Freddie King's business card billed him as "The Texas Cannon Ball," a fitting moniker for the physically imposing blues guitarist and singer. King left an indelible stamp on the genre with both instrumental hits ("Hide Away", "San-Ho-Zay") and fiery vocal performances ("I'm Tore Down", "Going Down").
Recorded in Atlanta two years before his death at age 42, Live At The Electric Ballroom 1974 features King leading a five-piece band through a set long on covers, paying tribute to bluesmen who influenced him. The inspired performance is enough to offset the sonic distortion and related problems in the tape.
Big Bill Broonzy's "Key To The Highway" is highlighted by a spirited exchange between King and organist Alvin Hemphill. Earl King's "Let The Good Times Roll" is an eight-minute plea for release. The "Hide Away" medley shows off the band's instrumental chemistry. While the group may be guilty of a little overplaying, the energy they produce can't be denied.
King's guitar work could overshadow his abilities as a vocalist. He is reflective on a reading of "Taint Nobody's Business", but when he proclaims "I believe my time ain't long" on "Dust My Broom", he sounds as if he's had a premonition of an early death.
As a bonus, the disc includes solo versions of "Dust My Broom" and Jimmy Rogers' "That's Alright" from an early 1970s radio interview, the only known acoustic recordings King made. Despite protesting that he's not an acoustic player, he pulls it off without a hitch.
Extensive liner notes round out the package. Dave Alvin, one of many guitarists influenced by King, contributes a short essay about meeting him at a Los Angeles club as a teenager. King's daughter and musical associates share their memories of the man and his music.
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