Two veterans perform in Japan this week for the "Japan Blues & Soul Carnival," which takes place July 19-21. Chicago soul singer Otis Clay and Mississippi bluesman Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater may have a combined age of 135, but don't expect the advancing years to have diminished the power of Clay's soul holler or Clearwater's gusto at launching into his Chuck Berry-esque duckwalk.
Clay has recorded two live albums in Japan, while Clearwater is known as one of the originator's of the West Side-style blues guitar which emerged in Chicago in the late 1960s. Also on the bill is R&B newcomer Van Hunt.
The "Japan Blues & Soul Carnival" takes place at Namba Hatch, Osaka (July 19), Bottom Line, Nagoya, (July 20), Club Citta Kawasaki (July 21) and at Hibiya Yagai Ongakudo, Tokyo (July 23). Tickets are 7,000 yen in advance (Tokyo show 7,350 yen). For further information, visit www.mandicompany.co.jp
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