Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater Reservation Blues CD

Eddy Clearwater is equally talented as a bluish singer and as an improvising guitarist. On Reservation Blues, he ranges from Chicago blues to rock & roll, throwing in a couple instrumentals too. His repertoire includes both socially relevant lyrics and good-time music, featuring some of the latter when the former gets a bit too somber. Although there are some solid solos from his supporting players (including three guitar spots for Duke Robillard, two fine solos from tenor saxophonist Dennis Taylor, and a guest appearance by Carey Bell on harmonica during "Find Yourself"), Clearwater is the main star throughout. Fortunately, he is heard in prime form, whether happily jamming "I Wouldn't Lay My Guitar Down" and "Blues Cruise" or singing in a more serious mood on "Winds of Change" and "Everything to Gain." A gem. ~ Scott Yanow

Recorded at Lakewest Recording, West Greenwich, Rhode Island. Includes liner notes by Michael McCall.

Personnel: Eddy Clearwater (vocals, guitar); Duke Robillard (guitar); Carey Bell (harmonica); Dennis Taylor (tenor saxophone); Doug James (baritone saxophone); Matt McCabe (piano); Jeff McAllister (drums, percussion).

Audio Mixer: John Paul Gauthier.

Liner Note Author: Michael McCall.

Recording information: Lakewest Recording, West Greenwich, RI (2000).

Personnel: Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater (vocals, guitar); Duke Robillard (guitar); Carey Bell (harmonica); Dennis Taylor, Doug James (saxophone); Matt McCabe (piano); John Packer, Patrick McKeever (bass); Jeff McAllister (drums, percussion).

Producers: Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater, Duke Robillard.

Blister Pack

Down Beat (10/00, p.76) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...Clearwater has composed some dandy songs....making splendid use of producer Duke Robillard's band, especially tenorman Dennis Taylor, who solos stirringly on 2 numbers..."
JazzTimes (12/00, p.96) - "...Another solid and soulful offering from the blues vet....ranging from protorockers...to down-home bluesy originals..."
Living Blues (11-12/00, pp.62-3) - "...Clearwater retains perpetually youthful optimism....his guitar work remaining as consistently tasteful as ever..."