SUN KING RISING’s Debut Album “DELTA TALES” Now Available Worldwide.

PeacockSunrise Records is thrilled to announce that Sun King Rising‘s debut album, Delta Tales is now available worldwide as well as the Sun King Rising Bandcamp store, Delta Tales is available in three formats; CD, and digital with vinyl to follow later this year.

Sun King Rising is the professional moniker of singer/songwriter/piano player John Blangero who hails from Port Isabel, Texas. The album is produced by New York-based producer, Steven “Ace” Acker.

Blangero is steeped in the traditions of southern rock and country soul. His music, arrangements, and vocal stylings have a strong’70s vibe reminiscent of Leon Russell and Joe Cocker, while also sounding fresh and new.

Blangero’s songs are filled with memorable hooks, rocking piano, driving rhythms, a powerful horn section, and soulful female background singers a la’ Ray Charles’ Raelettes.

“I’ve been wanting to do a solo Americana/southern soul/classic rock type of album for many years,” Blangero said. “I wanted to capture some of that classic rock and soul vibe in my own songs. So, I started writing and recording solo demos of songs like Let There Be Light, Down the Delta Road, Drive Me to Nashville, In A State of Grace, and Love Turns Grey

The recording of Delta Tales was a fascinating task, spanning four months, from January 2020 to mid-May. The Coronavirus shutdown in April forced Blangero and Acker to complete the production remotely with players and singers dubbing their parts over the basic tracks in several different studios across the country.

Said Blangero, “It was a logistical challenge, but Ace did a great job organizing the players and the sessions. I am proud of this record. We captured the magic that I’ve always heard in my head with great background singers, classic horn parts, tight rhythm sections, killer guitar, funky keys, and my own acoustic piano parts. It sounds like it could have been recorded in the early 70s, which is the vibe I was going for.”

In closing, Blangero said, “I tried to capture my southern soul on this album. I hope that the overall message it conveys is one of positivity, especially in these dark times. I think we have put together strong songs that will make people tap their feet and sing along, too! For me, the song is everything.”

What the Critics Are Saying

A stellar debut from Sun King Rising that finds this exceptional unit shining on 10 delicious tracks. The tasty gumbo cooked up on Delta Tales contains chief ingredients of blues, country, and classic rock spiced up with horns and a hint of prog.
Richard Lynch – Music City Nashville

“A stellar debut from Sun King Rising. The tasty gumbo cooked up on Delta Tales contains chief ingredients of blues, country and classic rock spiced up with horns and a hint of prog.”
Richard Lynch – SoundPress.net

“He has that untamed quality in his voice that enables him to trek different soundscapes.” “These performances radiate confidence and adept songcraft.”
Daniel Pavlica – The Rocktoligist

“This is a thoroughly enjoyable album, full of memories and great songs, in the tradition of The Band and so many others. Classic rock and soul steeped in Americana, with great songs and vocals, this album is a sheer delight from the first strike of the snare drum to the organ fade out.”
Kev Rowland – ReZonatZ

“This is a stomper and a raver that’s sure to take you back even if you weren’t there in the first place. Hot stuff.”
Midwest Records Entertainment

“Ten Americana and Southern Rock songs on which we also hear elements of country, soul, and blues.” “There are some great modern songs such as the rocking Milkweed And Thistle, the ballads Down The Delta Road, In A State Of Grace, and Drive Me To Nashville and the up- tempo song Love Turns Gray with a sublime horn section”
Valsam – RootsTime

“Profoundly resonating storytelling.”
“A complex, yet ultimately rewarding production.” “Showcase Blangero’s emotionally atmospheric vocals”.Russell Trunk’s Exclusive Magazine

“From the South with love and gospel: newly prominent proponent of Americana proclaims his appearance on the scene. Lures the listener in for a soulful refreshment…John’s honeyed pipes make the low tones of Evangeline in the Morning sound hymnal”
Dmitry M. Epstein – DMME

CD TrackListing

The Snake Milkweed And Thistle
Down The Delta Road
In A State Of Grace Take It Down
Beneath The Southern Sun
Evangeline In The Morning
Love Turns Grey
Drive Me To Nashville
Let There Be Light
Free Will In China Blue -Digital-Only Bonus Track

LP TrackListing

Side 1
The Snake
Milkweed And Thistle
Free Will In China Blue
In A State Of Grace
Take It Down

Side 2
Beneath The Southern Sun
Evangeline In The Morning
Love Turns Grey
Drive Me To Nashville
Let There Be Light
Down The Delta Road – Digital-Only Bonus Track

PRE-ORDER LP HERE (Bandcamp)

Watch the First Official Video from Delta Tales Here.