For those unaware, In France is the first time releasing into the wild, and is a deep dig in association with Elemental Music and Zev Feldman who present this limited-edition deluxe digipak CD.

In France: Live at the Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival (1977) is a previously unissued live recording from the legendary bluesman B.B. King captured by the ORTF (French Radio and Television Office) in France on October 7th, 1977 and released on producer Zev Feldman’s Deep Digs label in partnership with Elemental Music and INA France.

This limited-edition is packaged with an extensive booklet containing rare photos by Thierry Trombert, Val Wilmer, Jan Persson, and others; plus, liner notes by the acclaimed French author Jean Buzeline; and testimonials from fellow blues icons who knew or were inspired by B.B. King.

This blazing full-length concert recording offers a rare look at the great blues singer-guitarist’s powerful working band of the era.

For those who think they know B.B. King’s music, In France will arrive as an unexpected revelation, and a stirring testament to the greatness of one of the most iconic blues guitarists and singers of all time.

1. BLUE MONK / CALDONIA
2. SWEET LITTLE ANGEL
3. I LIKE TO LIVE THE LOVE
4. IT’S JUST A MATTER OF TIME
5. WHY I SING THE BLUES
6. I GOT SOME OUTSIDE HELP (I DON’T REALLY NEED)
7. THRILL IS GONE
8. I NEED MY BABY
9. SWEET SIXTEEN
10. CLOSER
11. TO KNOW YOU IS TO LOVE YOU
12. WHEN I’M WRONG
13. HAVE FAITH
14. OUTRO BLUES INSTRUMENTAL

Recorded live at the Nancy Jazz Pulsations Festival in Nancy, France on October 7th, 1977, the recording opens on the swinging saxophone that drives the duo of BLUE MONK / CALDONIA, the blues incarnate of SWEET LITTLE ANGEL and the subtle, yet funky masterpiece I LIKE TO LIVE THE LOVE, and they are backed by the heartfelt IT’S JUST A MATTER OF TIME, the emotional blues of WHY I SING THE BLUES, and then come both the low slung, Delta-vibed I GOT SOME OUTSIDE HELP (I DON’T REALLY NEED) and an absolutely spine tingling THRILL IS GONE.

Along next is the quietly frenetic guitar fest that drives I NEED MY BABY, the sad blues flow of SWEET SIXTEEN and the driven CLOSER, and they are in turn followed seamlessly by a soulful cut written by Steve Wonder, TO KNOW YOU IS TO LOVE YOU, the wah pedal-hued WHEN I’M WRONG, the recording rounding out on the languishing beauty of HAVE FAITH, closing on the short, but ever so sweet OUTRO BLUES INSTRUMENTAL.

Musicians:
BB King (guitar, vocals)
Walter King (tenor sax)
Cato Walker (alto sax)
James Toney (organ)
Joe Turnet (bass)
Calep Emphrey, Jr (drums)

Official Purchase Link