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Gerald McClendon—Let’s Have A Party!—Delta Roots Records

DR-1004

Using the title of a Sam Cooke classic, Gerald introduces this, his
second album. He is once again, working with writer, producer
and drummer Twist Turner. (Previously they worked together on
his debut album ‘Can’t Nobody Stop Me Now’, Delta Roots
Records DR 1003) Now, they have created 10 more magical Soul,

Blues and R&B numbers that would not be out of place in the 60’s
and 70’s.

The album was recorded in their home town, at the Delta Roots
Sound Studios in Chicago with the same musical ensemble that appeared on his last album.
Featuring; Melvin Taylor, Rico McFarland, Rusty Zinn and Joe Burba, providing guitar, with Tony
Llorens, Sumito Ariyoshi, Brian James and Jim Pugh on keyboards, the horns are courtesy of The

Delta Roots Horns, John “Boom” Brumbach and Skinny Williams supply saxophones. Once again,
Twist provides delicate and decisive drum work throughout the album that matches the enticingly
easygoing and caring style of Gerald’s music that is very reminiscent of Sam Cooke and is all the
better for it.

The album opens with ‘Keep On Keepin’ On’, a low-key soul burner that is gently driven by a
simmering organ and complemented by an excellent mellow saxophone. Over the top, Gerald’s

soothing vocals infuse hope and comfort. Meanwhile ‘Let’s Have A Party’, is a splendidly
atmospheric groover complete with an oh so smooth, laid-back saxophone. On the softly, lilting ode
to love, ‘Pretty Girl’, Gerald pleasingly invokes sweet memories of Sam Cooke and Smokey Robinson
with his emotion caressing vocals.

The very fine down at heel slow blues of ‘Throw This Dog A Bone’, has Rico McFarland delivering an
icy, sharp Albert Collins style guitar. ‘I Just Can’t Take Anymore’, is a very fine slow blues, filled

with desolation and despair that is lifted somewhat, by fine guitar-work from Joe Burba. The
plaintive voice of Gerald and gentle piano on the dour gospel influenced ‘You Got To Be Strong’,
continues the message of determination in the face of adversity.

Most impressive!

Brian Harman.

Chris Daniels, Hazel Miller, Dana Marsh & Friends—What We
Did—MoonVoyage Records

As in most times of crisis, musicians across the world respond

positively to calls of help, to either fellow musicians or the
underprivileged. Recently, Chris Daniels of the band, Chris
Daniels and the Kings, was approached by Inner City Health; (an
organisation dedicated to reducing the inequity of health and
wellness access and its delivery to the under served population of
Denver) to perform a virtual benefit concert. He not only agreed
but, in fact performed two live zoom concerts, which took place

in July and October 2020. Joining Chris; guitar and vocals is
Hazel Miller; vocals and Dana Marsh on keyboards and B3. Later, this trio was aided and abetted