Clarence Dobbins

live at B.B. King's Nashville

& in the studio!!

Part 1

March 26, 2007

It was star time at B.B. King's Nashville on this night because Clarence Dobbins is a ball of pure energy- an electrifying performer who can put on a sweaty Soul show the likes of an Al Green or Wilson Pickett. On this night he was an indomitable force. A full band with horns, an enthusiastic crowd, greasy pork sandwiches, a juke joint with the Blues...

Now I'll admit I was already a fan of Mr. Dobbins from reviewing his debut CD "The Soul Of A Man" but I really had no idea the man was this good! The packed room hung on every word from his throaty incantations of pure Deep Soul to his witty urban wit that had us busting up. Sporting a resplendent purple suit (you better be darn good to have the nerve) Clarence and the B.B. King House Rockers stomped their way through a set of Soul and Blues classics- many of which became extended vamps with Clarence going out and mingling with the audience-personally singing and joking with nearly every guest in the house. I was in awe of the man's confidence not to mention how friendly he was. The audience loved him. Of the many highlights of the show was Al Green's "Love And Happiness", a nearly 10 minute trance of booty shaking, Soul screaming (think Otis Redding & Wilson Pickett), horns blaring revelry. In the middle of the jam Clarence asked the crowd if any had ever been to Baptist Church. We all responded which invited Clarence to testify about, well, "love and happiness". He made his way over to his wife (click photo) for some hilarious rapport.

This girl also got the business  (click photo)

Also in the audience were folks from the Jomar Records label. Scott Thornton, Renea Michell, writer Robert Smith, Blues artist Ken Tucker and singer Brown Sugar to name a few.

(click photos)

 Clarence invited Brown Sugar up to help him sing Prince's "Purple Rain".   Mitchell was also invited up but she was too under the weather to perform. Darn! I would've loved to hear her do her her smash "Seventeen Days Of Loving".                 

While between Clarence's sets Ken Tucker took the stage for some Blues Rockin'. Tucker has a new CD out on Jomar Records called "Looking For A Brighter Day".

All in all Clarence did three sets and was on fire beginning to end. I thought the guy's voice has got to give out eventually but it never did. I've seen a lot of shows in my life and I can honestly say Clarence Dobbins is as good as it gets.

As a bonus I was invited the following day to the record studio where Clarence and Renea Mitchell are recording their new CDs. Methinks they both got monster records coming!

Renea Mitchell & Clarence Dobbins in the studio

(click photos)

-Dylann DeAnna