"Marcus, King of Blues and Soul."
Marcus King has a voice that one can only attribute as god-given.
The 23-year-old - yes, really - blue-eyed-soul prodigy's debut solo album, 'El Dorado', produced by his close acquaintance Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys', quite simply takes your breath away.
The guitar phenomenon - who is best known for his work in southern blues rock outfit The Marcus King Band - melds the genius of James Brown and Jimi Hendrix.
Backing the South Carolina-born crooner is a bunch of prodigious players in their own right;
Gene Chrisman on drums and keyboard player Bobby Wood - who were in the American Sound Studio band and played on Dusty Springfield’s ‘Son of a Preacher Man’ and Elvis Presley’s 'Suspicious Minds'.
'Wildflowers and Wine' is reminiscent of Al Green's rendition of the Bee Gees' hit 'How Can You Mend A Broken Heart'.
'Say You Will' sees King breeze his way up and down the fret board on the methodical blues rock anthem.
Glorious gospel number 'Turn It Up' is a fitting ode to late Godfather of Soul, James Brown.
Marcus, King of Blues and Soul is born.
As for Auerbach - who has produced records for the likes of Lana Del Rey, Jake Bugg, and the Pretenders - he is to thank for honing in on King's heavenly chops, with flawless, pin-drop production.
Listen to 'Wildflowers and Wine':
Speaking of working with Marcus, Dan said: "Marcus is known by so many as a phenom guitar player, and rightfully so.
"He’s regularly the best player in the room, hands down.
"I was equally blown away by the way he can sing – so effortless, so soulful, straight from the heart.
"He’s a naturally gifted writer too, which was clear straight away.
"Everything for him is so innate – that’s why he can always go right to the heart of a song and connect in a deeper way. He’s really one of a kind and I’m proud I got to work alongside him on this record.”
Rating: 10/10
For Fans Of: Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Elvis
Release Date: January 17