BILLY PRICE AND OTIS CLAY
THIS TIME FOR REAL
BONEDOG/VIZZTONE BDRCD 46
SOMEBODY’S CHANGING MY SWEET BABY’S MIND–I’M AFRAID OF LOSING YOU–GOING TO THE SHACK–ALL BECAUSE OF YOUR LOVE–LOVE DON’T LOVE NOBODY–I’LL NEVER DO YOU WRONG–DON’T LEAVE ME STARVING FOR YOUR LOVE–BROADWAY WALK–BOOK OF MEMORIES–TOO MANY HANDS–TEARS OF GOD–YOU GOT ME HUMMIN’
Otis Clay is one of the defining voices in soul music. Beginning his career as a gospel singer in groups such as the Sensational Nightingales, he garnered national attention with his sides for Hi Records some forty-plus years ago. Cuts like “Is It Over?” and “Trying To Live My Life Without You” not only defined his career, but a whole genre’–Southern soul–as well.
Billy Price, a New Jersey native, gained notoriety in the Washington, D. C. area, singing R & B with Roy Buchanan as his guitarist. Otis Clay’s emotion-packed vocals struck a chord with Billy, and both these stalwarts of soul ventured to Chicago to the Delmark Studios to record “This Time For Real,” which was produced by Duke Robillard, and features members of his band.
Folks, this is ’bout as good as it gets. There are no overdubs, no vocal tricks–just two men performing the music they love. Check out the tale of a man who’s not the lover he oughta be, and, thus, “Somebody’s Changing My Sweet Baby’s Mind.” Both men realize all too late that “It takes a fool to learn that Love Don’t Love Nobody,” and they both start doing crazy things such as “goin’ to work on Sunday, thinkin’ it’s Monday,” “All Because Of Your Love.”
This set has some lighter moments, too. “Goin’ To The Shack” and “Broadway Walk” are full of funky swagger, and the set closes with both fellows having a great time on Sam and Dave’s “You Got Me Hummin.”
We had two favorites, too. The gentlemen swap lines throughout on the poignant story of the end of an affair, a footnote in a lover’s “Book f Memories.” And, Otis’ gospel background is displayed on the positive message of looking to the “Tears Of God to show you the way to turn.”
Billy Price and Otis Clay, with “This Time For Real,” have crafted a set that brings the mentor face-to-face in the studio with a brilliant student, making for an unforgettable listen! Until next time….Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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