Two Louies - USA

Recorded at Fresh Tracks by John Lindahl this self produced album by the popular Englishman is a bare bones no frills, kick-ass R & B record in the tradition of the very early Fleetwood Mac and Savoy Brown as well as the styles of Clapton when he could play, and a lot of blokes I'm sure I never heard of.

The original "Hard Times" takes off and does not come down. The familiar "Madison Blues" by Elmore James is a fine vehicle for Clarke's tasty slide guitar work and some catchy key work by Dover Weinberg.

Mick is nothing special as a vocalist. Most of these tunes are launching points for his sonic pyrotechnics. They cover all your basic blues and R&B styles, your Thorogood balls out, your Bo Diddley beat, your BB King, and Chuck Berry etc. I think you get the picture.

This will be a great record to buy if you're new to the roots and wish to hear them as interpreted by an Englishman. It's an introductory course in Roots Rock, and a fine introduction to Clarke's playing as well.


Cascade Blues Association - USA

Mick Clarke is a British blues rock guitarist who until now has been a well kept secret in the States. The past two years he has made three visits to the Pacific Northwest playing various clubs in the Portland area. In the tradition of such British guitar legends as Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown and Rory Gallagher, Mick plays guitar as well or better than the best of them. He was the guitarist for "Killing Floor", a British band who put out two releases around 1970. He also had three solo releases on Appaloosa Records (Italy) and now he has put out his debut American solo release "West Coast Connection" on Portland's own Nebula Circle Records.

The album contains nine songs, five standards and four penned by Mick himself. It showcases some of Mick's best playing to date. From the uptempo skiffle-styled Elmore James classic "Madison Blues" to the smooth rendition of "Mean Old World" featuring Curtis Salgado on vocals, this record does not stop satisfying.

The band consists of Rod DeAth on drums (who at one time was the driving force behind Rory gallagher) plus three Portland-area musicians, Dover Jon Weinberg on keyboards, H.Emerson Zachery Jr. on bass and Westside Johnny on harmonica.

Mick and the Razorbacks gave Portland a Valentine's Day treat when they ripped up the Pine Street Theatre for an album release party on February 14th.

If you are looking for that record that really delivers, then West Coast Connection is the album for you! Don't miss it!