Billy Price & Otis Clay

This Time For Real
Bonedog Records / VizzTone

This is soul music the way it is supposed to sound. Billy Price and Otis Clay’s new CD This Time For Real has a very distinct Memphis sound to it, created by a guy from Pittsburgh and a legend living in Chicago. Clay was a major influence on Price’s career, and the two had only recently had the opportunity to meet, but when it was decided that they should do a recording together, give whoever thought of that idea the Kewpie Doll because it was pure genius.

Blues Hall of Fame inductee Otis Clay still proves that he is one of the greatest soul singers going. Last year he released a duet album with Johnny Rawls covering OV Wright songs that brought big time accolades and a Blues Music Award nomination. But stand back, this one with Clay collaborating with Billy Price just may outshine that previous album. No knock on Mr. Rawls mind you, but these two sound like they’ve been working alongside one another for an eternity in the heavenly soul choir. It’s just that good.

The title says it all: This Time For Real.

But how do you push two amazing singers to come across so naturally together? Well, one way to do so is to bring in an ace producer who just happens to be one of the best guitar players alive to take on the task: One Mr. Duke Robillard. Add into the mix some of the finest musicians to be found in the New England area, such as drummer Mark Teixiera, keyboardist Bruce Bears, bassist Brad Hallen, and horn players Mark Earley and Doug Woolverton. With that group you might think that anybody would sound good. But don’t be fooled, they’re just that extra amount of sprinkles on the ice cream. They might give it appeal, but the real flavor is with these two singers.

You have to love the song selections, too. Fantastic numbers originally done by greats like Little Milton (“Somebody’s Changing My Sweet Baby’s Mind”), Bobby Womack (“Broadway Walk”), Syl Johnson (“Going To The Shack”), Joe Tex (“I’ll Never Do You Wrong”), and The Spinners (“Love Don’t Love Nobody”). I’m infatuated by the takes on so many of these songs, this disc has become ever-present in my car as I always want to give it another spin.

Yes, soul music done right. By two vocalists that have produced an album that will prove to stand the test of time. This Time For Real — it really is!

Total Time: 49:10

Somebody’s Changing My Sweet Baby’s Mind / I’m Afraid Of Losing You / Going To The Shack / All Because Of Your Love / Love Don’t Love Nobody / I’ll Never Do You Wrong / Don’t Leave Me Starving For Your Love / Broadway Walk / Book Of Memories / Too Many Hands / Tears Of God / You Got Me Hummin’