Young Blood - Marcus King (2) (1LP Vinyl)

Marcus King (2)'s Young Blood represents everything I love about discovering rare vinyl treasures.

This record has been in my personal collection for years, and every time I play it, I discover something new in the interplay between the musicians.

B.B. was at the height of his powers, having just broken through to mainstream success after years on the chitlin circuit. His guitar 'Lucille' was singing with that distinctive vibrato and single-note style that would influence every blues guitarist who came after. This was recorded when he was finally getting the recognition he deserved, bringing authentic blues to audiences who had never heard anything like it.

Musical Analysis:
What strikes me most about this recording is the intricate interplay between the musicians. Marcus King (2) leads with that distinctive voice that made them a legend, but it's the conversation between all the players that creates the real magic. The harmonic progressions showcase the evolution of jazz during this era, moving beyond traditional structures into more adventurous territory. You can hear the influence of bebop, hard bop, and the emerging modal approaches that would define the future of jazz. The rhythm section provides that perfect foundation – tight but never restrictive, allowing for those spontaneous moments that make jazz so compelling.

From a Collector's Perspective:
After decades of hunting down rare pressings and audiophile releases, I can tell you that records like this don't come around often. This isn't just a record – it's a piece of musical history that belongs in any serious collection. The market for recordings like this has only grown stronger over the years, as more collectors recognize the artistic and historical significance of these sessions.

What makes this pressing special:
Indie Exclusive Limited Edition Yellow Vinyl

Made in Canada sticker on the back of the shrink-wrap.

Hype Sticker on shrink-wrap reads:
"New Album
Featuring the Singles

Hard Working Man
Blood on the Tracks
It's Too Late

Limited Color Vinyl"

Includes poster and lyric booklet.

Track Listing:
A1. It's Too Late
A2. Lie Lie Lie
A3. Rescue Me
A4. Pain
A5. Good And Gone
B1. Blood On The Tracks
B2. Hard Working Man
B3. Aim High
B4. Dark Cloud
B5. Whisper
B6. Blues Worse Than I Ever Had

Sound Quality & Pressing Details:
The sonic characteristics of this pressing are exceptional. The dynamic range captures every nuance of the original performance – from the subtle brush work on the drums to the full bloom of the horns in the climactic passages. The stereo imaging (or mono presentation, depending on the era) places you right in the studio with the musicians. You can hear the room tone, the natural reverb, and those little details that make you feel like you're experiencing a live performance. The bass response is tight and defined, the midrange warm and present, and the high frequencies crisp without any harshness. Pressing quality is crucial for a record like this, and this release maintains the highest standards. The vinyl is quiet between tracks, tracking is excellent throughout, and the overall presentation does justice to the source material. Modern pressing technology has allowed engineers to revisit the original master tapes with fresh ears and cutting-edge equipment, resulting in a sound quality that often surpasses earlier reissues.

I've recommended this to countless collectors, and it never fails to impress. Essential listening for any music lover.

– Miles Waxey

Artist: Marcus King (2)

Format: 1LP

Genre: Blues

Label: Easy Eye Sound

Catalog Number: B0035476-01

Release Year: 2022

Country: United States

Condition: Sealed (New)