Record Reviews

DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ A BLUES FOR THE NEW WORLD ANTOINETTE 680889031328 (Barcode: 680889031328) ~ CANADA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 2012 Released: 2013 This is a studio album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the charismatic frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a great team of musicians: keyboardists Lou PomantiFind albums by this artist and Rob GusevsFind albums by this artist, guitarists Bernie LeBargeFind albums by this artist and Peter MuellerFind albums by this artist, bassist George KollerFind albums by this artist, drummer Paul LeLongFind albums by this artist and others, and featuring a brass section, which manages to create a sound ambience very close to the original sound of BS&T. The album presents thirteen original songs, all by Clayton-Thomas. The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the ninth of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The songs present the diverse musical spectrum and although mostly soaked in Blues, include also Soul, Rock and other elements. Clayton-Thomas revisits his Blues roots and his songwriting is strong as ever. He sings brilliantly and with a great feeling and his idiosyncratic voice, charisma and love of music remain intact and for his many fans this album is strong as everything else he ever recorded. The accompanying musicians are all pros and the album offers superb soloing from start to finish with the classic Brass Rock sound being as exciting as it can get, never failing to create the atmosphere the many fans of the genre enjoy! After being a great fan of Clayton-Thomas for over five decades, it is great to hear him carrying on with what he loves to do taking us along on a wonderful ride.

Updated: 12/08/2020Posted: 12/08/2020

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DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ AURORA JUSTIN TIME 211 (Barcode: 068944021123) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005 This is a studio album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the charismatic frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a great team of musicians: keyboardist Doug RileyFind albums by this artist, who also produced the album, guitarists Rob PiltchFind albums by this artist and Jake LangleyFind albums by this artist, bassist George KollerFind albums by this artist and drummer Terry ClarkeFind albums by this artist. The album presents twelve songs, three originals by Clayton Thomas and the rest mostly classic Jazz standards except for one Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist song, all superbly arranged for the intimate Jazzy climate this album offers. The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the fourth of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The album is a tribute to the Jazz balladry and is a reminder of his work at small Jazz clubs, being his first recording in an intimate Jazz quartet setting. He shows that he is able to feel perfectly comfortable in this idiom, proving again his remarkable diversity. The songs are beautifully played by the quartet and Clayton-Thomas performances are brilliant as always. His feeling and his idiosyncratic voice, charisma and love of music remain intact and for his many fans this album is strong as everything else he ever recorded. The accompanying musicians are all pros and the album offers superb soloing from start to finish. These are undoubtedly some of the fines songs ever written and sung by Clayton-Thomas they prove how eternal and lasting they are, losing nothing of their original power and beauty. After being a great fan of Clayton-Thomas for over five decades, it is great to hear him carrying on with what he loves to do taking us along on a wonderful ride.

Updated: 23/08/2020Posted: 23/08/2020

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ CANADIANA ANTOINETTE 039911033821 (Barcode: 039911033821) ~ CANADA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is a studio album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the charismatic frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a great team of musicians: keyboardist Lou PomantiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Eric St-LaurentFind albums by this artist, bassist George KollerFind albums by this artist, drummer Ben WittmanFind albums by this artist and others, and featuring brass section and string section on selected tracks. The album presents thirteen songs, all by Canadian songwriters, as diverse as Neil YoungFind albums by this artist, Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist, Leonard CohenFind albums by this artist, Gordon LightfootFind albums by this artist and others and one original song by Clayton-Thomas. The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the eleventh of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The album is a tribute to the Canadian contribution to Pop / Rock songwriting, which is obviously very significant artistically. The songs are beautifully arranged and Clayton-Thomas performances are brilliant as always. His feeling and his idiosyncratic voice, charisma and love of music remain intact and for his many fans this album is strong as everything else he ever recorded. The accompanying musicians are all pros and the album offers superb soloing from start to finish. After being a great fan of Clayton-Thomas for over five decades, it is great to hear him carrying on with what he loves to do taking us along on a wonderful ride.

Updated: 12/08/2020Posted: 12/08/2020

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ COMBO ANTOINETTE 0001 (Barcode: 061297459018) ~ CANADA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2015 Released: 2015 This is an album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist. Coming back to his early days in the Jazz clubs of his native Toronto, before he moved to NY, he returns to his musical roots of Blues and Jazz. He is accompanied by a combo, which includes pianist Mark KieswetterFind albums by this artist, bassist George KollerFind albums by this artist, drummer Ben RileyFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Coleen AllenFind albums by this artist and guitarist Ted QuinlanFind albums by this artist. Female guest singers are featured on two stacks. The material comprises of Blues, Soul and Jazz standards. The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the tenth of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. Despite his age (he was 73 when this music was recorded) Clayton-Thomas is still a remarkable singer, who lost nothing of his ability to interpret songs in his very unique way and to express his feelings with the same intensity he was able to when he was in his twenties. The choice of material is obviously less demanding than what he was up against when fronting BS&T, but his performances are every bit as heartwrenching. Blessed by one of the most idiosyncratic voices in music history from the 1960s on, Clayton-Thomas is a phenomenon, way beyond simple nostalgic memories. It is wonderful to hear one of the heroes of my youth still alive and kicking, with Artistry that is able to keep him ahead of most of the contemporary vocalists, leaving a cloud of dust behind. For listeners who love true Jazz / Blues vocals, a bit "old school" perhaps but still vibrant and unique, this album is an absolute must. Unadulterated pleasure from start to finish!

