JR Clark - Wishing Well (2020)

The first cut on this album jumps right out you full of energy and makes you think of 70's funk and you wonder how a band that is a labeled a blues act can be so versatile. The all star cast that is in the J R Clark Band and their diverse backgrounds enables this act to hit on most any style of music and make it their own. This album has nine original compositions and one cover that would put a smile on Bobby Blue Bland's face. J R Clark penned all nine original compositions on this album and you can see his growth as a musician and songwriter. He takes us on a ride through his interpretations of gutbucket blues, soul and funk! The tracks on this album are filled with witty, heartfelt and storytelling lyrics that will suck you right into the music and be a part of the story. J R Clark handles all lead vocals and guitars. Johnny B. Gayden (Bass) puts his signature thump on all ten tracks. Johnny B. Gayden is known as one of the most influential bassists of the blues world and played on Grammy winning album "Showdown" with Robert Cray, Albert Collins and Johnny Clyde Copeland. Johnny toured with Albert Collins for many years. He can also be found on countless Alligator Record recordings. Willie Styles (Keyboards) has a style and versatility to adapt to any style of music and compliments all the arrangements very well and puts his own signature stamp and flavor to all the tracks. Randall Willis (Drums) brings an energy to the tracks that help them jump off the disc. Randalls back up vocals are also a big plus and compliment J R very well. Randall has worked with artists such as Tyrone Davis, Mississippi Heat and Artie Blues Boy White to name a few. Jerry "Bam Bam" Porter brings his signature Chicago shuffle to two of the albums tracks and you can't deny that Jerry is one of the masters of the Chicago shuffle. Jerry toured with Buddy Guy , James Cotton and Magic Slim for many years. The horn section includes two of Chicago's finest, Johnny Cotton and Kenny Anderson, who currently tour with the Ohio Players. Johnny Cotton has recorded with the likes of James Cotton to Jason Mraz and Kenny Anderson has recorded with Luther Allison "Luther Allison Live in Chicago" , Big James and the Chicago Playboys, Mississippi Heat among others. This album has something for everybody! For example, J R Clarks "Billy D's Demise" where he took his inspiration from Junior Kimbrough and turned it up ten notches to the silky soul ballad "Your Love". This CD is a wild ride of Funk, Soul Blues and Chicago Blues. This cd is one you will surely keep in your rotation!