Mighty Sam McClain has worn a lot of shoes; from cotton-picker to grace shaker, homeless wanderer to world-wide entertainer, alienated outsider to devoted husband, and most of all, as a simple soul singer. His pulpit is the blues, his message is the blues, and he preaches it with God-given guts. Understandably, part of his appeal lies in his unashamed honesty about his times of deep despair. But he never leaves you stranded there, suffering in sorrowful isolation. His crystal clear message is the hope and healing found in the Lord because McClain knows about the kind of second chances that only come from the heart of a loving God. He has had more than this share of returns to grace, and lived to sing about it. The result is his signature red-clay soul music deeply steeped in down home blues with healthy splashes of gospel messages for good flavor. All of these musical forms are seamlessly combined, owing inspiration to them all while transcending them as well.
This perfectly titled collection, Joy and Pain, was recorded live in Germany during Detmold's Annual Blues Festival on October 11, 1997, with the exception of the Ronnie Earl cover, "A Soul That's Been Abused," which came from an October 9th concert in Bremen. CrossCut Records has an apparent wealth of skill when it comes to recording live shows. The production here is nearly flawless, with just enough crowd noise to prove it's live, and a wonderful musical mix that makes you feel like you were right there. At least you'll wish you were. Gratefully, many of these songs featured on this disc are still on McClain's touring set list, which presently could support another disc or two worth of highlights culled from the live versions of his latest studio album, Journey.
The band on this live album is not the current Mighty Sam McClain band line-up. No matter. McClain has an ear for talent and attracts some of the best players you can find. Whatever they're getting paid for playing these little venues across Europe and the U.S., it "ain't enough." They do it out of love and devotion, and it shows. The band rattles and roars with appropriate precision and panache throughout all of these tracks. The guitar wails, the horns heave, the organ weaves, and the drums and bass keep everything on tack. The combination is supremely professional and powerful. McClain knows he's lucky to have them.
When it comes to the blues, McClain, the consummate performer, perfectly personifies both hurt and happiness with his husky voice. When he sings, "I'm So Lonely," about a disheartening night on the beach, you'll feel compelled to step up with offers of friendship.
Mighty Sam McClain is that rare breed of entertainer taking sanctified soul and down home blues and giving it all back to God. Joy and Pain is your front row ticket to a live experience too few have had the distinct pleasure of witnessing. Slap this one in to feel the pains of life, and testify to the pleasures of heavenly release.
By Steven Stuart Baldwin (9/11/98)
For more information on Mighty Sam McClain in concert or his latest studio album, Journey.
To order this import disc send $20 to McClain Management, PO Box 321, Epping, NH 03042
"Joy and Pain" Band:
Mighty Sam McClain: Vocals
Peter Giftos: Guitar
George Papageorge: Hammond b-3 and Piano
Tim Ingles: Bass
Zac Casher: Drums
Walter Platt: Trumpets, Horn arrangements
Paul Ahlstrand: Tenor Sax
Ken Wenzel: Trombone.
