ROOM WITH A VIEW of the blues..... W.C. Clark "Deep In The Heart" Alligator Records Singer/guitarist W.C. Clark is often called the “Godfather of Austin Blues”. A native of Austin Texas, he was guitarist for soul superstar Joe Tex. In the early seventies he played bass in the Triple Threat Revue with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Lou Ann Barton. More importantly he has been mentor to rising stars including Angela Strehli, Marcia Ball, the Vaughan brothers and Lou Ann. His first solo album was released in 1986 and his vocals have been described as “sweet as molasses”. Last years Alligator release “From Austin with Soul” received four Handy Award nominations. “Deep in the Heart”, his newest album, was released June 29th also on the Alligator label. The album is magnificently produced by Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff. Production like this hasn’t been heard since Kaz co-produced WC Clark’s Texas Soul album with legendary Black Top Records producer Hammond Scott. Musicians include Marcia Ball, piano; rhythm guitarists Derek O’Brien and Pat Boyack; Riley Osbourn and Nick Connolly, Keyboards; and the Kaz Kazanoff led Texas Horns. The album opens with the soul drenched vocal of “Stronger than You Need to be” accompanied by the Texas Horns which includes Kaz, and John Mills, saxophones; Gary Slechta, trumpet; and Randy Zimmerman, trombone. It continues with “Cold Blooded Lover”, co-written by WC Clark and Kaz which includes a terrific WC guitar solo in the classic Texas blues style. The Dan Penn written, “You left the Water Running” is the first of several covers; this one, a vocal duet with Marcia Ball which literally “makes your soul feel clean”. The Joe Tex hit “I Want to Do Everything for You” is another wonderful duet, this time with Ruthie Foster. Kim Wilson’s “Twist of The Knife” follows; then comes John Hiatt’s “Tip of My Tongue” with its splendidly emotional vocal. The song selection here is fantastic and demonstrates the full range of WC‘s enormous talents. The remaining tracks include three more originals “Jaded Lady”, “My Texas Home” and “Promises”, the later of which is one of my favorites. Delbert McClinton’s “Ain’t Lost Nothin’” is covered as well as the instrumental classic “Okie Dokie Stomp”. This is the kind of blues album that you’ll love whether you’re a fanatic or just an occasional listener. It;s one of the year’s best. Richard Ludmerer Director, NY Blues and Jazz Society ricdale2@yahoo.com