"Merry Clayton" by MERRY CLAYTON – October 1971 US Second Studio Album on Ode Records and A&M Records in the UK - featuring Joe Sample and Wilton Felder of The Crusaders, Carole King, Billy Preston, Clarence McDonald on Keyboards, Anita Porée and Jerry Peters (both of Black Magic!) on Backing Vocals and Song Contributions with David T. Walker on Guitar and others (November 2010 UK/UK Repertoire CD Reissue/Remaster in A Card Digipak) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"…I Still Think Of You…After All This Time…"

Born on Christmas Day near New Orleans in 1948 as Mary Clayton - her parents were so overjoyed at their special arrival - they nicknamed her Merry. And you can't help but think that Mom and Pops Clayton were right on the musical spondulicks. 

To understand the genuine class act you're dealing with here - a potted-history of Merry Clayton's past vocal glories will set the scene...

She contributed to Neil Young's "The Old Laughing Lady" and "I've Loved Her So Long" on his self-titled debut album in 1968, sings on Joe Cocker's "Feelin' Alright" from his "With A Little Help From My Friends" debut album from 1969 and is on Allen Toussaint's magical "From A Whisper To A Scream" (1970). She sang with the Brothers and Sisters on the 1969 "Dylan's Gospel" LP doing lead vocals (and credited as such) on "The Mighty Quinn" (even got a 45 release). Just as impressively, Merry sings on "Way Over Yonder", "Where You Lead" and "Smackwater Jack" on Carole King's magisterial "Tapestry" album that shattered everyone in 1971. Then there were sessions for B.B. King, Jesse Davis, Neil Diamond, Charles Wright, Jimmy Witherspoon, Billy Preston, Lee Michaels, Linda Ronstadt, Leon Russell, Ruth Copeland, Chi Coltrane, David T. Walker, Etta James, Rare Earth, The Who and even Ringo Starr.

But her most famous outing must be her duet vocals with Mick Jagger on "Gimme Shelter" - one of the standout album tracks from "Let It Bleed" - the Rolling Stones masterpiece from 1969 (it was the first album produced by Jimmy Miller who suggested Merry for the vocals). She even turns up on Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" in 1974 and "Cornflake Girl" by Tori Amos in 1994…and is prominently featured in the award-winning 2013 movie about backing singers - "20 Feet From Stardom" - with affectionate contributions from no less than Mick Jagger recalling her mink coat, curlers and early-morning up-an-octave screams into the microphone.

So it's hardly surprising that MERRY CLAYTON signed to Lou Adler's Ode Records in the late Sixties and quickly pushed out two solo albums - "Gimme Shelter" - her debut from August 1970 named after that famous duet – and this - "Merry Clayton" from October 1971 – a whole album of Soulified cover versions of contemporary Rock and Soul songs that included exclusives from Carole King. Hell, even the musician list is impressive too (see below). Here are the details after all this time…

1. Southern Man – a Neil Young cover [Side 1]
2. Walk On In – a Carole King cover
3. After All This Time – a Carole King song 
4. Love Me Or Let Me Be Lonely – Anita Porée, Jerry Peters and Skip Scarborough song initially done by The Friends Of Distinction in 1970
5. A Song For You – a Leon Russell cover
6. Sho'Nuff – a Billy Preston and Joe Green song
7. Steamroller – a James Taylor cover [Side 2]
8. Same Old Story – a Carole King song
9. Light On The Hill – Richard Jones cover
10. Grandma's Hands – a Bill Withers cover
11. Whatever – a Leon Ware cover

"Merry Clayton" by MERRY CLAYTON was released October 1971 on Ode Records SP-77012 in the USA and on A&M Records AMLS 67012 in the UK. The album peaked at No.36 on the US Billboard R&B charts and No.180 on the US Billboard Pop charts (didn't chart UK). The band was... 

KEYBOARDS: Billy Preston, Carole King, Clarence McDonald, Jerry Peters and Joe Sample (of The Crusaders)
GUITARS: David T. Walker
SAXOPHONE – Curtis Amy
BASS: Wilton Felder (of The Crusaders)
DRUMS: Paul Humphrey
PERCUSSION: Bobbye Porter, Gary Coleman and Sandra Crouch
BACKING VOCALS: Abigail Haness (of Jo Mama), Jerry Peters (of Black Magic!), Merry Clayton, Patrice Holloway and The James Cleveland Choir

