REVIEWS OF THEIR NEW CD "STANDING TALL WITH THE BLUES"
"The great musical sage, Peter Guralnick, once said something to the effect that the blues touched something deep within him, that it just felt right. Therein lies the essence of the blues. It is a music of perseverance, of coping, of hope, of lives lived, and the stories of those lives and lessons learned. The main ingredient and the soul of the music is the feeling within, the personal impact situations and life's complexities have on the human condition. While the essence of the blues remains unchanged, the music itself continues to evolve. Necessarily so, or it becomes just a museum piece to be dusted off and showcased, then put back into its box until the next viewing. In Clifford & Michaels' Standing Tall With The Blues, the core feeling of the blues, the individual stories and emotional power of life's moments, are on display in ways that carry the music boldly into the 21st century. Not afraid to take chances with choices of material, texture, and subject matter, this collection is firmly aware of the blues' merits, and respectfully moves the music forward with conviction and drive. In an age where oftentimes standard blues warhorses are reinterpreted ad nauseum, Clifford & Michaels are to be lauded for taking the blues feeling and updating it with musical color and thoughtful insight. A wise listener here would approach this collection with an open ear, and realize that just maybe, somewhere, the shadowy legends of the blues, long since departed, may just be smiling at the forward prospects for the music after a listen to this disc. Taking chances with the blues is what will allow it to thrive and adapt to today's pressures and listening audience. This collection comes highly rated, and hoepfully, a follow-up will come soon"
Blues music has been around since the early 1900’s, and putting new breath into such an old art form may seem difficult. It wasn’t difficult for Clifford and Michaels. Their CD, “Standing Tall With The Blues,” is a refreshing collection of very unique blues and rock delivered with limitless emotion, crafty riffs, stellar instrumentalism, and all of the soul needed to pull off a great modern album.
I was immediately captured by the opening title track. Laced with brilliant piano and complex chord changes, this smoky, sultry tune is one of my favorites. The band is tight, the vocals are perfect, and the emotion is undeniable.
Quickly kicking things into a higher gear is the enjoyable, wah-wah laden blues-rock jam, “Don’t Go Away Mad… (Just Go Away).” What are the Odds,” is also a great tune and is definitely one of the more stand out tracks. I don’t know if I would categorize it as a blues song, but it is a truly a well-done number and varies the sound of the album nicely.
The grooviest track on this disc is undoubtedly, “Hard Luck Woman.” Some songs are meant to be hits. This is one of those songs. Highlighted by some breathtaking saxophone playing, “Hard Luck Woman,” is among many on this CD I would love to hear these guys perform live with their band. You can’t listen to this music and sit still.
Another notably upbeat cut is, “One Eyed Woody.” With a swinging southern guitar-rock feel, strong harmonies, and a piano that’s on fire, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
Rick Clifford and Joe Michaels are both respected songwriters in their own right. Together, with the help of their highly talented band, they have formed a musical powerhouse worthy of any refined ear. Their skilled songwriting and diverse approach to production on, “Standing Tall With The Blues,” separates this blues CD from all the rest. It is entertaining and exciting to listen to from its smoky bar start to its concert hall finish.
The following is a brief biography of two individuals who have formed Clifford and Michaels. They are both songwriters and producers of the aforementioned group. They have currently finished their debut CD entitled: “Standing Tall With The Blues.” A mixture of Rock and Blues that have received rave reviews from fans and people hearing it for the first time. The CD is currently on over 50 Jukeboxes in the Michiana area . Their CD is located at http://CDBABY.COM/cd/cliffordmichaels. They are EDITORS PICK for both Rockin Blues and Classic Rock. They are also being played on WVPE 88.1 and WSND 88.9 FM.
RICK CLIFFORD
Rick is a songwriter who started his music career at an early age. He started doing shows as a single act around the Florida music scene. He formed his first rock band in South Bend Indiana with a group named Lake Effect in 1984. The band became successful quickly with their covers of blues and rock. Rick was performing songs that he wrote which led the band into backing many popular bands touring the Midwest area. Rick’s unique guitar leads helped build his reputation around the area as one of the premier guitarists in the Midwest.
JOE MICHAELS
Joe is a singer/songwriter who started playing bass guitar with the Lake Effect Band in 1984. His style of playing helped deep root the backbeat of the band. After years of playing rock and blues Joe decided to change his style as well as instruments and began a career with playing in country bands in the Midwest. Joe has since went on to do single shows around the area. He has built a reputation of having an energetic and strong stage presence to help captivate his audience with his music.
CLIFFORD & MICHAELS:
Together Rick and Joe put together some of their best artistic work. They have been receiving rave reviews from the local area and are excited to promote their new CD. Rock House Records is proud to represent these two individuals and know that they have the capability to generate a bigger, broader fan base and bring more excitement to the entertainment industry with their music.
CLIFFORD & MICHAELS LIVE:
In concert Clifford & Michaels produces a high energy, entertaining, crowd pleasing experience. Backed by a 6 piece band, the energy and wall of sound brings the crowd to a ferver in anticipation of getting what they paid for and more from the duo. Their tour de force of songs brings chants and crowd participation with every show and nobody goes home disappointed.
FOR BOOKING OR COMMENTS PLEASE EMAIL US!!!
OUR EMAIL ADDRESS: cliffordandmichaels@comcast.net
I'm back! The bands on fire and were not even in Hell! I was thinking... I used to use my trumpet for a bong, Now I jam on it all night long... Thanks for helping me come alive!
The Blues had a baby and called it "Rock and Roll". May the blues live on forever. May your favorite music live on forever as well Clifford and Michaels
Hey guys! I gotta tell you... I've jammed with alot of cats, but you guys are the smoothist and non-arrogant, real group of muscians yet. Thanks for letting me jam "Elmer Style!" Lets push this to the point where there is no turning back!
Jr. Greene from Mississippi will play the blues for yall! I'm currently in the top 100 unsigned blues musicians for the state of Mississippi. I love you all and appreciate all the support. Send more fans my way. I'm at "The Shed" in Ocean Springs, MS, phone 228-875-9590
for directions and more details. I love ya'll. Jr. Greene.
