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Clarke unlikely to remain unknown for long

Serious Intentions
Serious Intentions
By William Clarke

Alligator Records: 1992

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This review first appeared in the May 1, 1992 edition of the North County Blade-Citizen (now North County Times).

Los Angeles-based harpist/vocalist William Clarke's second outing proves that he didn't exhaust all his ideas on 1990's "Blowing Like Hell," his recording debut.

A 20-year veteran of the L.A. blues scene, Clarke is likely familiar to Southern California readers through his countless live performances. Those who didn't catch his first album ought to get this one, because it displays a versatility and professionalism that place Clarke among the very best blues practitioners.

Clarke is as good a harmonica player as you will find, period. Not only is his playing hot on the uptempo numbers, but he can shift gears to slower, jazz-oriented tunes as well.

As a vocalist, his strong points are an impeccable ear for timing and the ability to convey great exuberance through a rather thin tenor voice.

If there is a downside to this release, it is that as Clarke gains a larger national following, those of us in So Cal will have to share him more often.