It doesn't say who's remastered this 5 November 2010 EU/UK released reissue CD on Repertoire REP 5177 (Barcode 4009910517727) - but the sticker on the card digipak claims that it's been beautifully done - and they'd be right (37:23 minutes, 11 Tracks). As with the "Gimme Shelter" Debut Album in this Repertoire Series (REP 5176 – Barcode 4009910517628) - the sound quality is full-on fantastic - lending the Soul-meets-Gospel feel of the songs a huge sonic punch. Very little hiss - you can hear piano, drums, sweet bass and guitar strings rattling - loads of presence – and of course her voice letting rip in that Soul Diva manner that thrills - it's a top job done. The 8-page inlay reproduces the LP artwork, original cover blurb and now has extra affectionate and knowledgeable liner notes by noted UK writer CHRIS WELCH (dated September 2010) – it fits into an inner pouch in the card digipak artwork (see photos). To the music…

Our heroine singer tackles Neil Young for the first time as the "Merry Clayton" album opens with "Southern Man" from his 1970 Reprise Records LP "After The Gold Rush". It’s a fantastic beginning – the whole band in synch to that Soulified Country-ish sound and those anti burning crosses lyrics – the full backing singers gang accompanying too. The audio – again – just superb. Next up is a double.

First aired by Merry on this self-titled LP in October 1971 – the two Side 1 songs "Walk On In" and "After All This Time" were brand new Carole King tunes at the time. "Walk On In" went on to be hugely popular as a cover version - Lou Rawls, The Shirelles, Debbie Au, Linda Hopkins and Terry Simmons all did a version in 1972 alone, Brenda & The Tabulations in 1973, Rita Coolidge in 1981, and so on. Margie Joesph over on Atlantic Records did a lovely version of "After All This Time" on her 1975 "Margie" album. Merry gives "Walk On In" an upbeat Soul feel – Organ, Guitar Flicks, sweet musical accompaniment. But while it's a good tune - the "…I'm so glad you are mine…" gorgeousness of "After All This Time" whomps all in its path. The strings are sweet, the organ and guitar match perfectly but its Merry's warm vocal that seduces while her husband Curtis Amy provides fabulous Saxophone breaks. What a song – this definite album highlight was chosen as the LP's lead-off and only single. It was first issued July 1971 on Ode 70 ODE-66018 with the Leon Ware track "Whatever" on the B-side – then relaunched in October 1971 on Ode 70 ODE-66020 with the James Taylor cover version of "Steamroller" on the flipside (the UK 45-single had to wait until 4 February 1972 on A&M Records AMS 886 - "Steamroller" on the B-side). With strong flips Stateside on both Ode 70 Records 45s - and a Soul-mad UK on her lone A&M single – it takes me back even now in 2026 that none of them clicked with the public on either side of the pond – even with the singer-songwriter strength of Carole King on the A.

Carole never did her own version of "Walk On In" - but the truly lovely "After All This Time" proved too sweet a melody to resist and her version turned up on the 1996 document of her live outing "The Carnegie Hall Concert" on Columbia Records. So for Carole King aficionados – this Merry Clayton album is a great place to get a top audio copy of these two obscure CK gems (albeit by someone else). 

Song 4 on Side 1 was written by Anita Porée and Jerry Peters (both of Black Magic!) with another Soul Songwriting hero - Skip Scarborough. "Love Me Or Let Me Be Lonely" was first aired February 1970 by The Friends Of Distinction on RCA Victor 74-0319 – it hit No.13 on the US Billboard R&B charts. Both of its songwriters Anita Porée and Jerry Peters are musicians on the Merry Clayton album – they had been with the group Black Magic! - who managed one album on Atlantic Records in 1970 called "Ready To Love". Scarborough would later bring his writing chops to Freda Payne, Bill Withers and Earth, Wind and Fire (check out the Expansion label 2011 CD "The Skip Scarborough Songbook" to know what you're missing). 

Side 1 ends with two nice touches – a slow Soulful take on the Leon Russell been-on-a-hundred-stages song "A Song For You" – the ladies and boys building up those backing vocals to an almost Gospel testify. Good – but far better for me is the joyful church-organ bopping Billy Preston/Joe Green gem "Sho'Nuff" – Merry getting her teeth into a Sister loves-her-man anthem – the lady vocalists harmonizing on those 'Yes I Do' and set my soul on fire oohs and oohs. Fab. 

