It’s hard not to like the latest volume of tracks from the Joe Bonamassa/Josh Smith-produced B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100, with guests that include such greats as Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, and Larry McCray. Released last week, Volume 3 kicks off with a patient yet impassioned “Sweet Little Angel” that features Buddy Guy on vocals and guitar and wraps up with singer/guitarist Larry McCray‘s soulful take on “When It All Comes Down (I’ll Still Be Around)”.
In between, you’ll hear Larkin Poe with a swinging “Don’t You Want a Man Like Me” filled with smoky vocals and gritty lap steel guitar, a grooving “Heartbreaker” with Trombone Shorty on vocals and horns and Eric Gales on guitar, and a shuffling “Watch Yourself” with Jimmie Vaughan on vocals and guitar that’s just perfect for Jimmie.
This latest installment also brings with it news of a few other big names participating in the project, with the revelation of a Chaka Khan/Eric Clapton collaboration on King’s hit “The Thrill is Gone” for inclusion on the 32-song tribute to the King of the Blues.
Here’s a video for the Buddy Guy track that also features some terrific photos and footage of longtime friends Guy and King performing through the years.