Blues Got Soul was the final album for blues and soul singer King Ernest Baker. He never got to see its release as he was killed in an automobile accident 4 days after finishing it. It was released on the Fat Possum label in 2000. It contains the single "I Must Have Lost My Mind".
Background The material covered include, "House Where Nobody Lives" which was originally by Tom Waits. It also has "I Must Have Lost My Mind" which has a similarity to an Al Green type of feeling. Other songs on the release include the love song, "Rock Me in Your Arms" and "Blues Conviction".All About Jazz, October 1, 2000 - King Ernest: Blues Got Soul by Ed Kopp Baker had a hand in composing material for the album. He wrote half of the songs on the album.Pop Matters - King Ernest, Blues Got Soul by Barbara Flaska Bakers vocals were reminiscent of the Memphis soul, Stax sound.Big City Blues, Volume 7 (2001) - Page 54
Baker listened to the final mixes for the album on Thursday, March 2, 2000. On Sunday, March 5, while making his way back to Los Angeles, he was killed in a motor vehicle on Highway 101.AllMusic - King Ernest, Blues Got Soul, AllMusic Review by Al CampbellBlues Society - King Ernest - Blues Got Soul Review, Quotes by: Gary Chiachi, Long Beach Blues Festival Producer
Bakers death was reported in the issue of April 3, 2000 CMJ New Music Report, and that according to Fat Possum Records, a release date had not been set.CMJ New Music Report, April 3, 2000 - Page 4 Top Stories, Blues Singer King Ernest Dies in Car Crash
A single containing two songs from the album was released in 2002 on Grapevine GSX 5004. It was released on 12", 33⅓ RPM format. The songs on the A side were "I Must Have Lost My Mind (Radio Edit)" (3:50) and "I Must Have Lost My Mind (Extended Version)" (5:32). The B side contained "Rock Me In Your Arms" (3:35). The groove on “Wood Rat” has to be heard to be believed. No click track, no edits, one take. The credited producer on the single was Andy Kaulkin. Doug Messenger was the engineer and the post production and edits were by Paul Mooney.Discogs - King Ernest – Must Have Lost My Mind
Track listing Adapted from Discogs.Discogs - King Ernest – Blues Got Soul "Suffer And Stay" – 4:20 "Blues Conviction" – 5:12 "Contentment" – 4:36 "Rock Me In Your Arms" – 3:38 "House Where Nobody Lives" – 4:03 "Fallin' Down On My Face With The Blues" – 4:42 "'Till The Day I Die" – 3:02 "Must Have Lost My Mind" – 3:53 "Wood Rat" – 3:52 "Regular Man" – 3:12
Personnel Adapted from CD UniverseCD Universe - King Ernest - Blues Got Soul CD Background vocals: Deston Berry, Rick Holmstrom, Kincaid Smith Bass: Laurence Baulden Drums: Steve Mugalian Guitar: Rick Holmstrom Keyboards: Andy Kaulkin Saxophone: Michael Benedict, Efren Santana, Jeff Big Dad Turmes Trumpet: Kincaid Smith Vocals: King Ernest Production Producer - Andy Kaulkin Engineer - Doug Messenger Photography - Billy Turner
Singles
+ Release Act Title Release info Year Notes King Ernest "Must Have Lost My Mind (Radio Edit)""Must Have Lost My Mind (Extended Version)" / "Rock Me In Your Arms" Grapevine GSX 5004 2002 12", 33 ⅓ RPMDiscogs - King Ernest Discography, Singles & EPs
References
Reviews Blues Society: King Ernest - Blues Got Soul Review All About Jazz: King Ernest: Blues Got Soul by Ed Kopp Pop Matters: King Ernest, Blues Got Soul by Barbara Flaska Blues Bytes: November 2000, WHAT's NEW