Delbert & Glen
Band members Related acts
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line up 1 (1972-73, 2013) - Glen Clark -- vocals, keyboards - Delbert McClinton -- vocals, guitar, harmonica
supporting musicians (1973) - Matt Betton -- drums, percussion keyboards - Tom Canning -- keyboards - Rick Cunha -- acoustic guitar - David Jackson -- bass - Gary Montgomery -- background vocals - Daniel Moore -- acoustic guitar, background vocals - Michael O'Neill -- guitar, mandolin - Jimmy Smith -- mandolin
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- Glen Clark (solo efforts) - Johnny & the Jills (Delbert McClinton) - Delbert McClinton (solo efforts) - The Ron-Dels (Delbert McClinton) - Los Super-Sevens (Delbert McClinton)
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Genre: country-rock Rating: 3 stars *** Title: Delbert & Glen Company: Clean Year: 1972 Country/State: Texas Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+ Comments: gatefold sleeve; small cutout notch on edge Available: 1 Catalog ID: -- Price: $25.00
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I'm not a big country fan, but I like much of Delbert McClinton's solo career and that was enough for me to invest in this $5.00 flea market find.
1972 found singer/guitarist McClinton moving from Texas to Los Angeles. By that point in time he'd already been a professional musician for over a decade. That career included countless gigs working in bar bands like The Straitjackets; numerous solo 45s; sessions work and a stint in The Ron-Dels.
In L.A. he fell in with fellow Texan singer/keyboardist Glen Clark. The pair worked up a repertoire blending their love of blues, country, Gospel, soul and early rock; finding a deal with Atlantic's short-lived Clean imprint. Produced by Daniel Moore and J. Henry Burnett (aka T. Bone Burnett), the pair debuted with 1972's "Delbert & Glen". The collection found Clark and McClinton split songwriting chores; the album rounded out by a great cover of William Bell and Booker T. Jones' 'Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday'. Clark and McClinton each had a unique approach to the music, but they meshed up well together. A quick look at the song titles and you'll normally be able to figure out who wrote what. Anyone expecting to hear a collection of glitzy Southern California-styled country rock was going to be surprised by this collection. This was not an Eagles album. That said, the album's rough edges and distinct lack of commerciality reflected their decade working as Texas-based musicians. Backed by a tight band including guitarists Daniel Moore and Michael O'Neill. songs like 'Old Standby' and the rocking 'Sugar Daddy' reflected the real "bar band" experience. That's not to imply the collection was without commercial potential. 'I Feel the Burden (Being Lifted Off My Shoulders)' was Clark's most mainstream effort and would have made a dandy single. McClinton's '"B" Movie Box Car Blues' was the album's most rock oriented song. Similarly it would have made a good 45. Still, as if to dispel any confusion as to whether these guys were Rodeo Drive cowboys, you had the Tony Rivers album cover.
"Delbert
& Glen" track listing: 1.) Old Standby (Glen Clark) - 3:18 rating: *** stars Spotlighting Clark's rugged voice, 'Old Standby' reminded me of something Delaney & Bonnie might have tried to record. Initially I thought it was a bit too country for my tastes, but the backing band, particularly guitarist Michael O'Neill gave it enough rock energy to push it over the line. 2) Ain't What You Eat But the Way How You Chew It (Delbert McClinton) - 2:17 rating: *** stars LOL - Ah the lessons parents pass on to their children. The title was classic Delbert McClinton ... With McClinton on lead vocals the country-blues number somewhat funny, but hardly something that was going to change your life. McClinton rerecorded the track with a more rock orientation. Not necessarily better, but different. 3.) I Received a Letter (Delbert McClinton) - 2:57 rating: *** stars Admittedly 'I Received a Letter' was way more country than I'd normally like, but the song served as a great example of why I like McClinton's voice so much. There's just something in the way the man nails pain and frustration so well. This was another one McClinton re-recorded as a solo side. One of the tracks on his 1979 "Keeper of the Flame" collection, the remake slowed things down and upped the sadness quotient. The original was released as a single:
- 1972's 'I Received a Letter ' b/w 'I Feel the Burden (Being Lifted Off My Shoulders)' (Clean catalog number CN 60003)
4.) I Feel the Burden (Being Lifted Off My Shoulders) (Dan Clark) - 2:53 rating: **** stars Easily Clark's best performance, 'I Feel the Burden (Being Lifted Off My Shoulders)' shifted the emphasis to rock and soul influences. With a great melody and awesome backing, this was one that made it hard to sit still through. Imagine hearing it after a couple of cold Lone Stars ... Should've been the single. 5.) "B" Movie Box Car Blues (Delbert McClinton)- 2:12 rating: **** stars It's sad to recognize more people know The Blues Brothers recording (it's on their debut album), than the original. Kudos to Ackroyd and Belushi for covering the song, but for goodness sakes, check out the original. If you didn't think harmonica belonged in a rock and roll song; well this will disprove that contention. Shame it faded out just as McClinton and company were starting to warm up. This was another track McClinton re-recorded on a solo album. 6.) Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday (WIlliam Bell - Booker T. Jones) - 3:06 rating: **** stars William Bell released the song as a 1967 single and there have been dozens of covers over the years.. Anyhow, as a massive Stax fan, I suspect Bell and Jones are proud of this cover. With Clark and McClinton alternating lead vocals their performances were simply infectious. YouTube has a clip of the pair performing the tune on what I think was their 2012 Sandy Beach Cruise. Delbert and Glen: Everyday Would be Like a Holiday (youtube.com) Always wondered who the young lady putting the key in McClionton's pocket was.
(side
2) I suspect had I heard this from any other band I would have skipped over it. Way too country-bluesy for my tastes. 2.) Sugar Daddy (Glen Clark) - 4:42 rating: **** stars Opening up with a killer guitar solo, 'Sugar Daddy' offered up another take-no-prisoners slice of Texas blues-rock. It demonstrated what a great voice Clark had. He out McClinton-ed McClinton on this one. Interestingly, the mid-'70s found Clark playing keyboards for Bonnie Raitt. Raitt did a cover of the song (re-titled 'Sugar Mama') on her 1975 "Home Plate" album. 3.) Here Comes the Blues Again (Delbert McClinton) - 4:02 rating: *** stars Showcasing McClinton's beautiful harmonica, the country-tinged ballad 'Here Comes the Blues Again' was the album;s prettiest tune. Docked a star since I don't even like country. 4.) Rosie's (The Working Girl's Hotel) (Glen Clark) - 3:17 rating: **** stars McClinton was the guy with a penchant for funny/goofy titles. Clark's 'Rosie's (The Working Girl's Hotel)' was an exception to the rule, showing he could go down that path with equally enjoyable results. The other thing I'd mention is the more I heard Clark's voice, the more I liked him. 5.) C. O. D (Delbert McClinton). - 4:56 rating: ** stars 'C.O.D.' closed the album with a bland slice of Chicago-styled blues.
Both men have web presences:
© Scott R. Blackerby July, 2024
© Scott R. Blackerby |
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