Just as she opened the 1970 Ode Records album "Gimme Shelter" with a cover of James Taylor's "Country Road" – Merry kicks Side 2 into gear with a fantastic Bluesy take on Taylor's "Steamroller" – both tracks from his 1970 Warner Brothers LP breakthrough "Sweet Baby James". Towards the end, she really lets her vocal range rip with croaks and echoed hollers – impressive stuff. Time for another Carole King winner, but this time it’s a sad ballad - "Same Old Story". At 2:50 minutes in and very much in the vein of Aretha over on Atlantic Records, her I-cried-too-many-tears crew of singers kick in, and the effect is stunning (David T. Walker on Guitar with hubby Curtis Amy on Saxophone and even a smattering of strings towards its four-and-a-half-minute fade out). "Light On The Hill" is a Richard Jones piano shuffler where stepping-stones are discussed – searches for a friendly home – the church organ, vocals and tambourine giving it a righteous vibe. Family and the awe-inspiring wisdom and safety of "Grandma's Hands" crop up next. The Bill Withers original is on his Sussex Records debut album "Just As I Am" – here Merry sings it with more menace – men whooping young kids – local unwed mothers – and I think that is Joe Sample on piano as the strings and voices join in on the testifying. The album ends with a Leon Ware song - "Whatever" – an uptempo dancer urging people to do their thing – feel whatever groove it is that makes you stronger.

For me, there is a feeling that after the "Steamroller" opener, Side 2 sort of peters out – good but never great. And perhaps that how Joe Public perceived her second LP full of other people’s great songs – just good – but no more. Even after all these decades loving the whole album – I know its rating bones are 4-stars and not 5. But God – the good stuff – and this fab new audio – I love it!

Repertoire have also reissued the album prior "Gimme Shelter" – her debut American solo LP on Ode Records SP 77701 from October 1970. Its November 2010 CD version is on Repertoire REP 5176 – use Barcode 4009910517628 to get the right issue...

"Blood, Sweat And Tears" by BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS - January 1969 US 2nd Studio LP on Columbia Records (April 1969 UK LP on CBS Records) featuring David Clayton-Thomas and Steve Katz (December 2004 UK Repertoire Records 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue of Their 2nd Album – EROC Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"...Variations On A Theme..."

In 2019 the musical term 'Fusion' can have a myriad of overtones and even be overused. But 50 years back (yes the album is over half a century old) - fusion was the new buzzword and in the form of Blood, Sweat & tears – the dancing Rock-Jazz-Soul-Blues hybrid that took listeners everywhere by the musical ticklers.

BST's uber-cool debut "Child Is Father To The Man" from February 1968 on Columbia Records (USA) and July 1968 on CBS Records (UK) was a fabulous starter album with Al Kooper at the helm and hipster tunes galore (see separate review for the superb Legacy Edition CD Remaster). But when AK left to go solo (1969's "I Stand Alone" opened his long career account with aplomb) - BST needed a vocalist and maybe even a new direction – a bigger tapestry – and man did they hit pay dirt.

Al Kooper is a good singer (a little similar in tone to ex Zombies writer Colin Blunstone as one reviewer has already quite rightly noted) - but ragamuffin and reform school dropout David Clayton-Thomas was and is another kettle of angry trout. His is a great voice – not good – but great – and there is a real difference. British born but raised in Canada since the age of 3, DCT had left home at 14 (family fall-outs), troubled a few institutions in his teens and by the time he was approaching his twenties, had been hustling microphones at bars and dives wherever they'd let him. Not surprisingly, David gravitated not to the sun and sand of California, but the grit and sweat of the Big Apple.

Apparently tipped off by Elektra Records folky Judy Collins, one of BST's founder members Bobby Colomby went to see Clayton-Thomas in Greenwich Village and was duly floored. His growl, his passion, his full-throated delivery seemed to actually mimic the scream of the bombs that actually dropped on his London Air Raid shelter when he was being born! With Blues and Soul Music oozing out of his Rock swagger, coupled with like minded Jazz players in the band - it turned out the Canadian lad could also pen a neck-jerking tune – the mighty "Spinning Wheel". With him on board, the huge nine-piece band had the stage set.

Blood Sweat & Tears self-titled second LP "Blood, Sweat & Tears" issued in January 1969 on Columbia Records took the American charts by storm - hitting the number one spot soon after release and stayed there for seven weeks. When issued April 1969 in Blighty, it too managed a healthy No. 15 spot and has as of this year (2019) reputedly sold over 38 million copies worldwide. Spinning Wheel - turned around indeed. Here be the Variations On A Theme...

