Page 54 - BiTS_04_APRIL_2025

Richard Clarke—Good Thing—Self Release

Richard Clarke is a London based blues artist per-

haps better known on the British blues scene for his
work with the Connelly Hayes band. “Good Thing” is
a four track EP to showcase Richard as a solo artist.

The title track ‘Good Thing’ opens with some fresh
upbeat Stevie Ray Vaughan infused guitar vibes
with hints of Jeff “Skunk” Baxter in the solo too.

‘Sleeping Easy’ is a little more gentle but still has
some tasteful punchy guitar work to enjoy.

Richard really slows things down with ‘Don’t Know Where I Went Wrong’; it has a

nice soulful blend of horns that really adds depth to the song. There is a great funk
vibe to ‘Something’s Going On’ once again enhanced with those lovely horns and

raunchy guitar work.

Richard has assembled a fine team of musicians who are solid throughout and are on
top of their game. I particularly like the use of the horn section and electric piano

which really helps to pull these songs together. Richard himself has a lovely gentle,
modern day soulful voice that is not too dissimilar to John Mayer in style and deliv-
ery. His guitar work is exemplary, I really enjoyed the way he has crafted his punchy
guitar solos to keep them interesting and not overstated.

The EP itself is well produced and Richard’s songs have a nice modern day contem-
porary blues feel about them. Hopefully there will be more to come but for now I
suggest you give this a spin.

Ged Wilson

Will Wilde—Blues Is Still Alive—Vizztone ASIN

: B0DRCFSVMF

Will Wilde is the British version of the American

musician Jason Ricci, with both being younger har-
monica players who are committed to bringing the
blues harmonica up to date, while also honouring

its heritage. We blast off with the title track with
Walter Trout adding his guitar to Will’s harp and
vocals and the rocker ‘Wild Man’ begins with stun-

ning big-toned harp while ‘Don’t Play with My
Heart’ is another powerful in-your-face hard-hitting song, with backing vocals from
Will’s sister Dani, Lindsey Bonnick and Chloe Josephine. ‘Gypsy Woman’ drops the

pace with its ‘House of the Rising Sun’ vibe and Will showing that his harp playing
isn’t just about power and flash, with the following ‘Trouble of That Girl’ raising the
tempo again.