Customer Reviews

Nature of the Beast

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have had the good fortune of living near Spady. The River Street Jazz Café, where Spady routinely plays and has recently celebrated his 15th year playing there, is only a few miles from my parents' home in Exeter, PA. Also, my guitar teacher back there has studied and gigged with Spady, so this is the story as I've been told.

After listening to this album, it's no wonder why he was given a deal. Spady received accolades here in the states and in Europe. But sadly, his use of drugs, as noted in songs like "Nature of the Beast" and "Change My Way of Living", unraveled his career. Spady's band eventually left him after he would fail to appear at out of state gigs and he would be in and out of jail on a regular basis. Spady still gigs frequently in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area, where he is regarded amongst local musicians as the hippest cat that'll ever grace the stages at local bars.

In light of his unfortunate demise, there's no doubting his talent. Spady has upstaged the likes of Buddy Guy at blues festivals and has earned the respect of legends like Robben Ford. He has flaked on gigs in prominent New York night clubs and still gets booked because he's such a huge draw. During breaks in his sets in NYC it isn't uncommon for him to be hassled for his autograph from people with British and French accents, some people not even speaking English. Although "Nature of the Beast" is a great album, it's really nothing compared to him live. When you see him live and he plays his super-funky version of "Se La Vie", then turns it around into "Cissy Strut" and finishes the trio with his original "Riding in Fast Cars", you're left breathless and wanting more.

"Nature of the Beast" shows Spady's potential. This is more of an R&B album, more than it is a blues album, as seen with tunes like "Baby Baby Baby", "A Good Fool is Hard to Find", and "Bad Axe". Spady takes some good solos in this album, but his rhythms really make the album, along with some great help from the band. Unlike many other blues musicians, Clarence uses many influences in his playing. He has bits of every type of good black music in his playing, from traditional blues, to jazz, to funk, to gospel, to R&B. Clarence is so good that he never gives it 100% when he's being recorded because he doesn't want anyone copying his licks. One must take that into consideration when listening to this album.

All in all, this is a wonderful album and is enough to give me my Spady fix while I'm away from home. If you're in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area of PA, be sure to see if he's playing. A live experience will send you to heaven, and you'll leave knowing exactly what I mean when I say that his album really is nothing compared to him live. Even in light of the fact that he gigs as a three-piece now, with Bob O'Connel on keys and Sharon Smith on drums, he always pulls it off better than the album, no easy task. And lets's hold on to some hope that maybe, just maybe he'll change his way of living and record another album and follow up on it this time. There's no doubt in my mind that if he wanted it, Clarence would be the next big thing, the next SRV, the next Robben Ford, the next guitar hero.

I saw this band at a club called the Jewish Mother in Virginia Beach, VA. This is one amazing blues band. This CD is a pretty good representation of their live performance - although there is nothing like hearing a live Hammond B3 (actually it's a modified A100 with 2 Leslie cabinets) - not only is Mark Hamza amazing at accompaniment and soloing, but he plays the bass pedals with his feet - there is no bassist! Tight drummer, and the bari sax is a great addition. Clarence plays some great blues standards and originals; he is a very soulful blues guitarist/singer. If you open the liner notes, you'll see his 80-something-year-old Dad smoking with a beer in his hand. He goes on tour with his son for moral support. Sure enough, at the Jewish Mother, his Dad was at the bar. This CD is definitely worth owning.

I have seen and spoken to Clarence on several occasions. He is the best I have ever seen in concert. From Blues to Jazz , R&B to soul Spady delivers each and every time. Mark Hamza is an astounding musician as well and together they create a unique sound all their own. I for one have been waiting for the sequel to Nature of the Beast, truly one of the reasons why they named them jewel cases.

Spady hails from the same town (Scranton, PA) that I do. I had the pleasure to see him live in Buffalo, NY in the summer of 1998 and it is obvious that his playing has improved since the release of this album. "Nature of the Beast" contains a good mix of originals and covers that Clarence performs brilliantly. His backing band is much better appreciated live than what comes across on the album. If you are looking for good rocking Blues, this is definitely an album to pick up.

I have seen Clarence for many years at Terra Blues and have been fortunate to watch him up close and personal @ Terra Blues , specially after 1am when the tourists leave and the band gets into high gear. Its one of the most vivid memories I have with just die-hard blues affeciandos,the band (including talented Mark Hamza playing bass with his feet on an A-100 Organ)zoning into magicdom and Spady unleashing some of the most awesome guitar tone and feel one could hope for.His improvisations and guitar dexterity is seeped in raw blues, jazz funk and something special I call the "The Spady Feel". If you want to watch one of the best live acts watch Spady.When hes ON ..hes ON.

I heard him at the Mississippi Blues fest in 1997. I bought his CD right after his show and its one of my favorite CDS. You cant love the blues and not own this CD. Buy it now....you wont be sorry.

This is a fun, energizing album of solid blues that I recommend highly! Great party music or road tunes! Go for it!

I have met Clarence Spady personally before his show at the Terra Blues Club in NYC last night on Christmas Eve, boy, what an amazing guy. He gave me a hug and autograph at the Terra Blues Club. He even dedicated a song to me with the announcement of my name, so the crowd all know me by name, and sang "Hi Heeled Sneakers" from his CD for me, and the crowd.

What an amazing evening! I even received hugs from the bouncer Greg, whom I became quick friends with, and he got me in touch with Clarence before the show. I will definitely return to the club on New Year's Eve to see Clarence play again! What a blast!

He really rocked the house and make you hunger for more! After seeing his show last night, you will not be disappointed in getting his "Nature of the Beast" CD, which is very difficult to find from local record stores in NYC, as many stores do not have them in stock. So, it's best to order the CD here at Amazon. I look forward to receiving mine soon from Amazon.

He made me feel really special last night, and the CD will definitely bring back fond Christmas memories for me, being so fortunate to see Clarence and his band perform one of the best blues shows ever! What a blast!!! He is simply amazing!!!

Thanks Clarence for being such a delight!

This album accomplishes an effective mix of both thick slow blues and light funk-ish blues. Although I personally enjoy the slower stuff more (Nature of the Beast, Built for Comfort, Gospel Blues), each tune gets its own unique treatment from Spady and the band. The instrumentation is very good; the sax and organ combination works extremely well across the entire album. Overall, this is a very strong album from a considerable blues band. My only conmplaint is that I would like to hear more of the slow-six heavy stuff, during which the band shows its outstanding improvisation and balance. -bennyk