LIVE in CLARKSDALE - Press and Reviews
Living Blues - July 2025
- Live in Clarksdale proves Wyze to be a capable frontman and bandleader.
- ...performing his own material was a good move -- it will be interesting to see where he goes next.
- The upbeat and autobiographical Three Hours from Memphis is a good introduction to the band's chemistry
- Restrained, tasteful guitar work from John Boyle and sweet keyboard licks from Mark Yacovone perfectly back up Wyze's vocals.
- Hard Work Don't Pay...Boyle's slide work and Wyze's harmonica add grit and he puts some fire in the vocals.
- Wyze comes into his own as a songwriter on Cotton Ain't King, an interesting exploration of the blues' roots in the sharecropping experience.
- On How Long, How Long Blues, Wyze & the Tellers do justice to a familiar warhorse
- ...Boyle and Yacovone play off one another beautifully.
- Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out, performed as a stately duet between Wyze and Yacovone, is a great way to close the album.
- Read the full review here.
Blues in Britain - May 2025
- ...already penciled in on my list as one of the best albums of 2025.
- ...a real blues gem of an album.
- Everything has a great live feel to it and the concert sound is superb.
- Wyze's expressive vocal and neat harmonica stand out front
- The cover of (the band's debut album) "Stuck in the Mud" portrayed a tractor stuck fast in the mud, but this time, the motor's running smoothly.
- The ten tracks were recorded on the Juke Joint Chapel Stage where folks like Charlie Musselwhite, Cedric Burnside and others have performed...
- ...takes you to the very heart of the Delta; small, not too polished, but clearly alive from the blues played there.
- "Stuck" in the Mud...it's pure Delta magic, as is "Hard Work Don't Pay"
- ...Wyze's introduction..."You folks down here in the Delta might think we don't have the blues up in Indiana, but I can assure we do," is right on the money.
- Read the full review here.
Era Jazzu (Poland) - June 2025
- ...a special live version of Christopher Wyze & The Tellers' surprising debut (album).
- ...a performance perfectly suited to the style of the South...an extraordinary concert
- Christopher Wyze neatly combines the world of his imagination with the essence of the blues
- This is where Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Charlie Musselwhite, and the North Mississippi Ali Stars performed
- In the film ("Wyze in Clarksdale"), Christopher Wyze travels to places, people and history, the birthplace and homeland of the blues.
- Read full review here.
Blue Notes & Conversations - May 2025
- The music is truly amazing, what the blues is all about...
- ...get ready for the time of your life...great stories and unique, original music
- ...captures the raw blues energy of the(ir) October 1, 2024 performance
- If this isn't enough for blues fans out there check out the accompanying DVD set...
- 50-minute documentary, "WYZE in Clarksdale,"...an unforgettable journey into the places, people and stories of the birthplace and home of the blues...
- ...special combination of music, stories, and film
- This is real-deal-blues, raw and exciting, performed by a band that is uniquely and creatively, wonderfully, original
- If you love the blues, want to explore what is uniquely wonderful about this iconic musical art form, "Live In Clarksdale" is the place to be.
- Take this amazing musical journey with Christopher Wyze & The Tellers
- Read the full review here.
Blues News - June 2025
- ...recorded at The Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale
- ... eight songs from their 2024 debut album, Stuck in the Mud, and two covers
- ...opens with Three Hours from Memphis, relating an autobiographical story of his musical journey.
- He addresses the history of the Delta in Cotton Ain't King and ends by declaring "Blues is the king."
- This is a fun listen.
- Christopher may have taken a while to get started with his own music but he has certainly delivered two winning albums now
- ...the live recording indicates he is someone to check out in concert.
- Read the full review here.
Blues Bytes - May 2025
- Christopher Wyze & the Tellers...follow up their successful debut album, Stuck In The Mud, with a live set captured at the Juke Joint Chapel music hall
- ...eight (songs) from the band’s debut...plus two blues classics originally cut by Leroy Carr and Scrapper Blackwell...(the band)... faithfully and energetically recreate these tunes
- ...the production gives the listener and the viewer the feeling that they’re sitting on the front row.
- ...there is also cool feature video with Wyze traveling through Clarksdale, giving viewers a useful guided tour of the city.
- ...provides a great guideline for anyone unfamiliar with the city and Wyze has a blast giving the tour.
- Blues fans (both newcomers and hardened vets) will get a kick out of Live In Clarksdale for the music and the information.
- Thanks to Christopher Wyze & the Tellers for putting this together.
- Read the full review here.
Zicazic.com (France) - April 2025
- Stuck in the Mud (their debut album)...quickly gained national and international acclaim.
- ...a legendary blues venue to capture a live performance...the Juke Joint Chapel at the Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale
- Discovered and supported by Johnny Phillips—nephew of the legendary Sam Phillips of Sun Studios
- Wyze now has the opportunity to fully express his artistic and creative talents.
- He proves this with a second album, recorded just nine months after the first (release).
