Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan - In Session (1983)
Recorded for a television program of the same name back in 1983, In Session bills itself as the only known recording of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert King, who was Vaughan's idol and mentor, playing together. That leads to some heavy expectations, which fortunately aren't disappointed, at least if you aren't expecting the customary over-the-top performances Vaughan was famous for. His playing here is much more laid-back and controlled, which is actually a recommendation--the stylistic similarities between teacher and student are that much more pronounced. The songs are mostly King concert staples, with the exception of "Pride and Joy"; highlights include the T-Bone Walker classic "Call It Stormy Monday" and one of King's own, "Overall Junction," which features some excellent guitar solo work. The snippets of recorded conversation between songs are interesting curiosities as well. --Genevieve Williams
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Good story, Not enough for a whole film
The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.
A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.
Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.
Two of the blues greats collaborate in Austin and the result is pure magic. "In Session: Stevie Ray Vaughan/Albert King" lets the musicians do their stuff. It just goes to show that the blues are truly the most American kind of music. There is no way to describe what it's like to hear Vaughan and King perform together. It's too bad that Vaughan died young (as so many singers have). He showed that Texas has turned out some great music. Nevertheless, he and King made some great music, none of which will ever get old. A similar concert movie is "Live at the Checkerboard", in which the Rolling Stones perform with Muddy Waters in a Chicago bar.