February 14, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Leipziger - KL Productions
(615) 297-4452
klpzgr@home.com
"Ageless wonder Eddy 'The Chief' Clearwater is still bristling with robust
energy..." (Bill Milkowski/JazzTimes)
Chicago blues legend EDDY "THE CHIEF" CLEARWATER was named "BEST BLUES
ENTERTAINER" at the 2003 CHICAGO MUSIC AWARDS held FEBRUARY 8 at the
RENAISSANCE CHICAGO HOTEL.
CLEARWATER is collaborating with masked surf rockers LOS STRAITJACKETS
(DANNY AMIS - guitar, EDDIE ANGEL - guitar, PETE CURRY - bass, JIMMY LESTER
- drums) on his forthcoming Bullseye Blues & Jazz/Rounder release
(Summer '03). Produced by JAKE GURALNICK, the album was recorded in
Nashville at George Bradfute's "The Tone Chapparal" studio the week of
January 19-24. The album also features saxophonist DENNIS TAYLOR and
keyboard player STEVE CONN.
Clearwater was named 2001 "CONTEMPORARY BLUES-MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR". His
critically-acclaimed album "Reservation Blues" was nominated for awards in
three additional categories including "Blues Album Of The Year" (Reservation
Blues), "Contemporary Blues Album Of The Year" (Reservation Blues), "Blues
Song of the Year" (K. Leipziger, R. Fleming "Winds of Change", Reservation
Blues). "...the most personal and most artistically successful record he
has released during his long career..." (Philip Van Vleck/Billboard)
"Eddy 'The Chief' Clearwater plays the blues in all its variation without
losing sight of its original function as party music. Clearwater got it
right, and he continues to power his music with contagious enthusiasm..."
(Charles Young/Playboy)
A versatile, flamboyant blues rocker, EDDY CLEARWATER can perform good-
natured party music and original, deep, melancholy blues with equal finesse.
"Arguably the most entertaining performer in modern blues" (Experience
Hendrix). Clearwater (ne Harrington), born January 10, 1935 in Macon, MS,
grew up listening to both Delta blues and country & western records. At age
13, his family moved to Birmingham, AL where Eddy, on guitar, began backing
various gospel groups including the Five Blind Boys of Alabama. He was
still playing gospel when he first hit Chicago's West Side in 1950. The
West Side was just starting to develop a sound with people like Magic Sam
and Otis Rush. Magic Sam became not only a major influence, but a friend
and soulmate as well. By 1953, Clearwater made his move into blues. In
1957, Clearwater happened upon another of his major stylistic influences on
hearing Chuck Berry's "Oh Baby Doll" blasting from his car radio. With his
distinctive blend of Berry-style rock (and occasional duckwalk) and Magic
Sam-influenced West Side blues combined with his left-handed, upside-down
guitar technique and dramatic stage performances, Clearwater quickly
developed a reputation as a great showman with a diverse repertoire. He
recorded several singles and worked steadily in Chicago-area clubs for the
next 20 years, remaining one of the city's hidden treasures until
recognition of his talents finally came -- from abroad.
Clearwater toured Europe twice during the '70s, appeared on BBC-TV and
recorded for France's MCM company. His 1980 U.S. debut album, THE CHIEF,
(named for Clearwater's affinity for performing wearing the full Indian
headdress given to him as a good luck charm) was the first release on
Chicago's Rooster Blues label. Since then, Clearwater's released a dozen
albums including 1997's MEAN CASE OF THE BLUES/Bullseye Blues (with his 1998
Handy Award-nominated "Blues Song Of The Year" "Don't Take My Blues"), COOL
BLUES WALK/Bullseye Blues and 2000's RESERVATION BLUES.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PHOTOS OR TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW PLEASE CONTACT:
Karen Leipziger/KL Productions (615)297-4452, klpzgr@earthlink.net
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