight and right on every beat. In fact, even though we’ve seen him play several times before, this show, was particularly special and the band was groovin’.
Of course there were signs everywhere warning the crowds that there were “NO CAMERAS or VIDEO CAMERAS ALLOWED DURING the SHOW”. so we had to be extra sneaky when taking our photos, after sneaking our cameras through the gates and the guards. Some of our shots are a bit out of focus, but we did the best we could to get as many good photos as possible. Obviously, with B.B. King being in his 80’s now, he sits on a chair up in front of the band, so it makes it a bit difficult to get real good photos when the stage is up, at least 4’ from ground level.
B.B. King’s famous Gibson Custom ‘Lucille’ guitar
B.B. has been playing The Blues for over 60 years now and has shared the stage with some of the greatest guitarist’s to ever play the instrument. One of his closest friends, Eric Clapton and he, produced an album/CD called “Riding with the King” in 2000 and due to it’s success, it went GOLD.
B.B. King, an Idol of mine:
B.B.’s been a idol of mine for over 25 years now and its really for a simple reason. He has the ability to and knows how to use ‘Lucille’ to play as few notes as possible, to get the audiences complete attention, so he can let ‘Lucille’ speak to them through the notes he plays. It is a unbelievable event to witness; you have to see and hear it to really understand and follow what I’m talking about.
He isn’t one to play those speedy guitar licks in his songs. It is those one and two sustaining notes that he makes sing that separates him from the likes of many other guitarists that play the blues.
With all the years of playing the blues behind him, I could write a novel to cover all his accomplishments, his career highs and the friends that he’s acquired in the business.
Remember this, keep playin’ the blues; don’t let it die ! If you don’t have one of B.B.’s CD’s, I suggest you pick one up and give it a good honest listen. You’ll be surprised at what you hear and why that man loves ‘Lucille’ .
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather we’re having this summer. Keep a smile on your face and always hug your children and tell them that you love them !!
Until next time;
Bob
“The Thrill is Gone” . . . .
by B.B. King
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