Heaven

Personnel: Otis Clay (vocals).Audio Mixer: Blaise Barton.Liner Note Author: Justin O'Brien.Recording information: Chelsea Sound Studios, New York, NY (07/05/2011); Chelsea Sound Studios, New York, NY (09/15/2011); Chelsea Sound Studios, New York, NY (11/24/1986).Illustrator: Al Brandtner.Pinetop Perkins played piano until he was 97 years old, so this previously unreleased set featuring Perkins relaxed and nimble in both solo and small-combo studio sessions in 1986, when he was a young 73 years old, is really just a drop in the bucket of his long career (which began in 1969 when he replaced Otis Spann as Muddy Waters' piano player). But it is indeed a heavenly drop at that, since Perkins is so obviously comfortable here. Among the highlights are versions of "Sitting on Top of the World," with longtime friend Willie "Big Eyes" Smith on vocals, and "Since I Fell for You," featuring the soulful voice of Otis Clay. ~ Steve Leggett