The Jelly Roll Kings – Rockin’ The Juke Joint Down

Earwig founder Michael Frank heard this dynamic trio in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1975 and got so captivated that he returned in 1978 to record them as the first record on Earwig. This recording, done in Memphis at the famed Ardent Studios, has been the most popular on the label, and has been considered a classic of raw Mississippi juke joint blues. The much anticipated release of this LP in 1979 led to the group’s first European tour, where they were a huge hit at the first Blues Estafette in the Netherlands. It marked the debut of Big Jack Johnson as a vocalist and lead guitarist, and led to a resurgence in the band’s career, collectively and individually.

The Jelly Roll Kings: Frank Frost, Sam Carr, Big Jack Johnson 
...The Kings cook with their own brand of gas, simmering rock, pop and c & w influences into the basic broth of authentic funk to create a piping hot Southern gumbo... a driving selection of instrumental and vocal burners...- Downbeat (Big Jack Johnson's) vocals are raw, and he plays raunchy, thunderous guitar... (Frank Frost) blows harmonica with a flair that recalls Sonny Boy Williamson... (drummer Sam Carr) gets the groove going...- The Seattle Rocket

Track Listing:
1. I Didn't Know - 3:58   2. Road of Love - 4:33   3. Soul Love - 3:06   4. Mighty Long Time - 4:01   5. Honeydrippin' Boogie - 4:48   6. Something on Your Mind - 4:34   7. Jelly Roll King - 2:20   8. Catfish Blues - 3:58   9. Cleo's Back - 4:36   10. Slop Jar Blues - 2:17   11. Jelly Roll Stroll - 2:29   12. Have Mercy Baby - 4:11   13. Sunshine Twist (You Are My Sunshine) - 2:23   14. Just a Dream (Just a Feeling) - 5:11   15. Burnt Biscuits - 4:30

Reviews:

1. AllMusic - Bill Dahl
Michael Frank inaugurated his Earwig imprint with this 1979 album reteaming Frost, Johnson, and Carr in all their glory. Frank was mesmerized by the trio's almost telepathic musical interplay, a trait captured vividly by the album itself. This trio's repertoire was varied -- the no-holds-barred "Slop Jar Blues" is offset by the bubbly instrumental "Sunshine Twist." Frost and Johnson share vocal duties.