The association seems unusual at first glance, but
Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater's roots rock and blues backed by
Los Straitjackets' twangy surf results in a potent combination. Other than the participants' colorful choice of headgear, this joint venture urges
Clearwater to his most rocking and uninhibited studio performances, while expanding his stylistic boundaries. Never a straight bluesman,
the Chief's
Chuck Berry tendencies are well established. But even though he tosses off another in a long line of
Berry-esque rockers with a "Johnny B. Goode"-heavy "Hillbilly Blues," this album explores his non-blues roots more thoroughly. The opening cover of "You're Humbuggin' Me" kicks things off with a blast of '50s
Little Richard abandon. Elsewhere, he moves into spaghetti Western, reverbed instrumental/rockabilly waters -- no doubt provoked by
the Straitjackets -- on "Monkey Paw."
Clearwater also tosses in a few
Ray Charles-styled R&B '50s nuggets in "I Love You" and "Before This Song Is Over," both originals that sound like authentic lost gems due partially to
Dennis Taylor's tough tenor sax. New Orleans rhythms rule on
Clearwater's cover of
Fats Domino's "Let the Four Winds Blow," and he hits an easygoing rockabilly vibe on "Midnight Groove," another horn and guitar-driven burner. "Back Down to Earth" also mixes swamp soul with country blues in an intoxicating blend. Closing with "Good Times Are Coming," a six-minute gospel-tinged slow blues with only a lonely organ as accompaniment, brings
Clearwater full circle and ends the album on its mellowest note. The guitarist sounds jovial and inspired throughout, trading licks with
Los Straitjackets'
Eddie Angel and
Danny Amis and singing with an upbeat affability that makes it sound as if he's in your living room. With its diverse menu and crackling performances,
Rock 'n' Roll City demonstrates that
Eddy Clearwater excels at far more than his existing catalog indicates. ~ Hal Horowitz