Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater
Reservation Blues
Bullseye Blues & Jazz
At 65 years young, Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater is experiencing a revival in his music. Once cast off as an imitator of Chuck Berry, the Chief is now finding success writing and recording new material and backing it up on the road. Fifty years ago, Eddy Harrington moved to Chicago and began his recording career with the help of Otis Rush and the influence of the early rock musicians. Fifty years have crowned him the progenitor of the West Side blues sound. But he’s not resting on his laurels. Instead, he puts out a rockin’ blues album with new, original material. How can a man facing Social Security even think about putting out a new album, let alone one that kicks, jumps and punches back at ya?
The record highlights his roots rock sound, hardcore blues, and New Orleans jazz influences. The themes cover everything from losing love to social injustice, but the album isn’t heavy loaded. There’s an element of good times in these eleven songs.
The CD opens with a storm of a sound to match the raging emotion that rips through “Winds Of Change.” Written by a pair of Nashvillians who survived the tornado from a few years back, the Chief uses it to set the tone for the rest of the CD. “I Wouldn’t Lay Down My Guitar” is an original tune that demonstrates Eddy’s love of the early ’50s rock sound. The roots-rock guitar will have you and your partner swinging to this quasi-autobiographical number. The rockers continue with “Suzie Q” and “Sweet Little Rock and Roller” by the big duckwalker himself, Chuck Berry. If it weren’t for the that fact that Eddy’s face is on the cover of the disc, a person would have to think twice as to who’s playing those danceable, smoking guitar licks.
The predominant style on the CD is Chicago blues. Shuffling guitar and wailing harmonica. “Find Yourself” delivers its message within that classic sound. The title track opens with a jazzy guitar and is backed by a horn section, but the song is all blues. A song that moans about personal baggage that can bring down any successful man. “Walls Of Hate” calls on all of us to break down the walls we build up separating people of different colors. If the social message is too heavy for you, jump right over to “Blues Cruise.” It’s a hoppin’ number carrying a cool ’50s feel. “Running Along” was co-written by Eddy’s wife, and shows how powerful his voice can get when singing about desolation.
Eight original songs making the Chief king of his tribe and master of the West Side blues. 65 means mandatory retirement for most people. But then, most people can’t play them left-hand reservation blues like the Chief.
Rounder Records, 1 Camp St., Cambridge, MA 02140; http://www.rounder.com