UK and German released December 2004 - "Blood, Sweat & Tears" by BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS on Repertoire Records RES 2324 (Barcode 4009910232422) is an 'Expanded Edition' CD Reissue and Remaster with Two Bonus Live Tracks (recorded 1968 in NYC) in a card digipak packaging that plays out as follows (69:13 minutes):

Side 1:

1. Variations Of A Theme by Erik Satie 

(1st and 2nd Movements, Adapted from "Trois Gymnopedies")

2. Smiling Phases (Traffic cover - written by Chris Wood, Jim Capaldi and Stevie Winwood)

3. Sometimes In Winter (Steve Katz song)

4. More And More (Little Milton cover – written by Don Juan Mancha and Pee Vee)

5. And When I Die (Laura Nyro cover)

6. God Bless The Child (Billie Holiday cover)

Side 2:

7. Spinning Wheel (David Clayton-Thomas song)

8. You've Made Me So Very Happy (Brenda Holloway cover)

9. Blues - Part II (Blood, Sweat & Tears song)

10. Variations On A Theme by Erik Satie (1st Movement, Adapted from "Trois Gymnopedies")

Tracks 1 to 10 are their second studio album "Blood, Sweat & Tears" - released January 1969 in the USA on Columbia CS 9720 (Stereo) and April 1969 in the UK on CBS Records M 63504 (Mono) and S 63504 (Stereo). The STEREO Mix is used for this CD. 

BONUS TRACKS:

11. More And More (Live)

12. Smiling Phases (Live)

Recorded live in 1968 at The Café Au Go Go in New York – first appeared on the Legacy Expanded Edition CD Reissue in 2000 as Bonuses

The album produced three monster singles all making the No. 2 slot in 1969 on the US Billboard charts - first out of the gate in February 1969 was "You've Made Me So Very Happy" b/w "Blues - Part 2" on Columbia 4-44776. The A and B-sides were both single edits - 3:26 and 5:26 minutes respectively where their album compatriots clocked in at 4:20 and a whopping 11:45 minutes for the expansive Blues jam. "You've Made Me So Very happy" had in fact been a 45 for Soul Siren Brenda Holloway on Tamla T-54155 in August 1967 but I'd argue that our boys improved it - the BST arrangement retaining its Soulful upbeat vibe while stamping their distinctive Brass-Rock sound on it (that final piano 'wanna thank you girl' portion gets me every time). Not surprisingly, US 45 number two was the huge "Spinning Wheel" b/w "More And More" in May 1969 on Columbia 4-44871 - and again both sides were single edits at 2:39 and 2:38 minutes respectively. The David Clayton-Thomas classic made No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary charts for two weeks. Last was their cover of Laura Nyro's "And When I Die" b/w "Sometimes In Winter" on Columbia 4-45008 with only the A being an edit at 3:26 minutes. I'd argue that it would have been better to have all five of the Single Edits as Bonus Tracks and not the two live cuts lazily taken off the Columbia 2000 reissue CD - but alas.

The card digipak mimics the original vinyl gatefold sleeve but the 12-page booklet expands the LP's story with new liner notes from noted writer CHRIS WELCH (of Melody Maker fame). There are photos, a potted history of the band and detailed recorded credits on the last few pages. The Audio Restoration and Remaster is by EROC at The Ranch and it sounds incredible. For sure the music is terribly dated in places (that Nyro cover has never been a fave of mine) but Audio lovers have always sought this platter out on MOFI and Japanese SHM-CD reissues - well Repertoire are up there with the best of them. The stunning "Blues - Part 2" track that dominates Side 2 only to segue into another clever instrumental take of Erik Satie's "Variations On A Theme" (1st Movement) is an example. When the band goes into "Spoonful" half way through, the sonic punch is a wow. Hell - you can almost forgive Steve Katz and his weak-kneed lead vocal on "Sometimes In Winter".

For sure after 50 years - certain elements of this 1969 platter are showing their 60ts hipster age - but it is also a milestone that deserved its Grammy for Best Album of the Year and warrants your spondulicks in 2019. "Blood, Sweat & Tears" would be followed by "3" in 1970 (another No. 1) and "4" in 1971 (No. 10) - but when Clayton-Thomas departed thereafter for the first of two cracking solo albums, the downward slide began. Remember them this way...

PS: This Review is dedicated to David Clayton-Thomas who passed June 2026 - thanks for the tunes, the voice and the teenage thrills...RIP...

"Fearless" by FAMILY - November 1971 UK LP on Reprise Records - February 1972 US LP on United Artists featuring Roger Chapman, Charlie Whitney, Poli Palmer, John Wetton and Rob Townsend (March 2006 UK Repertoire 'Limited Edition 4000' Mini LP Artwork Repro CD Remaster with Four Bonus Tracks) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Daft, I Call It..." 

