It contains previously unreleased tracks that were recorded at various times during the band's first eight years, and is sometimes referred to as Kingfish (1973–80).

Released by Relix Records as a vinyl LP in 1985, side one was recorded in the studio, and side two was recorded live.

[2][3][4] Kingfish is not to be confused with the band's 1976 debut album, which is also titled Kingfish.

Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, who was a member of Kingfish from 1974 to 1976, plays on seven of the album's thirteen songs.

LP side one — studio cuts: LP side two — live cuts: Lead vocals: Matt Kelly on "Taste of the Devil", "Fox on the Run"; Dave Torbert on "Mess Around", "School Days", "Young Blood"; Bob Weir on "Hidden Charms", "Road Runner", "Promised Land"; Barry Flast on "My Pledge of Love", "Feels So Good"; Michael O'Neill on "Key to the Highway"; John Lee Hooker on "Put Your Hand on Me" "This record is a living tribute to Dave Torbert, June 7, 1948 – Dec. 7, 1982."