Customer Reviews

Earl's Pearls: Very Best of

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If you're really into New Orleans music like i am, or if you really like Earl King, this a gem of a CD. I've been looking for the material on this CD for years. It's got a lot to offer. Firstly, the fact that you get Those Lonely, Lonely Nights, might be worth the cost of the CD all by itself. Definitely the best tune on the CD, and if you've heard Dr. John's version then you know what you're in for. Also, all of these cuts are classic Imperial recordings, featuring the famous New Orleans "Rhythm Section", as well as piano work by Huey "Piano" Smith. Check Huey's classic rolling piano solo on Lonely, Lonely Nights. These recordings really exemplify what New Orleans R&B was all about. The other thing that this CD offers is the chance to really hear the link between Guitar Slim and Earl King. In his earliest days Earl King made his way by posing as Guitar Slim and going on tour. And that influence is really evident in these tracks. You can hear Guitar Slim in both Earl's vocals and guitar tone. Also, of note is two early versions of what would become Come On Pt 1 + 2. All around a great great CD, it's too bad that this material is so hard to find. So if you have the chance, take it.

What a great opportunity to hear the great songs that Mr. Earl recorded in th late 50's. His great songwriting and guitar playing along with those bad New Orleans sessions cats made local r&b history. I was lucky enough to live near Louisiana Avenue in my college days in the early 70's and spent many evenings chatting with Mr. Earl over coffee at his "office", a corner table at "Allgood's, an all night diner across from Touro Infirmary. It was a great opportunity to get to know this wonderful man behind the legend and to hear many stoies of the record business in New Orleans in the golden age of rhythm and blues.

This collection of classic songs brings back a lot of memories of a New Orleans original. I reccomend it to anyone who loves this mucsic as much as I do.