Judge Parker – “Southern Souls”By Tommy Roeck

Judge Parker is a name that has been around the southern circuit for 20+ years and rightly so. Their un-defeatable spirits and drive has taken them to Europe and beyond with at least 3 full albums to their credit their first self titled album released in 1998, their 2nd release “Sound Medicine” in 2004, and their latest attempt “Along for the Ride” released in 2009, of which my personal favorite cut is “In the Wind”. Performing over 200 shows a year here and abroad has seasoned this band into a serious southern rock & roll machine.

I first met Larry Pearson around 14 years ago while I was working sound at the now defunct Gators Club in Hot Springs, and was impressed with the showmanship, vocals, and charisma this man possesses. He is a true friend that will bend over backwards to help a fellow out in times of need. As I can recall my band then “Area 51” in 1998 had a date in Fort Smith and needed some cymbals to do our gig because somehow they got left at home in the Spa City. Mr. Pearson found us some in plenty of time for the show, and I have lent them an amp or mic stand from time to time when they were in my neck of the woods. It surely pays to have friends away from home, and anywhere else period. Larry and Arthur Pearson formed the band in 1988. During the early 80’s the Pearson Brothers had several groups such as: “Legend” and “White Horse “ and by the mid 80’s they were known as “Smith-Pearson” and opened for many bands in Shreveport, Louisiana such as: “Pantera”, “Lillian Axe”, “Madam X” & “Helix” to name a few. They draw upon their vast influences of Black Oak Arkansas, Bob Seger, Tom Jones, Greg Allman, Doc Holiday, Danny Joe Brown, and so on. The band has even toured under the “BOA” name and backed up Jim Dandy & Ricky Lee Reynolds countless times as his backup band, and are included in the Black Oak family. Larry said;” Arthur and I have been a part of Black Oak Arkansas since 1989. Jim Dandy called me yesterday about doing some shows this year with him. He lives in Memphis which is only a few hours away, we know all the songs and are always there to help him out, "Judge Parker to the Rescue". Lol!“ When in the studio “JP” uses as many local northwest Arkansas studio players as they can acquire exclusively, keeping the vibe in the family so to speak. The lineup changes a lot but Larry Pearson on Vocals/ Guitar/ Frontman, & Arthur Pearson on Lead Guitars will always be a constant.Larry was quoted as saying;” I believe the more people that have our CD is way more important than waiting on people to buy them. Therefore, more than half our CDs were for given for Public Relations & to get our name out there”. When William Lee Golden set up many showcases for Judge Parker throughout the early 90's.they were turned down by every major record company in Nashville. They weren't interested in southern rock. A lot of them would string the group along and make promises to sign “JP” only to let them down again. William said, "Let's start our own label and call it Court Records", so they did. Now all “JP” releases are under that label. Judge Parker was hired to play at John Carter Cash's 21st birthday at a small club in Nashville and Johnny Cash, June Carter, Bill Monroe & Minnesota Fats were in the front row smiling & having a good time. Although they are all gone now, that moment still lives on in their hearts. Another time, the band was in Mobile, Alabama playing a club & across town that same night was Molly Hatchet, The Outlaws & Marshall Tucker Band. Later on that night they played "Dreams I'll Never See", Hatchet version, & Danny Joe Brown walked in with all the other bands & crew. He got up on stage with them during the intro & stayed up there for an hour. He's a lot like Pat Travers, if he finds out “JP” is playing in the same city you can bet he'll be there & put on a show. Their newest album, “Along For The Ride” is dedicated to the road and lifestyles that keep the band driving on and fans still wanting more. In 2010 Judge Parker toured Europe for the first time as a headline act with sold out shows in Germany, France, Belgium and Holland. That same year a documentary reality television series called “Living on the Edge” riding with the Vietnam vets motorcycle club in Pennsylvania, featured 11 songs by the band. It is about the positive aspects of the biker (Harley) lifestyle it has aired several times in the US and Canada. Another European tour is set for September and October 2011, with even a longer tour with dates in Spain and the UK. A new album is in the works as well as a live DVD.

More info. is available at www.myspace.com/judgeparker or www.reverbnation.com/judgeparker. This band has shown much grit and dedication in it’s long climb up the rocky road of the southern rock ladder since it’s creation nearly 25 years ago. Their hearts and souls pour out with every note spilled either live or in the studio. If you get a chance to catch a show or book these troubadours of the southern persuasion,don’t think twice, for they will surely rock your face off! - T.R.