W. C. Clark - From Austin With Soul '2002

Tracks list

Tracklist

01. Snatching It Back
02. Midnight Hour Blues
03. Ive Been Searching
04. Dont Mess Up a Good Thing
05. How Long Is a Heartache Supposed to Last?
06. Bitchy Men
07. Let It Rain
08. Got Me Where You Want Me
09. Got to Find a Lover
10. Get Out of My Life, Woman
11. Im Gonna Disappear
12. Real Live Livin Hurtin Man
13. I Keep Hanging On

Although he records for Alligator -- Chicagos home of house-rocking music --
this long-awaited return from Austins founding father of the blues might just as
well have been waxed during the glory years of Hi Records. As on his last
release, guitarist/vocalist Clark meshes R&B with gospel, funk, and blues in a
greasy Memphis soul stew that bubbles with passion. The delight Clark exudes in
playing this music is evident on every track. His lead guitar playing sparkles,
but is mostly reduced to fills and takes a back seat to the jaw-dropping singing
that reaches out and grabs the listener. Like Al Green, with whom he shares a
similar vocal approach, Clark testifies with every phrase. Not religious-based,
this is still music grounded in the church no matter how funky and bluesy it is.
When Clark states hes a Real Live Livin Hurtin Man, he might as well be
preaching from the pulpit and saving souls. Divided halfway between covers and
originals, Clarks versions of Clarence Carters Snatching It Back, Allen
Toussaint by way of Lee Dorseys Get out of My Life Woman, O.V. Wrights Ive Been
Searching, and even Oliver Sains warhorse Dont Mess up a Good Thing (with Marcia
Ball providing the female duet part) find new life in this setting. He even
rescues How Long Is a Heartache Supposed to Last? from obscure soulman Jimmy
Lewis and makes it sound like the lost classic it is. Longtime associate Mark
Kazanoffs tenor sax and production keep the album focused while playing to
Clarks strengths: his searing voice and supple guitar work. When he does let
loose on six-string during Im Gonna Disappear, its obvious hes got the chops to
do more. But its that restraint that makes this such a satisfying comeback.
Sadly, as of its release in 2002, this was the only W.C. Clark album available,
a frustrating situation since anyone who experiences From Austin With Soul is
going to want to hear more from this magnificent and classy soul/bluesman. 

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