Description
Hear ye, hear ye: The Soul King of Bessemer, Alabama is holding court.
From building his first cigar-box guitar at age 7 to commanding the stage at Telluride Blues & Brews and the International Blues Challenge, Earl “Guitar” Williams was always destined for blues royalty. On The Soul King of Bessemer, AL, he shows us the full breadth of his power, from soul, funk, and country to good ol’ gutbucket blues.
These 10 tracks are a lively mix of covers and original songs, including Earl’s signature songs “Can of Alligator” and “Hey Mr. Gip” - the latter an ode to Gip’s Place, the Bessemer juke joint where he cut his teeth as a young artist. The crowning glory is his take on “California Dreamin’,” showcasing his fleet-fingered guitar stylings and strong vocals. With producer Jimbo Mathus on drums, guitar, and keys, Bronson Tew on bass, and The Crimestoppers on backup vocals, the result is a true gem of an album.
Earl’s reign is just beginning. Long live the king.