Family's back catalogue has had its fair share of reissue go-rounds (See For Miles, Essential, Madfish and more). But for me - these dinky Repertoire repro sleeves from 2006 - sporting quality remasters and relevant bonus tracks - are just what I need.

The German reissue label Repertoire re-released just three of these titles in March 2006 - each a limited edition of 4000 non-numbered copies - 1970's "Anyway on Repertoire REPUK 1082 (Barcode 4009910108222) - 1971's "Fearless" on Repertoire REPUK 1083 (Barcode 4009910108321) and 1972's "Bandstand" on Repertoire REPUK 1084 (Barcode 4009910108123). The barcodes were in fact only on the shrink-wrapped stickers that accompanied each reissue - so many got lost once that was ripped open.

As each original FAMILY album (Reprise Records in the UK, United Artists in the USA) came in unique and beautiful packaging - each of these seminal Rock-Prog albums have been ripe for Repro Artwork fiends. Which brings us to one of their best albums - here are the 'daft I call it' details...

UK and Europe released March 2006 (April 2006 in the USA) - "Fearless" by FAMILY on Repertoire REPUK 1083 (Barcode 4009910108321) is a Limited Edition of 4000 Copies with Full Mini LP Repro Artwork (flaps sleeve and red inner) and Four Bonus Tracks (53:46 minutes):

1. Between Blue And Me [Side 1]

2. Sat'd'y Barfly

3. Larf And Sing  

4. Spanish Tide

5. Save Some For Thee

6. Take Your Partners [Side 2]

7. Children

8. Crinkly Grin

9. Blind

10. Burning Bridges

Tracks 1 to 10 are their 6th album "Fearless" - released November 1971 in the UK on Reprise Records K 54003 and February 1972 in the USA on United Artists UAS-5562. Produced by FAMILY and GEORGE CHKIANTZ - it peaked at No. 14 in the UK LP charts and No. 177 in the USA.

BONUS TRACKS:

11. In My own Time

12. Seasons

Tracks 11 and 12 are the non-album A&B-sides of a UK 7" single released July 1971 on Reprise K 14090 (peaked at No. 4)

13. Between Blue And Me (Live)

14. Sing 'Em The Way I Feel (Live)

Tracks 13 and 14 first appeared on the February 2004 CD Reissue of "Fearless” on Mystic MYS CD 172 (Barcode 604388621729)

FAMILY was:

ROGER CHAPMAN - Lead Vocals, Guitars and Percussion

CHARLIE WHITNEY - Guitars, Mandolin and Percussion

POLI PALMER - Keyboards, Vibes, Flute and Percussion

JOHN WETTON - Guitars, Vocals, Contracts and Keyboards

ROB TOWNSEND - Drums, Paiste Cymbals and Percussion

Guests:

The Ladbroke Horns 

Both the UK and American original vinyl LPs came in an elaborate 'flaps sleeve' with a Red Inner bag – lyrics on one side, the other side blank. Repertoire have cleverly repro'd the four-flap gatefold sleeve into a slightly-oversized 5”Mini LP carefully including the 'daft I call it' bunny rabbit on the rear cover along with the 'this album is dedicated to all the people who have pulled strokes for or against us, for they shall be called fearless' quote. They've put the lyrics on one side of the red four-leaf foldout page with the blank side now filled in with JOHN TRACY and his superlative liner notes (John did many of the booklets on the early Decca and Deram CD reissues in the late 80s and early 90s – Savoy Brown, Thin Lizzy, Them, Keef Hartley, Moody Blues, Cat Stevens etc). The rear cover also states a 'Limited Edition' of 4000 (the barcode is only on the outer shrinkwrap and not on the repro).

It doesn't say which Remaster has been used or who did it – but I've never found any Repertoire CD Reissue to be anything other than banging – and their 2006 version of "Fearless" is no different (see my separate reviews for David Clayton-Thomas, Merry Clayton, CCS and All Kooper/Shuggie Otis on Repertoire). This thing sounds great. Let's get to the music...

