KING is the first release by Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter Bernie Gibbs King (AKA Bernie King) and has been described as the unholy love child of Steve Earle and Bob Dylan. Not sure that there could be a holy love child of Steve Earle and Bob Dylan, but you get the point.
Kicking things off is the timeless imagery and ghostly instrumentation of off-kilter banjo and haunting pedal steel that swing gently through the opening track Dirt and Dust. Then the door gets kicked down by the rock beast that is North Rim. And once the door is open, the journey continues to destinations all over the Americana, rock, and alt-country map, with a final stop at the sweet and gentle beauty of Every Little Diamond, a heart-melting duet with Eliza Blue.
Lots of artists like to say, “I’ll let the music do the talking for meâ€, and the music on KING has plenty to say. The focus up to this point has been on pre-release direct distribution to radio stations. Additionally, based on fervent myspace buzz, KING has been sought by radio stations, many of whose shows feature Americana/alt-country formats. Tracks from KING are already in rotation throughout Europe, such as the House of Mercy in the U.K., France’s Americana Music Club, and Holland’s Roots Time. Domestically, KING gets spins on Radio Free Americana in Virginia and Free Wheelin’, right in Bernie’s back yard of Minneapolis. A West Coast roll-out is currently underway.
So, who the heck is Bernie Gibbs King? Born in Roswell, New Mexico on Halloween, he’s spent his time mining the lessons of great performers and producing songs that are buffed to a fine sparkle and shine. He’s gathered up Jeff Waldeland on pedal steel, Mike Senkovich on electric guitar, mix- master Ben Durrant (of Roma di Luna) on piano, banjo, & guitar, Matt Smith on bass, and Grant Thelen on drums & trumpet to craft an amazing first effort.
“After hearing KING, even a godless heathen like me wants to go ‘Drinking with the Lord’. Cinematic, evocative, timeless, and a fine traveling companion, KING is king!†Johnny Russia
“Certainly a name that we should keep an eye on, Bernie King makes this "King" for his own royal entrance as a singer songwriter.†Freddy Celis, Rootstime
