Clarence Spady Surrender

Clarence Spady
Surrender
Nola Blue

As Bill Dahl observes in the booklet accompanying "Surrender," "You wouldn't call Clarence Spady a prolific recording artist." He recorded "Nature of the Beast" in 1996 and "Just Between Us" in 2008, both highly praised and nominated for Blues Foundation Awards. Now 13 years later comes "Surrender," a disc that is likely to enjoy similar acclaim as the previous albums.

Varying groups of musicians back Spady's vocals and guitar on this recording. These include bassist Jon Ventre, keyboardist Scott Brown, saxophonist Tom Hamilton, Tom Martin harmonica, drummer Barry Harrison, drummer Pat Marcinko, guitarist Adam Schultz, organist Mark Hamza, and drummer Adam Wilson. There are six Spady originals, one from Schultz (who has been mentored by Spady), and covers of songs by James and Lucky Peterson and George Jackson. Six of the nine tracks are studio recordings, while three are from a 1999 live performance.

Listening to "If My Life Was a Book," one might suggest Spady's music as Robert Cray mixed with Marvin Gaye. Here he reflects on his musical career as Schultz takes the lead guitar at the end. Schultz wrote "Good Conversation" with Spade's relaxed, sensual vocal on a soulful performance that might evoke some Gaye for some. Schultz shines within a solo that might suggest George Benson. It is followed by a cover of the Petersons' slow blues "When My Blood Runs Cold," with his hard-edged guitar supporting his passionately singing. There is a relaxed shuffle "K-Man," a moving tribute to his son Khalique who passed away at the age of 25 and whom Clarence thinks about every day. Tom Martin adds down home harmonica here. The title track is a gospel blues inspired by the daily church group meetings he attends. The church helped him overcome his drug use, and talking about his travails, he sings about surrendering to the lord's will. The final studio track is a terrific acoustic small band recording of the Z.Z. Hill classic "Down Home Blues," again with Tom Martin adding harmonica. Pianist Brown is superb on this.

Among the 1999 live performances is "Addiction," a terrific slow blues whose lyrics come from his life with some razor-sharp guitar and keen vocals. "Jones Fall Expressway" is a blues-rock jam that also showcases saxophonist Hamilton and organist Hamza in addition to Spady's scorching guitar. "Pick Me Up" is a strong original dealing with relationship problems and needing a helping hand. He still loves his baby and hopes she understands. This song featured another top-flight vocal along with some biting guitar.

As noted previously, Clarence Spady has not recorded often, but when he has, it has been memorable. "Surrender" is another impressive blues and soul gem, and one hopes it is far sooner than 13 years before his next album.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is "Good Conversation."