It opens with "Between Blue And Me" – a gentle acoustic strum intro soon becoming "...waves of emotion, sea of joy..." as the big guitars dominate and Roger Chapman lets rip with that utterly extraordinary voice of his. Even though I've heard it so many times over the years - somehow it keeps growing on me - the drums and bass are particularly prevalent in this transfer. Downtown cruisin' with a diamond pin and a funky hat sees "Sat'd'y Barfly" get all barroom leery with a barrelhouse piano and brass band (drunk as Hell and the band still playing at 4 a.m.). Again it's another clever little bleeder of a song that's actually better than its boozy beat. "...Losing sometimes means you win...if you let the true you thru..." Chapman sings on the very Colin Blunstone "Larf And Sing" - a strange little song with clever vocal passages. "Spanish Tide" is a typically beguiling Family song - all chopping and changing as it chugs along from its sweet clavinet opening - Wetton's King Crimson influence showing in the complicated yet somehow beautiful structure. Side 1 ends with the very Jethro Tull rhythms of "Save Some For Thee" - and once again those brass moments punchy as a kangaroo on crack...

The decidedly jagged "Take Your Partners" is essentially a six-minute guitar work out occasionally interrupted by a few rapidly sung verses - I've always honestly found it hard work. The impossibly pretty "Children" is the opposite - an all-melody acoustic ditty that feels like the carefree child that inspired the song. Poli Palmer penned the short Colosseum/Greenslade keyboard-and-guitar instrumental "Crinkly Grin" - the kind of Fusion Rock that feel like it should have been allowed to play longer. The slide guitars and eerie background soundscape to "Blind" make Family feel like Beefheart's Magic Band chipping away in the background while the master growls his way through 'pictures of people in pain' on the microphone. It ends on my personal fave - "Burning Bridges" - a guitar builder that features amazing vocal patterns and feels like Kevin Ayers swirling around images and sounds over on Harvest Records. The inclusion of the superb July 1971 UK single "In My Own Time" and its chipper B-side "Sometimes" feels like the words 'Bonus Tracks' actually do apply here.

I'd admit that FAMILY would not be everyone’s idea of musical Nirvana and parts of this lovely CD of "Fearless" only hammers that home. But that doesn't stop this from being a very tasty reissue in every department and there's nowt daft about that... 

"Gimme Shelter" by MERRY CLAYTON - August 1970 US Debut Album on Ode Records (Oct 1970 in the UK) featuring David Walker on Guitar and Joe Sample of The Crusaders on Keyboards (November 2010 UK Repertoire CD Reissue and Remaster in a Card Digipak) - A Review by Mark Barry...

Amazon UK Purchase Link

https://link.amazon/B037dw80R

--------------------------------------------------

This Review Along With A HUGE 356 Others Is Available In My

SOUNDS GOOD E-Book on all Amazon sites

HIGHER GROUND 
70ts Soul, R'n'B, Funk, Jazz Fusion
Exceptional CD Reissues and Remasters  

Just Click Below To Purchase for £4.95 (2026 Update)

Thousands of E-Pages - All Details and In-Depth Reviews From Discs 

(No Cut and Paste Crap)

"…Don't Know Just What You're After…Do Know What You Need…" 

Talk about an unknown that shouldn't be. In order to understand the genuine class act you're dealing with here - a potted-history of Merry Clayton's past vocal glories will set the scene. She contributed to Neil Young's "The Old Laughing Lady" and "I've Loved Her So Long" on his self-titled debut album in 1968, sings on Joe Cocker's "Feelin' Alright" from his "With A Little Help From My Friends" debut album from 1969 and is on Allen Toussaint's magical "From A Whisper To A Scream" (1970). Just as impressively Merry sings on "Way Over Yonder", "Where You Lead" and "Smackwater Jack" on Carole King's magisterial "Tapestry" album (1971). Then there are sessions for B.B. King, Jesse Davis, Neil Diamond, Charles Wright, Jimmy Witherspoon, Billy Preston, Lee Michaels, Linda Ronstadt, Leon Russell, Ruth Copeland, Chi Coltrane, David T. Walker, Etta James, Rare Earth, The Who and even Ringo Starr.

But her most famous outing has to be her duet vocals with Mick Jagger on "Gimme Shelter" - one of the standout album tracks from "Let It Bleed" - the Rolling Stones masterpiece from 1969 (it was the first album produced by Jimmy Miller who suggested Merry for the vocals). She even turned up on Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" in 1974 and "Cornflake Girl" by Tori Amos in 1994…and is prominently featured in the award-winning 2013 movie about backing singers "20 Feet From Stardom" with affectionate reminiscing from Mick Jagger.