Updated: 12/08/2020Posted: 20/06/2020

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DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ IN CONCERT: A MUSICAL BIOGRAPHY JUSTIN TIME 219 (Barcode: 068944021925) ~ CANADA ~ Brass Rock Recorded: 2005 Released: 2006 This is a live recording by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist. Recorded at the Toronto´s Opera House and supported by a superb eleven-piece band the sound and ambience recreates the heydays of his work with BS&T. The album presents twelve songs, some going many years back and other newer, most written by him, spanning his entire incredible career as performer and songwriter. The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the fifth of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. Born in 1941, Clayton-Thomas was sixty-four years old when this concert was recorded, but he sounds every bit as vibrant, powerful and energetic as I remember him from decades earlier, and his husky voice was every bit as enchanting as ever. The carefully selected material presents him as a diverse vocalist able to handle Blues, Rock and Jazzy vocalese with the same ease and elegance. The instrumental arrangements are truly refined and the band supports the vocals beautifully, creating a superb musical experience for the listener. Keyboardist Doug RileyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Bernie LaBargeFind albums by this artist, bassist George KollerFind albums by this artist, drummer Paul DeLongFind albums by this artist and percussionist Waleed AbdulhamidFind albums by this artist and the six-piece brass section work splendidly together and offer thrilling soli on the way. Overall this is one ass-kicking piece of first rate performance, which only a very few artists are capable of delivering, and one of the strongest live albums I have heard in years. I can´t imagine any Brass Rock, BS&T and David Clayton-Thomas fan not having this album in their collection, but no less importantly younger listeners should listen to this in order to understand what music is all about. Thank you David for this unadulterated piece of fun. God bless and remember that age is just a state of mind!

Updated: 12/08/2020Posted: 27/06/2020

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DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ MOBIUS ANTOINETTE 549 (Barcode: 039911054925) ~ CANADA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2017 Released: 2018 This is a studio album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the charismatic frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a great team of musicians: keyboardist Lou PomantiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Eric St-LaurentFind albums by this artist, bassist George KollerFind albums by this artist (who also co-produced the album), drummer Larnell LewisFind albums by this artist and others including a small brass section. The album presents ten songs, all featuring lyrics by Clayton-Thomas and five also composed by him, two by Pomanti and one each by St-Laurent, Lewis and Koller. The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the twelfth of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The album emphasizes Clayton-Thomas songwriting abilities, which are still remarkable, as much as his stamina and performing abilities despite his advanced age. The songs are beautifully arranged and Clayton-Thomas performances are brilliant as always. His feeling and his idiosyncratic voice, charisma and love of music remain intact and for his many fans this album is strong as everything else he ever recorded. The accompanying musicians are all pros and the album offers superb soloing from start to finish. After being a great fan of Clayton-Thomas for over five decades, it is great to hear him carrying on with what he loves to do taking us along on a wonderful ride.

Updated: 26/09/2020Posted: 26/09/2020

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ SAY SOMETHIN` ANTOINETTE 270427 (Barcode: 803057042722) ~ CANADA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2019 Released: 2019 Fifty years after he first became an international star, Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, releases another solo album, proving not only that he is alive and kicking (literally), but also confirming his status as a sublime singer and lyricist. The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the thirteenth of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. This album finds him in a strict Blues-Rock setting, accompanied by a quartet comprising of keyboardist Lou PomantiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Eric St LaurentFind albums by this artist, bassist Marc RogersFind albums by this artist and drummer Davide Di RenzoFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original songs, composed four each by St Laurent and Pomanti, one by Di Renzo and one by Canadian bassist George KollerFind albums by this artist, all featuring lyrics by Clayton-Thomas. The music is Blues soaked, and offers an excellent collection of melodies, but as the album´s title suggests, the main point of the album is a collection of bitter, painful and brutally expressive messages about politics, morality and other issues plaguing our contemporary society, mostly directed toward Canada´s southern neighbor. It is great to see (and hear) that Artists still have opinions, that they care and are able to think straight, exactly as it used to be when Clayton-Thomas was starting his career. Music used to be an anthem of social revolution and change, before it turned into moronic void. Of course probably no one these days really believes any more that music or Art (or philosophy or human creativity) can really change anything. We have turned into a gray mass of mindless zombies, beyond salvation. Overall this is a great album, which is both a great fun musically and a carrier of a message for those who are ready to hear. Well done David and God bless for trying - age is just a state of mind!

