Eddie King: Another Cow’s Dead

Guitarist-singer Eddie King does not go in for subtlety. He prefers to grab listeners by the throat on Another Cow’s Dead (Roesch 0035; 58:04). Backed by the Blues Brothers Horns, featuring special guest Ronnie Cuber on baritone sax, King unleashes with raw, funky abandon on a set of earth-shaking originals and a few well-worn covers like Elmore James’ “Yonder’s Wall” and “If Lovin’ You Is Wrong.” Not much information provided about the artist, but the label is based in Darien, Connecticut and the session was recorded in West Haven. This is my personal introduction to Mr. King’s gritty charm and piercing guitar attack. The title track, for instance, is a burner cut with humor while R&B-drenched tracks like “How Long Are You Going To Be Gone,” “Hey, Mr. Bluesman” and “I Like The Feeling” rekindled the vibe of Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd and Wilson Pickett. Eddie King is a real-deal bluesman with a capital B whose sheer passion, drive and authenticity should put him up there in the ranks of his various namesakes (B.B., Albert, Freddie, Earl). A great record and a delightful discovery.

Originally Published May 1, 1998