So it's hardly surprising that MERRY CLAYTON signed to Lou Adler's Ode Records in the late Sixties and quickly pushed out two solo albums - "Merry Clayton" in October 1971 (her second) - and this - "Gimme Shelter" - her debut LP from August 1970 (October 1970 in the UK). Here are the glad tidings…

1. Country Road [Side 1]

2. Tell All The People

3. Bridge Over Troubled Water

4. I've Got Life

5. Gimme Shelter

6. Here Come Those Heartaches Again [Side 2]

7. Forget It I Got It

8. You've Been Acting Strange

9. I Ain't Gonna Worry My Life Away

10. Good Girls

11. Glad Tidings

"Gimme Shelter" by MERRY CLAYTON ws released August 1970 on Ode Records SP-77001 in the USA and October 1970 on A&M Records AMLS 995 in the UK. The original vinyl album featured a world-class session band (Victor Feldman on Vibes, Joe Sample of The Crusaders on keyboards to name but two) and was top-heavy with contemporary cover versions of the time (but in a good way).

It doesn't say who's remastered this 5 November 2010 Repertoire reissue CD on REP 5176 (Barcode 4009910517628) but the sticker on the card digipak claims that it's been beautifully done - and they'd be right (38:23 minutes). The sound quality is fantastic - lending the Soul-meets-Gospel feel of the songs a huge sonic punch. Very little hiss - you can hear piano, drums, sweet bass and guitar strings rattling - loads of presence - it's a top job done. The 12-page inlay has affectionate and knowledgeable liner notes by noted UK writer CHRIS WELCH. 

Musically this is uplifting Soul with organs, brass, girly backing singers and impassioned lead vocals - a sort of Atlantic Aretha Franklin one moment then United Artists Tina Turner the next. And right from her opening cover of James Taylor's "Country Road" - the album hits you with one classy tune after another. Number 2 is another upbeat reinterpretation - a great variant of The Doors "Tell All The People". But both are aced by a slowed-down and deeply soulful version of Simon and Garfunkel's beautiful anthem "Bridge Over Troubled Waters".  Written by Galt McCormack "I've Got Life" started out in the "Hair" musical and was made famous by Nina Simone on her 1968 "Nuff 'Said" album. Side 1 ends with her own superb guitar-and-brass take on "Gimme Shelter" with its "just a shot away..." lyrics (it was issued as the 1st of 2 singles off the album in the USA on Ode Records ODE-66003 with "Good Girls" as its flipside).

Side Two opens with pure magic - a cover of the James Cleveland song "Here Comes Those Heartaches Again" done originally by Kim Weston on her 1970 album "Big Brass Four Poster" (on James Brown's People label). It doesn't say who added the strings but the sung suddenly elevates into sublime Jimmy Webb territory - a little like "5:30 Plane" by The Supremes on their 1972 Motown LP "The Supremes Produced And Arranged By Jimmy Webb" (see review for the Hip-O Select Supremes box set "This Is The Story..."). That gorgeous orchestration appears again on the album's lone original "I Ain't Gonna Worry My Life Away" - a blistering Etta James type torch ballad that Merry co-wrote with Billy Preston (lyrics from it title this review). The other superb Preston contribution here is "You've Been Acting Strange" - his own version surfaced on his September 1970 Apple Records album "Encouraging Words" (also reviewed). 

There's a Jimmy Miller (Rolling Stones Producer) and Gary Wright (of Spooky Tooth) song too called "Forget It, I Got It" which is so slinky and very cool. It was used as the B-side to "Country Road" issued as a 45 in the USA on Ode Records ODE-66007 (the 2nd and last single off the album). Things are brassed-up again with Billy Page's "Good Girls" and rounded off with a crowd-in-the studio version of "Glad Tidings" - a Van Morrison cover from his 1970 "Moondance" album that doesn't quite work for me. Others like it though as an upbeat finisher. Concluding - with so few clunkers and so many great song choices - this an absolute gem of an album from back in the day and her follow-up "Merry Clayton" (which I've also reviewed, pictured below) was a wee gem too. 

Born on Christmas Day near New Orleans in 1948 - her parents were so overjoyed at their special arrival - they named her Merry. And you can't help but think that Mr. and Mrs. Clayton were right on the money. She's even been belatedly recognised for her talent and is prominently featured in the superb 2013 movie about backing singers called "20 Feet From Stardom" (fabulous movie/documentary). Get this gorgeous, uplifting and criminally forgotten goody in your life as soon as you can. 

And I'm sure he'd approve - but if this CD were a car - it'd be recommended like a pair of rubber lips on Mick Jagger's gear stick...