Updated: 12/08/2020Posted: 23/06/2020

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DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ SOUL BALLADS ANTOINNETTE 776974318914 (Barcode: 776974318914) ~ CANADA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2010 Released: 2010 This is a studio album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the charismatic frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a great team of musicians: keyboardist Lou PomantiFind albums by this artist, who also arranged all the music, guitarists Bernie LaBargeFind albums by this artist and Jake LangleyFind albums by this artist, bassists Scott AlexanderFind albums by this artist, George KollerFind albums by this artist and Rich BrownFind albums by this artist, drummers Larnell LewisFind albums by this artist and Mark KelsoFind albums by this artist, and featuring brass and string sections. The album presents twelve songs, all of which are classic Soul ballads written at the heyday of American Soul music mostly in the 1960s, originally sung by such great artists as Otis ReddingFind albums by this artist, Sam CookeFind albums by this artist, Curtis MayfieldFind albums by this artist and others. The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the eighth of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The album is a tribute to the Soul balladry, which inspired him "to become a singer", as he states in the album´s liner notes. The songs are beautifully arranged by Lou Pomanti and Clayton-Thomas performances are brilliant as always. His feeling and his idiosyncratic voice, charisma and love of music remain intact and for his many fans this album is strong as everything else he ever recorded. The accompanying musicians are all pros and the album offers superb soloing from start to finish. These are undoubtedly some of the fines songs ever written and sung by Clayton-Thomas they prove how eternal and lasting they are, losing nothing of their original power and beauty. After being a great fan of Clayton-Thomas for over five decades, it is great to hear him carrying on with what he loves to do taking us along on a wonderful ride.

Updated: 21/08/2020Posted: 21/08/2020

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DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ SPECTRUM NOT ON LABEL ~ CANADA ~ Jazz-Blues Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 This is a studio album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the charismatic frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a great team of musicians: guitarists Rob PiltchFind albums by this artist, Aidan MasonFind albums by this artist and Ted QuinlanFind albums by this artist, bassists George KollerFind albums by this artist and Rich BrownFind albums by this artist, drummer Paul DeLongFind albums by this artist and others including a full brass section. The album presents ten songs, seven of which are originals by Clayton-Thomas and the rest are standards. The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the seventh of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The album emphasizes Clayton-Thomas songwriting abilities, which are still remarkable, as much as his stamina and performing abilities despite his advanced age. The songs are beautifully arranged partly in the Brass Rock style and Clayton-Thomas performances are brilliant as always. His feeling and his idiosyncratic voice, charisma and love of music remain intact and for his many fans this album is strong as everything else he ever recorded. The accompanying musicians are all pros and the album offers superb soloing from start to finish. After being a great fan of Clayton-Thomas for over five decades, it is great to hear him carrying on with what he loves to do taking us along on a wonderful ride.

Updated: 13/01/2021Posted: 13/01/2021

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DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS ~ THE EVERGREENS FONTANA NORTH (Barcode: 620673318822) ~ CANADA ~ Pop & Rock Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008 This is a studio album by Canadian vocalist / songwriter David Clayton-ThomasFind albums by this artist, primarily known as the charismatic frontman of the legendary Brass Rock ensemble Blood, Sweat & TearsFind albums by this artist, recorded with a great team of musicians: keyboardist and arranger Doug RileyFind albums by this artist (a long time collaborator who died before the album was completed and to whom the album is dedicated), guitarist Bernie LaBargeFind albums by this artist, bassist George KollerFind albums by this artist, drummer Paul DeLongFind albums by this artist and others including a brass section. The album presents thirteen songs, all originals by Clayton-Thomas (a tongue-in-cheek in reference to the album´s title). The solo recording career of Clayton-Thomas was revitalized near the turn of the Millennium, when he was nearing the age of sixty, which is quite remarkable and unparalleled. He recorded (so far) thirteen albums since 1996, this being the sixth of them, more than twice the number of albums he recorded beforehand since the start of his career. The album emphasizes Clayton-Thomas songwriting abilities, which are still remarkable, as much as his stamina and performing abilities despite his advanced age. The songs are beautifully arranged partly in the Brass Rock style and Clayton-Thomas performances are brilliant as always. His feeling and his idiosyncratic voice, charisma and love of music remain intact and for his many fans this album is strong as everything else he ever recorded. The accompanying musicians are all pros and the album offers superb soloing from start to finish. After being a great fan of Clayton-Thomas for over five decades, it is great to hear him carrying on with what he loves to do taking us along on a wonderful ride.

Updated: 28/09/2020Posted: 28/09/2020

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend