Street Parade   Earl King   Fuel 2000 Records - 2003 A Review By Paule Pachter, May 30 , 2005

What can I possibly say about the late Earl King? Another New Orleans Rhythm and Blues legend that is sadly gone way before his time. King was 69 years old when he passed away in 2003 from complications from diabetes. But this well respected songwriter, guitarist and performer left behind an impressive catalog of music and fortunately some of it can be found on this great CD filled with 18 tracks written by King himself. The song illustrate King’s broad musical base ranging from stellar R&B to the decades when he was considered one of the Crescent City’s premier soul men. Some 23 years ago, this album was destined to catapult King into the R&B mainstream, but a series of record label deals gone wrong resulted in the parade passing Earl King by. Nevertheless, the album is still hear and truly worth a listen. Among the best material featured on this CD are: “You Make Me Feel Good;” “Fallin;” “A Mother’s Love;” “This is What I Call Living;” and “The Real McCoy.” And of course the CD wouldn’t be complete without two terrific second lines on the title track and “Am I Your Dog.” Earl King’s talents and songwriting abilities have touched many artists. Among those benefiting from an association with King are Fats Domino, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint and The Meters. The Meters provide much of the musical background on this CD as well. It’s not everyday that a New Orleans blues guitarist makes it to an audition with Motown Records in the heyday of the Hitsville era. Thankful for all of us Earl King’s music lives on in “Street Parade” and several other classic recordings. “Street Parade” earns a four-pepper rating and can be purchased online at Amazon.com. We greatly appreciate your support and encouragement of The Zydeco Road. Working together, we can enhance the recognition that Zydeco music and its artists so greatly deserve on Long Island and within the Metro New York area. [ Artist of the Month ] [Sounds of The Road ] [This Ain't No Rest Stop ] [ The Road Stops Here ] [Road Shows ] [Home ] [Email ] Click here to visitLIEYE.COM   copyright 2005 Paule Pachter/Richard Arfin. All rights reserved.