The Soul King Of Bessemer, AL
Music Maker, 2026
8/10
Listen to The Soul King Of Bessemer, AL
The Alabama guitar legend, Earl Williams, brings along Jimbo Mathus, Bronson Tew and The Crimestoppers for these 10 head bobbin’, top tappin’ blues rockers.
The infectious energy of “Flashlight” opens with The Crimestoppers’ soulful backing vocals and Williams’ flowing guitar and gritty pipes guiding the fun, and “California Dreamin’” follows with a softer approach that makes great use of Mathus’ thumping drums.
The middle spot belongs to “I Know You Love Me”, which balances melody and warmth via the romantic spirit, while “Can Of Alligator” brings harmonica to the occasion, where Tew’s skilled bass makes an impression.
“Hey Mr. Gip” and “Bring Me My Shotgun” exit the listen. The former is a scrappy, southern fueled moment that’s rhythmic, and the latter strums with sincerity amid Williams’ vivid storytelling and no lack of graceful blues ideas.
Williams’ first guitar was built out of a cigar-box guitar at age 7, and he hasn’t stopped since. He brings a lifetime of experiences and talent to these soul, funk, country to good ol’ gutbucket blues that further solidifies his status as ‘The Soul King Of Bessemer, AL’.
Travels well with: Dedicated Men Of Zion- Coming Up Through The Years; The Crimestoppers- On The Case