Bman's Blues Report

I have just received a new release, Who Needs Covers , by Half Deaf Clatch . This is a 6 track release and it is truly over before you know it. The first track, Ol' Death Train is based on Jitterbug Swing by Bukka White. It is a pure country blues with a quick pace with only Clatch on resonator, foot stomp and his voice. Up next is Station Blues based on Depot Blues by Son House. Another acoustic blues with only vocal and resonator, this is very authentic sounding blues. I understanding that many purists will indicate that they need to hear the grit of 50 years of scotch in the voice but I think that Clatch does a really nice job. Mississippi Bowl Weevil Stomp is a redo of Charlie Patton's track of the same name. Robert Johnson's Stones in My Pathway is an interpretation of Johnson's famous track. Clatch doesn't try to emulate Johnson's voice but does it with his own style. Son House's Death Letter Blues is done at a much quicker pace but still retain...

I just received a copy of Who Needs Shelter , the newest release from Half Deaf Clatch . Clatch has put together 14 tracks of primitive blues music using nothing but a resonator guitar, slide, butcher block stomp board, stompbourine and his own voice. Track 1, Dancing In The Rain , is a mix between delta and Richie Havens. Well Well has some smooth slide resonator work with open tuning and a cool delta flare. Oh My Daze although still primitive in nature has a lot more of a modern sound to it. The influences of more contemporary rock sounds are apparent although they work nicely rather than conflicting with Clatch's theme. Handful o' Trouble is a cool Piedmont style country blues, keeping with the sound of original blues but with a touch of today. Good Deal Blues is a happy go lucky tune with finger picking resonator and Clatch's honest voice. (singing the) Working Blues is done acapella much like that of an old work song. It captures the feel of the original stylin...

Half Deaf Clatch (a.k.a Andrew McLatchie) is one man with a guitar, slide, stompboard and some songs. Playing resonator blues and stamping on a homemade amplified plank o' wood just for the sheer hell of it. He combines the influence of the Delta and Hill Country Blues of Mississippi with a contemporary alternative edge. Since his first gig in December 2010 Half Deaf Clatch has played over 50 shows, including The East Yorkshire Custom Bike Rally (once on the main stage, then as an invited special guest in the VIP enclosure), The Springboard Music festival, The Trinity Music Festival and recently played two extremely well recieved sets at The Beverley Blues Festival. 2012 has got off to a flying start for Hulls favourite slide stomper, having gotten through to the Newcastle heat of the New Brunswick Battle of the Blues it can only be onwards and upwards from here. “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appr...