B.B. King’s In France: Live At The 1977 Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival was recorded at the third bi-annual Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival in Nancy, France. The set sees the blues legend playing guitar and singing at the top of his game. Beginning with an announcer’s intro, then a slow drawl through “Blue Monk,” in no time we are smack into the jumpy “Caldonia” as King and his snapping smokin’ septet present expert jazz playing to a very vocal French crowd.
The band here includes tenor saxophonist Walter King (the guitarist’s nephew and band director), alto saxophonist Cato Walker III, trumpeter Eddie Rowe, organist James Toney, guitarist Milton Hopkins, bassist Joe Turner, and drummer Calep Emphrey, Jr. Across these 14 numbers, King and his band stretch out with solos and deep grooves, as the main man introduces songs as well as what band member is featured in what solo, King sharing the spotlight with his brilliant players just like the humble guy he always seemed to be.
On the second song, “Sweet Little Angel,” a slow deep blues, King shows his mastery on his famous ES-335 Gibson guitar, “Lucille,” but again, as much gives a nod to another soloing player, on this tune, Eddie King. And about mid-way, we get the chunky “Why I Sing The Blues,” one of the livelier numbers, showcasing one of B.B.’s best vocals and a wailing organ lead from James Toney.
As expected, the 1970 hit “The Thrill Is Gone” is here, set directly midway in the show. Coming alive after a slow pull-off and bend solo from King, the band then lays back just so wonderfully, allowing their leader his showcase, as B.B. growls around one of his most recognizable songs. It never disappoints no matter how many times you hear it.
“When I’m Wrong,” coming near the end of the set, is another highlight, featuring the longest sustained guitar notes of the night with King whipping the band into a near rock and roll frenzy at the last-minute mark. The album ends with “Have Faith,” and a blues outro.
I happened to catch B.B. King at the end of his days, where he had to sit in a chair during the show and complained, but only ever so slightly, of a cold. But he told us all that he lived by the credo that the show had to go on, and on it did. And as wonderful as he was the night I saw him, hearing In France: Live At The 1977 Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival makes me pine for days like these in the late 70s when a legend like B.B. King was playing this well, with an incredible band behind him.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
