Eric Quincy Tate - Eric Quincy Tate

A compelling, if long forgotten, debut

Thirty-five years after its original release, Tate’s debut still sounds strikingly modern: an enticing, exciting mix of rock, funk, swampy blues, and Southern fried soul. In reality, there was no ‘Eric Quincy Tate’. The name was adopted by Kingsville, Texas-based outfit The Kings, in an attempt to sound fashionably British. And when they actually recorded the album, only drummer/vocalist Donnie McCormick and guitarist Tommy Carlisle were allowed to play on the record (other instrumental duties were handled by The Dixie Flyers, The Memphis Horns and album co-producer Tony Joe White). The inclusion of the band’s original demo among the bonus tracks allows for ready comparison with EQT’s early work and the subsequent re-recordings for the album proper. Stonehead Blues’ demo is undeniably rawer, but one wonders why the rest of the band had to replaced. McCormick’s appealingly scraping voice remains the main draw. Surprisingly versatile, it is alternately tender (on the sweet plea I Want ’Cha) and raunchy (warning of the perils of Hooker House). Despite recording two subsequent albums, Tate never found great success. Hopefully, this will give a bit of a boost to a record that’s been overlooked for far too long.

Cotillion/Rhino Handmade | RHM2 7721

Reviewed by Gillian G Gaar
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