A co-worker was looking for the CD for a long time and couldn't find it. I was his secret santa, and although it took a while to receive, he was very happy!

This double album of BB Kings music offers a great introduction to his music and to the blues in general.

This has a mix of studio and live tracks although I would've preferred more of the latter and starts off with one of my favourites, `The Thrill is Gone' which has some amazing guitar playing, a wonderfully soulful feel and BB's melancholy soaked vocals.

`Help the Poor' is another favourite and the track that open the second disc, I simply adore the horns which compliment things perfectly.

Any compilation will have it's advocates and detractors, but I personally enjoy the running order of tracks on offer here and feel it gives a good taste of what BB is all about, which is all we can hope for really. You get some sublime guitar playing, searing blues and some classic tracks all in one place, well worth checking out.

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start point 0 points

time spanned (1962 -199?) +1,5 point

track selection (no late forties or fifties stuff in studio versions, though some live versions of it are here) +0.5 point

Key tracks 16/36 present (Sweet sixteen missing!!!) 0.5 point

length (2cds 36 tracks, but not near 80 ) 1,5 points

total 4 points

recommendation: get it, but don§t forget to buy also a pre 60's B. B. collection!)