Album of the Day

While the honking saxophone of King Curtis can be heard on numerous classics by other artists, he also released many albums as a headliner including LIVE AT THE FILLMORE WEST. Cut with his group The Kingpins during a 3-night stint at the famed San Francisco venue (where they also served as Aretha Franklin's backing band), the collection offers rollicking takes on recent rock (“Whole Lotta Love”), R&B (“Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours”) and pop (“Ode to Billie Joe”) hits along with such signature originals as “Memphis Soul Stew.” Released in August 1971 a week before Curtis was murdered, the Atlantic collection reached the Top 10 on both Billboard's Soul and Jazz charts. The Deluxe Edition of LIVE AT THE FILLMORE WEST includes 5 bonus tracks from the Fillmore shows including a version of “My Sweet Lord” with Billy Preston on organ.