This particular version of the Broadcasters was unarguably magical, and this recording reveals why. Recorded four years after
Earl dealt with his demons (alcohol, drugs, nervous collapse), it is the first of a string of all-instrumental albums by
Earl, and it drips with class and soul. It's not just the exceptional skill of the players, however, that makes it so special; it was recorded on one of a handful of audiophile labels (AudioQuest), and therefore features state-of-the-art production. From the ringing opening chords of
Magic Sam's "Blues for the West Side" to the beautiful acoustic guitar/piano duet of "Derek's Peace,"
Still River is thoroughly enjoyable. "Kansas City Monarch" is slow and sweet, featuring
Bruce Katz tearing up the low notes, a nice sax solo by
Anders Gaardmand, and some great double-string work by
Earl. There is a moody version of
John Coltrane's "Equinox" and a bog-dwelling rouser written by the entire band called "Chili Ba Hugh." You'll also like the greasy Hammond B3 organ on "Soul Serenade." A tempo change three minutes into the song suddenly finds the listener "getting religion" and tempted to yell "Amen!."
Earl's own "Rego Park Blues" also showcases some nice B3 and finds
Earl in the place where he shines the brightest, delicately coaxing a hushed solo from his Strat. Although not as jazzy as
Earl's subsequent efforts,
Still River sows the seeds that sprouted a few years later with
Language of the Soul and with the albums that followed. ~ Ann Wickstrom