B.B. King — North Sea Jazz Festival, 2000

Full concert by B.B. King at the North Sea Jazz Festival, in the Netherlands, in 2000. Nicknamed the “King of the Blues”, the Mississippi-born guitarist and singer is one of the most important figures in the history of blues, whose influence flowed into soul, rock and pop. His guitar, the famous “Lucille”, is unmistakable for its expressive vibrato and its economical, singing phrasing. This filmed live concert shows him surrounded by his big band, in the prestigious setting of one of the world’s greatest jazz and blues festivals. Between standards, emotion-laden slow blues and warm exchanges with the audience, the performance illustrates the consummate art of the crooner-guitarist, a master of the balance between virtuosity and restraint. This capture is a precious record of an artist then at the height of his stage longevity, a few years before the end of his career. A reference full concert for blues fans and for anyone wishing to understand why B.B. King remains a guardian figure of twentieth-century American popular music.