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Concert Review
Otis Clay
January 8, 2011 @ FitzGerald's
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By Dave Miller
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It didn’t take long Saturday night at FitzGerald’s for Otis Clay to show he’s a master soul man. Two songs into his performance, he broke down “When Hearts Grow Cold.” His band stopped playing and he paused his singing, waiting for the Berwyn roadhouse to grow quiet. When it did, completely, Clay started again singing the song’s title, putting every one of his 68 years into his dramatic delivery. It’s as good of a definition of soul as I’ve seen.
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And there were still two more hours of soul lessons to follow.
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Of course, Clay threw in some gospel, too. For my money, nobody gives a better performance for the good of the soul and spirit than Clay. His uplifting show is the perfect tonic for these tough times. The West Side resident is a treasure, a link to soul’s glory days of the '60s and '70s. We’re lucky we can still experience such music through Clay and his awesome nine-member band. That was emphasized when Clay name checked those no longer with us including Otis Redding, Jackie Wilson, O.V. Wright, Little Milton, Johnny Taylor, Solomon Burke, Albert King and Albert Collins. “I get lonely,” he repeatedly sang as his ticked off the departed. During “Nickel and a Nail,” Clay thanked everyone for coming to the show. “You get to the point you’re just glad to see everybody,” he joked.
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One of the night's many highlights was “I Can Take You to Heaven Tonight,” which featured the lovely backing vocals of Theresa Davis and Diane Madison. Clay broke down the song. “Time to have the congregation sing,” he said. “The church folks know what I’m talking about. They can start and the sinners can join in.” He cracked himself up with that comment, and then led the crowd into singing with the band.
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Clay keeps his neighbors in mind, wherever they may be. He talked about how easy it is to forget what’s happened in the past with so much taking place in the present, reminding us that people are still feeling the affects of Katrina and the hurricane that hit Haiti. “There by the grace of God go you and I,” he said.
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The first set closed with “Tryin’ to Live My Life Without You,” which Bob Seger covered on a live album in the '80s, and an extended soul jam. “Call the sheriff’s department!” Clay said. “We’re going to be running a little late.”
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Clay and his band lived up to his word. They returned in the midnight hour and played well past 1 a.m. By then, some of the congregation had gone home, no doubt so they could make it to church later in the morning, but those who remained were rewarded for their faith in Clay’s music. He closed with a dynamite medley of “I’m Qualified,” “In the Midnight Hour” and “Raise Your Hand.” The latter saw the band exhorting each person left in the club to stand and raise their hand. The congregation complied. When last seen, Clay was leaving the stage with a joyous smile on his face, his mission accomplished.
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The setlist:
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instrumental
You’re the One
When Hearts Grow Cold
Nickel and a Nail
I Can Take You to Heaven Tonight
Walk a Mile in My Shoes
Tryin’ to Live My Life Without You
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opening by guitarist Hollywood Scott including Papa Was a Rolling Stone
Here I Am (Come And Take Me)
If I Could Reach Out (And Help Somebody)
Amen/This Little Light of Mine/(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay/A Change is Gonna Come
Sure Wasn’t Me
I’m Qualified/In the Midnight Hour/Raise Your Hand
First set start: 10:20 p.m./Finish: 11:47 p.m.
Second set start: 12:27 a.m./Finish: 1:21 a.m.
Totals: 18 songs, two hours 21 minutes