In a profession loaded with colourful personalities, Eddy "the Chief" Clearwater fits right in at the top. From his trademark Indian head dress (which may not be politically correct anymore) to his colourful outfits that change with each set, he is certainly one of the most recognizable blues personalities.

He honed his chops on Chicago's West Side right alongside of Magic Sam, Otis Rush and Freddie King. He is equally at home with the most heartfelt blues ballads as he is with the "party time' blues and blues rock. When you think of Chicago Blues, Eddy has to be on your top ten list.

He was born Edward Harrington in Mississippi and is a cousin of late harpist Carey Bell Harrington. He grew up listening to blues, country and gospel music. He taught himself to play guitar (Jimi Hendrix style, left handed and upside) and performed with numerous gospel groups, including the Blind Boys of Alabama. He later moved to Chicago and the rest is history.

On August 7, Eddy brought his band to Toronto's Silver Dollar at the coaxing of one of Toronto's colourful blues scene character's, blues promoter Mory the Sock Man.

And the small but appreciative crowd was not disappointed. Two fabulous sets of straight ahead Chicago Blues with a fabulous band consisting of Merle Perkins on Drums, Shoji Naito on Bass (and harmonica) and Tom Crivellone on second guitar. As is often the case with top notch artists, the band plays a few tunes before the main artist appears. Just a often the band is usually superb and could, in many cases, carry the evening itself. Eddy's band no disappointment. The second set started with Tom Crivellone on guitar and Shoji Naito on harmonica in an "acoustic style" mini set. Overall a great evening of straight ahead Chicago blues. One that I will remember for a while. Thanks Mory for bringing Eddy to Toronto and thanks to the Silver Dollar for providing such a great venue for experiencing the blues. 

  Remember, it's a privilege to experience live music. Get out to a local club and support your local musicians and clubs. And be sure to buy your CDs directly from the artist. The blues is alive and well in Canada but it's up to us to keep it going.

For more blues photos, visit my web site at: www.dawk.ca

Larry "Dawk" McCarthy

Mory the Sock Man

© 2010 - All photos copyright Larry "Dawk" McCarthy.
Copying or use of the images is not permitted without written permission.