Solomon Burke King Solomon (LP, 180g Vinyl)

(Pure Pleasure) 12 tracks - re-release of the original 1968 'Atlantic' LP album on 180g vinyl

According to the Bible King Solomon was a wise and prudent ruler whose exploits made him a folk-hero to his people and a great leader among nations. He was cele-brated in story and song throughout the length and breadth of his kingdom. Our 'King' Solomon Burke is almost as revered by his legion of ardent admirers through-out the world. If you have ever seen him perform in person, you have learned the meaning of the word soul. To hear King Solomon sing a soul ballad and to watch the tears fill his eyes is a moving and tre-mendously satisfying experience. King Solomon Burke displayed his leader-ship at an early age as a boy preacher in his home town of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It wasn't long before his ability to spread the Gospel was recognized by a veteran Philadelphia broadcasting personality, Kae Williams. A recording contract resulted and King Solomon was on his way. At first, he sang gospel songs, but later on switched to R&B. By the late 1950's Solomon had a few R&B hits under his belt. King Solomon's burgeoning reputation brought him to the attention of Jerry Wex-ler, Atlantic's Executive Vice President. In the early 1960's Solomon was signed to an Atlantic Recording contract. Under the guidance of Jerry Wexler, Solomon was groomed for stardom. After a few minor successes, Solomon recorded the country standard, Just Out Of Reach (Of My Two Empty Arms). That record became a smash in early 1961 and Solomon hasn't looked back since. He has recorded every type of material possible: Bob Dylan Folk-rock, spiritual-gospel, up-tempo rhythm & blues, soul ballads and country and western songs.

In this album King Solomon shows his ver-satility on a wide variety of material, from soul songs to country ballads. King Solomon brings you into church on a Sunday morning with his rendition of the Staple Singers' popular favorite, It's Been A Change. If you like to dance, you can't re-sist Party People, a song which Don Covay wrote expressly for The King. Solomon be-comes a country boy crying he wants to go home on Detroit City. For those who feel in the soul ballad groove, try It's Just A Matter Of Time and his chart-making version of Take Me (Just As I Am). Presents For Christmas displays Solomon's ability to convert to the Yuletide spirit as both an author and performer. Soul ballads are King Solomon's forte. The preacher knows how to communicate the message in Time Is A Thief, Keep A Light In The Window, Baby, Come On Home, When She Touches Me (Nothing Else Matters), and Woman, How On You Make Me Love You Like I Do. Performer-writer Eddie Floyd wrote Someone Is Watching specifically for Solomon. The material is choice and King Solomon's performances have never been better. This is a power-packed album, showcas-ing the many moods of The King Of Rock 'N' Soul, chart-breaking, hit-making, soul-shaking Solomon Burke. On the basis of this album alone, he merits the title, 'King Solomon'.  Johnny Meadow