"Kooper Session: Al Kooper Introduces Shuggie Otis" by AL KOOPER and SHUGGIE OTIS (2007 Repertoire CD Remaster Of The Rare 1970 US Album) - A Review by Mark Barry...

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"...Double Or Nothing..."

An impossibly cool album from the beginnings of 1970 (recorded in 1969) - and one that’s too bleeding difficult by far to find on original vinyl LP anyway – this fantastic CD reissue comes to our Bluesy rescue in 2014.

Originally released July 2007 (reissued 2014) - "Kooper Session: Al Kooper Introduces Shuggie Otis" by ALL KOOPER and SHUGGIE OTIS on Repertoire RES 2336 (Barcode 40009910233627) comes in natty CD card digipak repro sleeve and breaks down as follows (40:46 minutes):

THE SONGS (Side 1):

1. Bury My Body [Al Kooper song] - Al Kooper on Organ, Piano & Lead Vocals, Shuggie Otis On Guitar, The Harris Robinson Singers on Backing Vocals

2. Double Or Nothing [Instrumental cover of a Booker T. & The M.G.'s song from 1967] - Al Kooper on Organ, Mark "Moogy" Klingman on Piano, Shuggie Otis On Guitar

3. One Room Country Shack [Cover of a 1949 Blues song on Specialty Records by Mercy Dee Walton] - Al Kooper on Organ, Guitar & Lead Vocals, Shuggie Otis On Guitar

4. Lookin' For A Home [Cover of a 1961 Blues Song by 'Little Buster' Forehand]

THE BLUES (Side 2):

1. 12:15 Slow Goonbash Blues [Al Kooper & Shuggie Otis song] - Al Kooper on Organ and Piano, Mark "Moogy" Klingman on Piano, Shuggie Otis On Guitar

2. Shuggie's Old Time Dee-Di-Lee-Di-Leet-Deet Slide Boogie [Al Kooper & Shuggie Otis song] - Al Kooper on Piano, Shuggie Otis On Guitar

3. Shuggie's Shuffle [Al Kooper & Shuggie Otis song] - Al Kooper on Organ and Piano, Mark "Moogy" Klingman on Piano, Shuggie Otis On Guitar

Tracks 1 to 7 are the album "Kooper Session - Al Kooper Introduces Shuggie Otis" which was first released in January 1970 in the USA on Columbia Records CS-9951 and a few months later on CBS Records S 63979 in the UK.

"Kooper Session" featured a sensational new guitar prodigy called Johnny "Shuggie" Otis Jnr - son of the Fifties Rhythm 'n' Blues legend Johnny Otis - playing alongside Al Kooper and a group of complementary blues musicians (see credits above).

Capitalizing on his success with Stephen Stills, Mike Bloomfield and the first Blood, Sweat & Tears LP, Al Kooper was not only able to get the 15-year old Shuggie signed to a major label - he then produced and played on his debut album - and used his more famous name to get Shuggie noticed. Loose and even ramshackle in places, the record showcased the young wire-haired Californian guitar player and his extraordinarily accomplished playing. And it was hip and bluesy too...

The inner-flap of the digipak reproduces the Al Kooper liner notes on the rear of the original American album, while the 8-page booklet features in-the-studio photos of the session with new notes by respected UK music-writer CHRIS WELCH.

Side One was called "The Songs" and featured structured tunes - mostly blues covers - but Side Two called "The Blues" was instrumental loose jams (you can literally hear Shuggie say "...Take 1..." at the beginning of the superb instrumental "12:15 Slow Goonbash Blues"). Stu Woods from the group ARS NOVA played Bass, while Mark Klingman played organ and piano (would later become "Moogy" Klingman in TODD RUNDGREN'S UTOPIA) - but most of the time it was a duet guitar/vocal blues battle between Al Kooper and Shuggie Otis. The false 78" crackle added onto to National Steel Guitar blues of "Shuggie's Old Time..." may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but it sounds gimmicky now and gets in the way of hearing the great guitar chops on show...

It doesn't say who did the remaster, but the sound is superb - full and none too trebled to the nines for effect. One or two of the tracks on Side 1 are a little hissy but I suspect that reflects the loose nature of the original recordings. Stateside they even tried a 7" single edit of "Bury My Body" (lyrics above) with "One Room Country Shack" as its B-side - but it made little headway. The album was well received though and paved the way for his solo debut proper - 1970's superlative "Here Comes Shuggie Otis".

"Kooper Session" is a good bluesy-based album and this reissue is a very reasonable way of getting a now hard-to-find vinyl album (especially in the UK)...