Earl King (1934-2003) was one of the most influential yet under-appreciated blues artists around. Born and bred in New Orleans, his music oozed of the Crescent City in vibe, beat and earthiness. His songs such as “Come On” was covered by no less than Jimi Hendrix (on the Electric Ladyland album) and Stevie Ray Vaughan and other tunes of his such as “Trick Bag” and “Teasin’ You” were redone by the likes of Robert Palmer, The Neville Brothers, Dr. John and Lee Dorsey. This two disc set covers all that is essential, including his top R&B hits Always a First Tie,” “Trick Bag,” and “Those Lonely, Lonely Nights.”
But the great thing about blues and &B artists of the 50s and 60s is that there are no such things as “hits” or “B” sides. Everything King released on labels such as Savoy, Ace, Vin, Rex, Imperial and Specialty was either a jumping blues under his original name Earl Johnson, his group The Kings, Handsome Earl or his best known moniker. You can tell that he grew up in the church, as songs like “Have You Gone Crazy?” and “Well’O, Well’O Well’O Baby” are drenched in gospel waters. The musicians here were local cats, including legendary saxists Lee Allen and Red Tyler (who did tons of work for Little Richard, etc), James Booker/p and Charles Williams, and while a few of the songs in the early 60s such as “You Better Know” get a bit bowdlerized and polished, most of the time you’re getting red beans and rice right off the skillet. King’s voice is streetwise, his playing is juke joint jumpin’ and the feel is low ceilinged and smoky roomed. Check this out!