Of the Three Kings, Freddie has to be the most under-rated! Like many of the bluesmen from his time, he made his way to Chicago where we made a name for himself as one of THE best electric blues guitarists. While his career spanned an impressive 25 years, he was over-looked by Chess Records and had only a short stint with King/Federal records which included his famous track ‘Hide Away’.
It wasn’t until 1971 that, in my opinion, Freddie recorded his most prolific album – Getting Ready…
What is notable about this album is that it was produced and recorded by Leon Russell and Don Nix under Shelter Records. If you don’t know who Leon Russell is then LOOK HIM UP! This album led me down a path of discovery that resulted in some of my most played and treasured albums.
My copy of Getting Ready is a first US pressing, Shelter Records – SHE 8905. According to Discogs – there exist two versions, the original pressings with the red label and Superman egg logo and the later versions released with a black bar across this Superman logo. This was apparently the result of a lawsuit regarding rights to the Superman logo.
The album open’s with a version of Don Nix – Same Old Blues which features Freddie’s distinct guitar tone and soulful voice. In fact all of the tracks on this album are cover’s with the exception of Tore Down.
This album is very special to me for a number of reasons; Freddie King has been a big influence to me as a guitarist, it was one of the earliest albums I owned and it was purchased for me by my best mate who ordered it for me online while drinking pints at the Peacock. It is a really cool album that can be listened to alone while drinking scotch in a dimly lit room or background music while family and friends are over.
I love this album!
(Endless Pursuit Vinyl)
Endless Pursuit Vinyl 
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