CD Review
William Clarke
"Tip Of The Top"
King Ace Music, Inc.
by Dick Houff
Review date: November 2000
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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For all of the William Clarke fans throughout the world, the reissue of "Tip Of The Top," should be cause for major excitement. Originally released in 1987, and limited to a thousand copies as an LP, with 4 previously unissued tracks as a bonus; eight of the fifteen songs are Clarke originals-excitement-of course! How many people can honestly say they've heard this record? With the limited pressing; very few indeed. Clarke's untimely death in 1996, was a major loss to the blues world. He self-produced six albums and guested on at least a dozen records before signing with Alligator Records. His debut (1990), "Blowin' Like Hell," met with instant success and a 1991, W.C. Handy Award (Must Be Jelly) for "Blues Song Of The Year." His fan base grew with each new release: Serious Intentions, Groove Time, and the triple Handy Award winning, The Hard Way. Unfortunately, he didn't live long enough to accept his awards from the podium. A posthumous collection of his work was released from Alligator, in the "Deluxe Editions Series," an overall compilation of his previous work. Clarke's harmonica attack-especially his chromatic
work, was a no-nonsense-in your-face lightning bolt. Listening to this new collection from the past is no different than what you'd expect in the year 2000. A tough Chicago, and West Coast sound that takes you to the edge, and that's William Clarke. On this session, Bill brought in an all-star cast of performers including his mentor, George "Harmonica" Smith. On track #4, Bill pays a heartfelt homage to his muse: Tribute To George Smith. Charlie Musselwhite, Ronnie Earl, Junior Watson, and Hollywood Fats drop by and all hell breaks loose! The songs; what can I say-they are well above any ratings. This is the one you want in your permanent collection.
This review is copyright © 2000 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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