Review: 'Surrender' by Soul Bluesman Clarence Spady

Clarence Spady

“God gave all of us a gift,” says guitarist and singer-songwriter Clarence Spady, in reference to his own considerable abilities, “it was just innate.” The release of new album, Surrender, his first since 2008, out May 21 via Nola Blue Records, is something to be savoured. Described as “the future of blues” by the Chicago Tribune following his 1996 debut. New Jersey native Spady has, in fact, been playing since he was five years old, encouraged by a musical family who recognised his talent.

Surrender is a highly personal set, comprised of nine contemporary tracks (seven originals) and three others captured in 1999 at the River St. Jazz Cafe in Plains, PA. There’s a highly poignant element to the music here, which features performances from Spady’s lost friends; guitarist and keyboardist Lucky Peterson who passed in 2020 and drummer Shorty Parham. There is also a song dedicated to Spady’s son, whose life was tragically cut short.

The album opens with “If My Life Was A Book,” a glittering, mid-tempo soul-blues which glides along on clouds of organ chords, and light, sharp guitar riffs. Spady’s voice is arresting, gritty and packed full of emotion. His vocals possess a unique expressiveness which puts one in mind of such singular songsters as Elvis Costello. It’s a pleasure to hear, and the band provide first-rate backing; a smooth, soulful concoction of rustling percussion and softly understated grooves. “Would it be a bestseller, would it be worth a look, would anybody read it, if my life was a book,” sings Spady, and it would be hard to resist his abundant charm.

“When My Blood Runs Cold” continues the easy-rolling, lush vibe. The soul and passion in Spady’s voice makes for a potent weapon. The band do a lot with a little, utilising a sparse arrangement of gentle organ, swaying drums and splashing bass to build a rich palette; a late-night, smoky feel of deep emotion. It’s a clever blend of Delta sounds, Chicago Blues, classic R&B and sparkling soul. The guitar solo, when it arrives, is mesmerizing, a swooping, diving and graceful run. Title-track “Surrender” oozes class from every pore. There’s a shimmering jazzy feel evident as Spady and co relate a traditional blues narrative of hard-luck. Spady’s delivery, however, leaves you in no doubt that he is entirely in earnest. This is a man who knows about the life.

The glossy, high-class feel continues with the cautionary “Addiction Game.” Organ’s swirl and roll, growling sax prowls around the edges of double-time drums, deep bass and some more fiery, blues-steeped guitar. This is music smooth, yet at the same time possessing enough depth and “hardness” to reach right into your soul. A particular highlight comes with a few instrumental bars of beautiful interplay between the various players, rising to a stunning crescendo, before sliding back into that rich and swaying rhythm. With a talent this strong, it seems incomprehensible that we have so little on record of Spady.

Live track “Jones Falls Expressway” is a swaggering delight, racing out of the blocks. This high-tempo blues-rock whips up a storm of furious, emotive energy, full of such cohesiveness, nuance and top-notch playing that repeated listens are an absolute must. This cut alone would be well worth the price of admission. Guitar, organ and sax swirl around each other like circling hawks, graceful and powerful, deft and exuberant. The rhythm section grounds it all with aplomb.

Surrender is an exceptional record in what is turning out to be a surprisingly strong year for roots music. I urge you to check it out.

Listen to “Surrender”