Jon Cleary
Album: Occapella
Label: FHQ
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.joncleary.com

Listening to this album, you would swear that Jon Cleary was born and bred in New Orleans. The surprising fact is that he was actually born in Cranbrook in Kent! Jon is a highly accomplished singer, songwriter and pianist and has spent the past twenty years studying the musical culture and life of New Orleans but this is no mere academic exercise, as Jon's music is steeped in the funk and R&B of his adopted home.

Jon is perhaps best known on these shores for his collaborations with Bonnie Raitt, as keyboard player in her live band and on record. Bonnie has also recorded several of Jon's songs. Bonnie calls Jon "the ninth wonder of the world ".

On this album Jon has taken a break from writing the songs, as all the songs here are by Allen Toussaint [some under his nom de plume of Naomi Neville]. Jon describes the album as "having fun with the songs of Allen Toussaint" and he certainly does just that. Jon adopts a wide variety of musical styles, including reggae, doo wop, funk, soul and R & B, all to great effect.

The album gets of to a flying start with "Let's Get Low Down", which epitomises the New Orleans sound with some great Professor Longhair-ish piano and guest vocals from Dr.John and Bonnie Raitt. The title track "Occapella" is, naturally, performed a cappella [unlike the original version of the song by Lee Dorsey which wasn't]. "Poor Boy Got To Move " is done in a reggae style and sounds so authentic that it could have been recorded in Kingston. It even features a dub section.

As its name suggests "Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky" is a prime slab of New Orleans funk and sounds great. Again, the original version was by Lee Dorsey and the song bears more than a passing resemblance to his big hit "Working In A Coal Mine". In total contrast, Jon's version of the Glen Campbell hit "Southern Nights" is slowed down and restrained, with a shimmering, mainly acoustic arrangement. It is rather lovely, too.

We then head back into funk territory with "Viva La Money", which will appeal greatly to fans of Lowell George [ who was, himself, a great admirer of Allen Toussaint]. This is a great track which, with its slide guitar and funky keyboards would not sound out of place on a Little Feat album.

The mood and style changes again for "Wrong Number", which sounds like a long-lost classic R&B ballad and which features some great vocals from Jon. We then venture into doo-wop with "Popcorn Pop Pop", which was originally recorded by Jessie Hill and produced by Allen Toussaint [Jessie Hill is best known for his 1960 hit "Ooh Poo Pah Doo"].

"What Do You Want The Girl To Do" is a lovely song, which has been recorded by Boz Scaggs, Bonnie Raitt and Lowell George amongst others. This version is played as an acoustic ballad, with excellent, soulful vocals from Jon.

The album ends with a solo piano piece "Fortune Teller ",which shows why he is regarded by many as the finest piano player in New Orleans. Jon really deserves to be up there with the great New Orleans piano players such as Professor Longhair, James Booker, Dr.John and Allen Toussaint himself. Not bad for an Englishman!

This is a really enjoyable album, full of great songs and musicianship and is highly recommended.

Peter Cowley