Live In Cook County Jail - B. B. KING***

Introduction/Every Day I Have The Blues/How Blue Can You Get/Worry Worry Worry/3 O’clock Blues-Darlin' You Know I Love You/Sweet Sixteen/The Thrill Is Gone

Recording live albums in prisons appeared somewhat in vogue during this period as B.B. King followed the lead of Johnny Cash, this time at Cook County Jail. Some critics considered that there were rather too much spoken words during this performance. (US:25)

“It's got some nice tunes such as The Thrill Is Gone, but what's with all the talking and ad-libbed singing? I want to listen to music, I don't come here for a lecture. Three completely boring slow blues pieces in a row with mostly talking.”

“Here you’ll find one of the most incredible B.B. King solos, just listen to him in the introduction of How Blue Can You Get - absolutely brilliant.”

“The track listing is very impressive featuring many of King's all time greatest and most beloved songs including the immortal The Thrill Is Gone. And while the performance from B.B. is high spirited and energetic, his backing band at times gets lost by the wayside as King's guitar overpowers all the other instruments.”

”All in all Live In Cook County Jail is a rather enjoyable outing from the King even if there are minor production issues, though it's far from his best live recording for sure.”

“Though not necessarily one of the most unique, influential or progressive albums that I have, it is easily one of my favourites. It doesn't slow down once and proves to be one of the most satisfying live performances that I have come across.”

“It's not that I think this is a bad album or performance. It's the opposite; when B.B. King is jamming, it sounds so good. My issue arises when he starts speaking and speaking and speaking. The first couple of times, it's cool to listen to him ranting and raving, but then you just want him to get on and play.”

“This has an awesome set list, for starters, and the songs are performed so well. B.B. seems very comfortable as he informs the crowd they're in for a special treat; he's pulling out the back catalogue.”