Review: 'Living In The Last Days' by Elizabeth King

Elizabeth King

By Chris Wheatley

Recording your debut full-length album at the age of 77 is an achievement to be proud of and an inspiration to us all. Apart from that, Living In The Last Days by Elizabeth King out April 2, 2021 on Bible & Tire Recording Co., is one of the most extraordinary set of 11 songs you will hear this year. It is 45 years since the sacred soul singer last recorded but this album and it’s justifiably causing a stir.

King’s journey into music is a singular tale. Following a horrific car crash in 1969, doctor’s advised that she would never walk again. Overturning their expectations, King took her first steps, and overcome with gratitude, pledged herself to religion. During the 70s, as Elizabeth King & The Gospel Souls, she was one of few female singers to lead an all-male backing group. Soul music, of course, is indelibly linked to gospel, with many of its enduring talents deeply influenced by the latter. Without the gospel tradition, we would have had no James Brown or Sam Cooke. King is a timely reminder of that fact but, history aside, she is a stirring talent in her own right.

Elizabeth King is backed by a who’s who of Memphis players such as the Sacred Soul Sound Section including guitarist Will Sexton (Dale Watson, Nicki Bluhm, Amy LaVere), drummer George Sluppick (Albert King, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Jake LaBotz), guitarist Matt Ross-Spang (Al Green, Jason Isbell, John Prine), and bassist Mark Edgar Stuart (Alvin Youngblood Hart). Organist Al Gamble (St. Paul & The Broken Bones, The Hold Steady, Don Bryant, Alex Chilton) also joins the proceedings. Most notably, she was also backed by singers Christopher and Courtney Barnes aka The Sensational Barnes Brothers. The album is produced Fat Possum’s Bruce Watson.

Opener “No Ways Tired” is immediately affecting; a joyful and exuberant mix of gospel, crashing rock and heart-rending soul, with razor-sharp guitar and deep, thudding bass. Over it all, King’s voice soars with sincere emotion. Age has only added to the pathos and compelling power of her delivery. She moves from low to high registers with remarkable ease, her delivery free of histrionics and affectation. The poignant “He Touched Me” takes things at an easier pace; a soft, shuffling blues-soul, which is no less arresting for its slower tempo. The assembled players do a fine job, swirling and shifting around King’s vocals, although one could listen to King sing solo and still be held spellbound.

“Testify” bounds out of the speakers with wah-wah guitar and frenetic drums. There is an underlying sense of joy apparent on every track of this album, certainly no less on this cut. Organ, bass, guitar and drums vie with each other to create a dancing, jumping playground of sound. Handclap percussion and a backing chorus urge King on as she delivers with restrained power and remarkable charm. She is a master at work, completely at home in her environment. If anything, the title track ups the game, with vamping organ and some remarkable performances from all concerned. You’ll hear shades of mainstream 60s soul here, but also the gleeful exuberance of Sly Stone and Funkadelic.

The shimmering, meandering “Walk With Me” shines with emotion. Some beautiful and subtle horns are added to the mix, casting a lingering gloss over another startling arrangement. It is the passion and sincerity of these musicians which make this music special. You can feel a warm intensity in every note. “Call On Him” echoes early Motown (more rightly, early Motown echoes this type of gospel-soul), with a highly effecting groove, abundant nuanced adornments and singable lyrics. “You Got To Move” closes the show with more grit and burning fire than many a down ‘n dirty blues number.

Don’t let yourself be put off by the gospel tag. Whatever your stance on religion, this is one fine record, full of sizzling musicianship, and showcasing one of the most moving and captivating voices you can experience. That there is still a strong appetite among modern audiences for the songs of Elizabeth King is testament to this music’s lasting power and vision.

Watch “Living In The Last Days”