CELEBRATING THE KING OF THE BLUES
KTBA Records
In all my years as a Blues fan and writer, I can honestly say that, hand on heart, I’ve never heard a collection of artists such as these record what, in my opinion, is the best album of 2026. There, I’ve said it. Thirty-two tracks spanning the life and career of one of, if not the greatest, Blues artists to have ever lived. B.B. King was a mentor to everyone he met, young, old, and absolute beginner; it didn’t matter to him. All that mattered was a shared love of Blues music. The album consists of the Who’s Who of Blues musicians, including Buddy Guy, Warren Haynes, Robben Ford, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and many more.
The album is the brainchild of Joe Bonamassa, who, when he found out that there were no plans to commemorate the 100th birthday of Mr. King, began to make phone calls. The songs that are featured span a long life and career in the Blues. Paying The Cost To Be The Boss is the first track, and it features arguably the most gifted and in-demand artists around at the moment, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. This sets the tone and feel for what is about to come.
“a lasting testament to a man who has given us so much”
I’m sure that everyone has their favourite song that reminds them of BB King. Well, what I’m saying is that as I listened to each track, it immediately reminded me of BB himself singing and playing that particular tune. Now, I’m certainly not detracting from the brilliant renditions that each artist brings to the table, exactly the opposite. The songs are so well played and produced that you can’t help thinking about when you were listening to the originals. Let The Good Times Roll has long been one of my go-to tunes when I need cheering up, and this version with Kenny Wayne Shepherd certainly hits the spot. Kudos must be given to Joe and Josh Smith for their sterling work in getting everyone together and for producing such high-quality recordings.
No tribute album of this magnitude would be complete without Buddy Guy being involved, as he is on, Sweet Little Angel. Despite his age, Buddy Guy sings and plays this as though he were still in his twenties. Every song is a musical gem; there is not one tune on here that is not of the highest quality, both singing and playing-wise. Tribute albums can sometimes get stuck in nostalgia without actually doing the artist justice. That is not he case here.
Keb Mo, Jimmie Vaughan, Bobby Rush, Paul Rodgers, the list is endless. I will say Never Make A Move Too Soon contains the one line that perfectly sums up B.B. King, “I’m just a man who sings the Blues.” Riley B King, no truer words have ever been spoken. The Blues Summit 100 is a lasting testament to a man who has given us so much.
STEPHEN HARRISON
