Earl King - Hard River to Cross

Numba two of the fine Black Top Earl King releases came out some four years later and is every bit the equal of 'Sexual Therapy'. Just one mind f*** band of New Orleans big boys on this one. George Porter Jr and Dave Torkanowsky head up a cast of heavyweights that also includes Snooks Eaglin, Herman Ernest III, Sammy Berfect, and a revamped version of Mark 'Kaz' Kazimov's Kamikazi Horns. I actually read a review by a truly clueless and nationally published individual (who shall remain nameless) this morning in which he stated that Earl's singing was his weak point and didn't seem to come easily. Who the hell was he talking about and what the hell was he listening to? This man was an absolutely killer singer! Now if you were going to criticize his guitar playing I'd have to go along, but to cap on his singing just proves you ain't listening. At least he recognized that the songs were especially good. If you are just digging the crap out of these be aware that there is a glorious live recording of Earl from Tips about 2 months back on this blog.

Earl King - Hard River to Cross
Black Top Records 1994


1) Medieval Days
2) Seduction
3) Hard River to Cross
4) Clairvoyant Lady
5) It Hurts to Love Someone
6) No City Like New Orleans
7) You Better Know
8) Big Foot
9) Your Love Means More to Me Than Gold
10) I'm Still Holding On
11) Handy Wrap
12) Love Can Save the World

Earl King vocals, songs, guitar, George Porter Jr bass, production
Dave Torkanowsky piano, organ, keyboards, production,
Sammy Berfect organ, Snooks Eaglin guitar,
Herman 'the German' Ernest drums, Mark Kazimov all sax solos
Ernest Youngblood Jr tenor sax, JB Goode tenor sax,
Keith Winking trumpet, Rick Trolsen trombone