Earl King

Come On: The Complete Imperial Recordings chronicles guitarist Earl King's brief affiliation with the label between 1960 and 1962. New Orleans R&B was at its most productive in that era, with gems being cranked out one after another. The man at the helm of those recordings was producer Dave Bartholomew. In between cutting monumental sides for the label with Fats Domino, Bartholomew hooked up with King and the results speak for themselves on these 17 tracks. Assisted by the cream of Crescent City musicians and vocalists, including James Booker, Edward "Kidd" Jordan, Willie Tee, and Benny Spellman, King recorded his paramount singles "Come On, Pts. 1 & 2," "Always a First Time," and "Trick Bag." The only drawback to this compilation is the omission of King's first hit, "Those Lonely, Lonely Nights," which was recorded for Ace Records a few years prior to his association with Imperial. Nevertheless, these tracks (including six unreleased cuts) undoubtedly stand as some of the finest R&B to come out of New Orleans. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide