Dennis McClung Blues Band: Buy

"I love tasty Blues, served up hot and intense!" - Sometimes you can just tell from a CD that the band just might be the kind you'd like to feast on in a hot, smoky club. Prisoner Of The Blues is just that kind of CD.

The Dennis McClung Blues Band, which hails from West Virginia, is starting to make a name for them selves. They play at festivals in and around West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, and this CD was recorded at Audiomation Studios in Pittsburgh. It has a quality sound that is hard to come by - it takes a great engineer and Jim Kopaz does the honors here.

The band achieves a smokin' hot feel that captures the feel of a live performance. The album features only three covers: Elmore James' "The Sky Is Crying," Willie Dixon's "The Red Rooster" and John Lee Hooker's "Dimples." All are done exceptionally well with great arrangements and no overdone feeling to the trio of tunes.

"Rooster" has a great vocal and stinging slide guitar. Give it a listen. You'll see why this band is HOT! I liked "Seven Ways," which has a really nice jump to it. "'Til the Day I Die" comes across with a great vocal & nice harp by Joe Sabatino.

The other tunes are all penned by McClung and are basic but good lyrically. The guitar work is fluent and solid but even more, the whole band is very together and sounds strong. There are especially good drums and bass on this CD making the whole recording very solid.

Members include Dennis McClung on guitar, slide and vocals, David Sbarra on Bass, Dave Spencer on guitar, Joe Sabatino on harp, Gary Harki on drums and Bo Metz on acoustic guitar. This lineup has changed since the CD. The band is, so far, unsigned. I would suggest that you hear them if they come around.

This is a DEEElicious CD!

--- DJ Gary Blues in Blues Wax Magazine, June 5th, 2002

"Potent voice and precise, stinging lead guitar!" - If you asked me to guess where the Dennis McClung Blues Band hailed from, based only on the group's sound, my answer would be some Windy City tavern--not the rolling hills of West Virginia. That's the pulse this unit has its finger on. From the first cut of Prisoner Of The Blues, what separates this effort from the work of other regional bands is the intensity in McClung's voice. The abrasive crush between his in-the-gutter vocals, Joe Sabatino's dirty harmonica and McClung 's caustic slide make many of the tunes here winners.

Recording time-honored classics can spell doom for a new band; McClung's arrangements, however, uncover subtle changes that add freshness to the three covers. John Lee Hooker's "Dimples" is played with an upbeat, jazzy shuffle instead of Hooker's usual boogie. Willie Dixon's "Red Rooster" utilizes the stop-time feel employed in other Dixon tunes. The band couples this with a tempo that lurches forward, allowing ample time for listeners to hear and appreciate the contributions each instrument makes. And their version of "The Sky Is Crying" avoids becoming another high-octane Stevie imitation, instead finding its power in McClung's potent voice and precise, stinging lead guitar.

The remaining tunes serve up relationship-themed blues. Each of the six originals dwells in either the "I'm losing you" category or; the "I need to start lovin' you better" realm. The lyrics to "Everything but You" epitomize a '90s-style breakup, suggesting that possessions can't make up for the loss of a person. Attention, husbands: To gain precious blues points, write a line or two from "Til the Day I Die" on your next anniversary card. The closing track, "Back in Your Arms Again," does its reconciling with an acoustic guitar and Texas-style swing.

Geography lovers take note: West Virginia is home to Mountain Stage, Blues Revue and the Dennis McClung Blues Band.

--- Art Tipaldi in Blues Revue Magazine, January/February 1999

"As good as it gets!" - I lived most of my life in southern West Virginia, growing up in the blues and jazz clubs of Huntington. Now admittedly that's not exactly the music capital of the western world, but I had the good fortune to hear some fantastic players during those years. Between the smoky back-alley underground clubs and Marshall University's celebrated jazz festivals, I was exposed to some great blues. Imagine my surprise when I moved to North Central WV and was introduced to Dennis McClung and his merry band of blues players (is it proper to use the word 'merry' in the same sentence with the word 'blues'?) Everyone is describing the 'Prisoner of the Blues' as the real thing. Yep. That's the right way to put it. As good as it gets. I've had the opportunity to see the band several times since I was introduced, and, as is the way of all music, they're better live. Enjoy this CD as a way of introduction, then go see them and become a fan. Many, many stars. This is the blues. 'nuff said.

--- Kirk Judd

"Really a great CD!" - I found this CD to be way beyond what I expected and it left me wanting more from Dennis and his band. If this were an 8 track, I would have already worn it out.

--- Jim Bellows

"You won't be disappointed!" - This album really showcases both Dennis' vocal abilities and his incredible talent on the guitar. You haven't heard Red Rooster until you hear these guys play it. The album's title track definitely proves that you can dance to the blues, and the arrangement of The Sky is Cryin' shows that Stevie Ray wasn't the only one who could sing AND play the hell out of the guitar. The other original songs on this album prove that Dennis and the boys are the "Real Deal". If you ever have a chance to see The Dennis McClung Blues Band live, DO NOT MISS IT! Their debut album is excellent, but it only provides a glimpse of the band's combined talent and chemistry. Only a live show will allow to see, hear and feel the true nature of this group. Can't wait for the new DMBB album this spring! Keep on tearin' it up, fellas!

--- Brian Watkins

"Dennis is the real deal!" - I've been a fan of Dennis and his band since first catching them live back before Prisoner of the Blues was released. I'm always sure to catch them whenever they play at the Honi Honi Bar on Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland. This CD, with its mix of original and covered blues tunes, is still one of my all-time favorites. Dennis' mastery of the blues guitar ranks him right up their with the greats in my book. All the tracks are great, but my personal favorite is the title cut, Prisoner of the Blues. I tell ya, I don't think SRV could have done it any better! I encourage you to check out this CD. You won't be disappointed.

--- Gary Sines

"Simply Awesome!" - When I first got this album it was in my car CD player for a month. I love every single song on this album. Dennis is a very original songwriter and this album really showcases his skills. His covers of Red Rooster, Dimples, and The Sky is Cryin' are amazing, and he gives better known artists a run for their money with his interpretations. From the fun and energy of Seven Ways to the beautiful, lamenting of Back in Your Arms Again, this album runs the gamut of style and emotions. This is a must own for any blues fan.

--- A.L.

"The Fab Four of the Blues!" - I thought I knew how Dennis McClung can sing. I thought I knew how he and his band can play. Well, I knew nothing, but nothing at all! I couldn't imagine that it is humanly possible to sing like Dennis sings "How Blue Can You Get" on his new album Live! Out of the Ordinary. Recorded live at the Ordinary club in Clarksburg, WV, using only 2 microphones located amongst the audience, the whole album explodes the limits of the "rough perfectness" we adore the Blues for. A tribute to the Blues Greats, this record, from all points of view, may itself be considered as a chef-d'oeuvre of a Great Artist, which is Dennis McClung Blues Band - the Fab Four of the Blues! (Midnight Special Blues Radio has inducted "Live! Out of the Ordinary" into their Hall of Fame All-Time Favorites!)

--- Midnight Special Blues Radio - 2 Apr 2006. PARIS, France

"That's the damn way it's supposed to sound!" - Dennis and the boys have done it! Taking it a step beyond "Prisoner of the Blues", Dennis McClung ups the ante with a spectacular live album. This CD perfectly captures the rockin' live show put on by DMBB, down to the shouts from the audience and the clink of beer bottles in the background. The production is amazing, by the time you've listened to the first three songs you'll be ready to order a second pitcher and swear you smell the cigarette smoke on your clothes. The band is tighter than ever, Dennis's guitar is on point, and the addition of Randy Franklin's keyboard skills adds gasoline to the blaze. If you love authentic guitar-driven blues and/or great live music, you are doing yourself a huge disservice if you DON'T own this album! Truly a masterpiece.

--- Ben Badger

"Where's this guy been?" - I saw this band last night. Today, I'm still reeling from the ordeal. I felt like time ceased to exist and I was somehow transported back in time to the days of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Magic Sam. This is, without question, the best live blues performance I've ever seen. Of course, I purchased this CD after the show was over. When I popped it in, my drive home was just as enjoyable. This is a must for anyone who loves electric blues.

--- D.W. Dogmeyer

"Kick-Ass Blues!" - I put this CD on with my Clapton Blues CDs. Hard to tell one from the other. Passion in the guitar and vocals. Like I said Kick ass blues. BUY IT!

--- Michael Canfield

"Holy Smoke!" - Man, this is crazy good blues! I saw this band at a blues festival a while back and was blown away. This disc proves I was dreaming. I've lived in Austin, Texas my entire life and grown up around blues bands (my dad was in one and knew many of the top cats in the area.) The DMBB could hang with any of them easy as pie. He's doing it TEXAS style. Whoo wee!

--- Kurt Sizemore

"Played with the passion blues are meant to have" - Dennis McClung and his boys get it. They give the music a soul and leave you wanting more. I can't believe West Virginia has such authentic and talented musicians. If you love the blues you have to hear this CD... it rarely leaves my player. AWESOME!!!

--- Tim Birch

"Best Live Blues CD Ever" - This CD is by far the Best Blues CD ever. I personally think it is the best live CD I have ever listened to. It is 100% real just like it sounds if you were sitting at the bar. If you don't find yourself turning up the volume you just might be dead!!!!

--- Matt Goodfellow

"Dennis McClung - The most passionate blues guitarist I've ever heard!" - As a life long blues music enthusiast, I'm so moved by this recording that I have to say Dennis McClung is the most passionate blues guitarist I have ever heard. He has a touch for the blues that is uniquely his own.

--- Connie Getz

"Whoa! What a blues band!" - Dear Blues Lovers, I have been a blues guitarist for nearly thirty years. Over those years, I've had the opportunity to play with some well-known blues artists. Recently, I purchased a live CD entitled "Live! Out of the Ordinary." by The Dennis McClung Blues Band and was astounded by the passion and fury by this guitarist/singer. I truly believe it is one of best live performances ever captured. I decided to explore the matter further, and take a trip to see the band live. I stood there, "shell-shocked," after just a few numbers because words cannot convey how amazing McClung is. As the show progressed, the intensity just kept growing and growing. Finally, on B.B. King's "How Blue Can You Get?" I swear to God, I thought the roof would blow right off the joint. I am passing along all of this information in hopes all blues lovers will explore this artist and discover my claims are true. He is what the blues world is looking for. You now have the opportunity to claim "bragging-rights" to your friends by discovering him first. For more infromation, visit www.dennismcclung.com. Tell them Bo sent you.

--- James Metz

"Ripping live blues show from a hugely talented band" - This new live show covers classics and has a great flow to it, really building in intensity in the second half of the disc. Dennis McClung's vocals and lead guitar work are outstanding, as are the keyboard and rhythm section of the band. Captured with just two microphones out in the club where it was recorded, the sound here is authentic and the listening experience is absorbing from start to finish. This live recording is a great complement to their tremendous debut studio disc, which is also available from CD Baby (and I recommend just as highly!). Just buy this! Great tunes, playing, and delivery. You won't be able to keep your feet still.

--- Leigh Cagan

"Keep on keeping on, guys!" - Have had the pleasure to see DMBB live on many occasions and they never fail to impress. Most recently at the Blues Angel Cafe in Parkersburg. Their CD, Prisoner of the Blues is the next best thing to being there!

--- Mike

"This is a really excellent CD!" - What does it take to play "The Blues"? With so many "me too" blues players out there, it is hard to separate the wannabes from the real blues players. You can hear "The Real Blues" on this record. In between the notes.

--- Mitch Bell - acousticSongs.com

"The blues CD that I always have handy!" - An excellent CD with original songs and some very well done standards. I have listened to this CD since the day it came out and I never tire of it. I have given copies to friends of mine who said they didn't really like the blues till they heard this one. Now they can't get enough of this one and are begging for a new one.

--- Michael Canfield