Live At Fillmore West CD

R&B saxophone giant King Curtis was at the top of his game on three consecutive nights in March 1971 when he was the opening act for Aretha Franklin at a trio of historic concerts at Bill Graham's storied Haight-Ashbury venue (he also led the backing band for the Queen of Soul's headline sets). Originally released one week before Curtis' tragic murder in August of that year, this extraordinary live disc spotlights the musical mastery that made him a legendary talent. Curtis rips through a soulful tour de force of top R&B, rock, and pop hits of the day, backed by his ace rhythm section the Kingpins, organist Billy Preston, and the Memphis Horns throughout. Famed writer Dave Marsh noted in a four-star review for the Rolling Stone Album Guide that "Curtis the bandleader is at his absolute best . . . . The powerful communication these players had with each other produces a set that is a model of intelligent choices made without sacrificing spontaneity" Almost 70 minutes of stellar concert highlights, remastered to sound better than ever. Captured live at San Francisco's Fillmore West on March 5, 6 and 7, 1971 from original master recordings produced by Jerry Wexler and Arif Mardin. Features King Curtis on tenor and soprano saxophone solos leading the Kingpins, the Memphis Horns, and Billy Preston on organ. The original 1971 album plus five bonus tracks, alternate versions and unused songs, previously available only on the very limited-edition, now out-of-print Rhino Handmade title Don't Fight The Feeling: The Complete Aretha Franklin & King Curtis Live At Fillmore West. Includes the classic 'Soul Serenade', and 'My Sweet Lord' featuring Billy Preston on vocals.