Cain Does King

As a rule, I generally stay away from tributes opting to listen to the original artist instead. Especially, as in this case, where the musician is still alive, touring and producing excellent music.

What was interesting and somewhat erie about this CD is just how King-Like this guy sounds both in his guitar playing as well as his singing. Several times while listening I spaced out just enough to think I was actually listening to an old, but pristine, copy of a BB King CD. Early King, perhaps something recorded in the 50's or 60's. The voice and guitar work sounding strangely familiar. I couldn't help to wonder whether this was his natural voice or an attempt at authenticity. However, in listening to a follow up purchase "Chris Cain Live at the Rep" I find that this is his natural voice, lucky man!

The songs on the CD are not BB's signature songs but rather, some of his more obscure but excellent recordings. Some of the music is a note for note reproduction and some are treated to a more contemporary treatment still very much in the style of BB.

Chris Cain's performance is excellent and the production by Patrick Ford of the Ford Blues band is outstanding. As tributes go, it's pretty good and should even flatter the King.


The Thrill Ain't Gone when Cain does King   July 2, 2001
john e. ripper (northville, mi United States)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Of all the artists out there playing blues guitar, Chris Cain is one of the best. His command of the guitar and it's subtelties makes him a natural to cover BBKING. He squeezes beautiful notes and sings with a commanding baritone voice. Toss in some horns and you have a perfect mix. I am a big fan of both Chris Cain and BB King. I have seen them both live in concert clubs. I picked up the CD two days ago and have already listened to it four times, and it gets better with each listening. I highly recommend you purchase this CD. Tell them Ripper sent you.

John Ripper Blues Review


Cain's King gets the Crown   May 12, 2001
Jazzdad (St. Louis, MO USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

While listening to this CD, I had one strong desire--to be able to sit with B.B. with the music running, and see his look of approval. This will hopefully be the breakthrough recording for Chris, who has certainly paid his dues and is among the most musically erudite of modern blues players. Who better to do a B.B. tribute? Virtually every description of his playing is "a mix of B.B. King meets the west coast," or something similar. Cain's vocals have the smokey flavor of a Memphis roadhouse, or perhaps B.B. King's clubs where he frequently plays. The CD mixes straightforward homage to The King with Cain's own signature heat. There is actually a bit of historical guitar wryness on this cd-- listen to Eric Clapton's solo on "Hideaway" from the mid-1960's John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers album, then listen to Cain's opening solo on track #2. Same attack, similar tone, timing, etc. Cain gives a nod to the first "new" generation of player who originally paid homage to B.B. (although Hideaway is a Freddie King song)--almost like a relay race, the stick going from B.B to Clapton (yes, Clapton) to Cain. Without Clapton as his disciple, and his bringing blues to the "mainstream," would B.B. have gotten as much fame coming out of the deep south? The student did help the master, and Cain seems to acknowledge this line.

In any event, buy this CD--for the music, and for the man. Those of us who have met Chris on tour know he is the ultimate gentleman, and a true talent. He deserves to be more widely heard, both on recording and live.


Nice Tribute To The King   May 4, 2001
political idiot (california)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Tributes are always a difficult undertaking. The following question always arises: why listen to an interpretation when I can easily enjoy the original? Well, the answer depends on who is interpreting and whether or not the interpreter deserves to be listened to. Chris Cain is one of my favorite modern west coast blues talents. He is so versatile, fluid, and authentic. He deserves to be listened to.

Cain pays tribute to B.B. King in grand style. Cain possesses a trilly left hand he obviously learned from many hours with King records. He does use a heavier right hand then does King and the combination is a meaty interpretation of King's guitar style. In addition, Cain successfully emotes many of B.B. King's great vocal inflections.

Song selection and length are the only reasons for the one star hit from me. While there are a couple of favorite's like "Gambler's Blues" and "House Rocker," Cain chooses to avoid many of King's most popular tunes. This is admirable, choosing instead to highlight other King material. However, in doing so, Cain avoids all but a few from the great Modern/Kent days. Most tunes are from BB's funkier ABC plus days. Not bad mind you, I just prefer the pre-ABC B.B. King, that's all. Lastly, at a scant 44 minutes in length, Cain may have considered adding a few more tunes from the Modern/Kent days. Nonetheless, this is a fine tribute to the King of the blues.