Blues On Stage - Otis Clay, "This Time Around"

CD Review
Otis Clay
"This Time Around"
Bullseye Blues & Jazz (CD BB 9590), 13 tracks, 54 minutes
by Kurt Koehler bluesnews@kmktech.com

Following his last two Bullseye releases "I'll Treat You Right" (BB 9520) and "Soul Man: Live in Japan" ((BB 9513), Otis Clay's "This Time Around" is yet another strong contribution. Clay's smooth and soulful vocals are heavily complimented by the wonderful arrangements on the thirteen tracks. The background singers and the horns are just right in the mix and never overrun Clay.

Produced by Willie Mitchell and recorded in Memphis, the CD features a few guests spots -- on two cuts by Cash McCall on guitar on "You Never Miss The Water" and "That's How It Is," and by Preston Shannon on "Standing in The Rain." These artists give a different feel to these cuts and provide some strategically places variations which are fine additions to the CD - a perfect compliment to Clay's vocals.

This CD is marked by many great tunes, but check out the arrangement and depth of the movements between the horns, the organ, piano, background vocals and Clay's strong performance on the Tommy Tate song, "Somebody Help." This is Soul with a capital "S."

E-mail Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com