BB King/Eric Clapton: Riding With The King

(Reprise/Warners)

Herald rating: * * *

Review: Graham Reid

Hijacking John Hiatt's title track (in John's hands it's about Elvis) is the only cheeky thing here. This is serious kind of fun from two signature stylists who, for these purposes, could easily have coasted.

But it's surprisingly energetic from two venerable men who appear on the cover in suits with the hood down: Eric, with tie loosened, driving Mr King, enjoying the white leather back seat.

They look like old friends thoroughly enjoying themselves.

That spills over into the choice of music that equally touches their history: Clapton pulls out Key to the Highway, Worried Life Blues, BB brings Help the Poor, Days of Old and a couple of other favourites.

There's a terrific version of Three O'Clock Blues, a wah wah funky Marry You. Both musicians are in as good a voice as their distinctive guitar playing, and the selection shifts from late-night weariness (Three OClock), through tough angst (I Wanna Be with Clapton in especially agonised voice) and Worried Life Blues gets an excellent acoustic treatment.

By my count this is the third album under King's name in about 18 months, but enjoying these tracks tells you it would be a fool who argued he's spreading himself too thinly.