- ...features tracks praised by Roots Music Report, such as “Three Hours From Memphis,” “Back To Clarksdale,” “Hard Work Don't Pay,” “Cotton Ain't King,” and “Good Friend Gone,”
- ...delivered in the unique atmosphere beloved by regulars of the Juke Joint Chapel.
- Read the full review here.
Historias del Blues (Spain) May 2025
- ...the essence of blues in its purest and most visceral form.
- ...not only celebrates music but also the cultural legacy of the cradle of the blues.
- Wyze’s harmonica and raspy voice blend with John Boyle’s guitar and Mark Yacovone’s keyboards...
- ...emotionally charged lyrics and impeccable instrumentation...a sound that is both modern and faithful to blues traditions.
- ...release includes a (film) documentary titled “Wyze in Clarksdale,”...an intimate look at the city...(and) additional context to the live performance.
- ...enhances the listener’s experience...underscores the band’s commitment to preserving and promoting the blues.
- Musically, Live in Clarksdale captivates with its authenticity and energy...
- Recommended Tracks: Three Hours from Memphis, Back to Clarksdale, Money Spent Blues, How Long Blues, Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out.
- Read the entire review here
Blue Monday Monthly - June 2025
- Christopher and his band have out-done themselves.
- Right off the bat, you know this is the real-deal.
- My new favorite...“Money Spent Blues"
- “Hard Work Don’t Pay,” just kicks ass with a heavy bass from Gerry Murphy and JB's (John Boyle's) slide work.
- "Stuck in the Mud” is a beauty...
- "Looking for my Baby,"...so tight, I about asked for a knife.
- "Good Friend Gone"... sad tale but great music.
- "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" (is) maybe the prettiest version...you've ever heard.
- Just Christopher on vocals and Mark on piano.
- The (audience) loved it, and the whole show for sure.
- ...an extra treat is a 50-minute exploration of Clarksdale with Christopher as your tour guide
- ...Wyze & The Tellers have again pulled off a tremendous disc. It’s as real as you can possibly get.
- The original songs are quality writes...musicianship is first class...the sound is great.
- Just what I expected from them..
- Read the full review here.
Blues in the South (UK) - May 2025
- The opener is is a rocking "Three Hours from Memphis"...
- ...the band is tight and the sound is crisp...the pounding percussion drives you on
- "Money Spent Blues" features crisp, rolling keyboards and stinging, driving guitar
- "Hard Work Don't Pay"...lovely, dirty southern, swampy slide guitar, raw piano and solid, grooving guitar, raw harmonica and emotive piano, covered with mean, hard edged vocals
- On "Stuck in the Mud," the stomping percussion combines well with a pulsating piano and solid, grooving guitar, while over the top is a barking harmonica
- ...Irene Smits provides splendid backing vocals.
- Highly recommended!
- Read the full review here
CurtsBlues.com - May 2025
A Wise Blues Fan Will Seek This One For Their Personal Collection
- ...a real treat for blues fans everywhere!
- ...a band of veteran bluesmen whose rise in the awareness of blues fans is astounding.
- ...awe-inspiring individual and collective musical proficiencies...terrific blues musicmaking...
- Wyze’s strong vocals...and efficient harmonica leading the blues charge
- John Boyle’s lofty guitar competencies surge and drive...
- Gerry Murphy’s firm and unflinching low-end bass...
- Douglas Banks’ drumming slams home rock-solid rhythms...
- Mark Yacovone’s perfect keyboard runs providing assured swagger
- ...backing vocalists Ralph Carter and Irene Smits provide a fine touch
- Hopefully, this superlative effort brings the rightful recognition Christopher Wyze & The Tellers deserve.
- Bravo, boys! This is great blues by a group that knows how to deliver the goods!
- Read the full review.
Rootstime.be (Belgium) - May 2025
- Live in Clarksdale confirms qualities we highly regard of Christopher Wyze & the Tellers once again!
- ... blends rock and roll, Americana, and country styles, merging with Wyze's distinctive deep voice and storytelling style.
- ...stomping opener, “Three Hours from Memphis”...a fictional tale of a musician seeking fame, inspired by his own hopes and dreams
- ...infectious mid-tempo “Good Friend Gone”... excellent slide guitar by Boyle tells another story of his early life and a friend who fell into bad company
- ...showcase(s) his rich imagination, from the quirky “Money Spent Blues” and “Looking for My Baby”...to “Hard Work Don’t Pay,” a harmonica-heavy track.
- (Wyze's) songs flow through themes of experiences, humanity, and hope, without shying away from darker corners.
- Read the full review here.
Blues Matters! (UK) - June 2025 - LIVE Show Video Review
- For me, this is my dream kind of gig...in a real juke joint...in Clarksdale
- ...what I always imagined it to be
- ...the atmosphere is brilliant; you can feel it oozing from the walls
- ...get down to the Shack Up Inn and witness bands such as these guys
- Songs like "Cotton Ain't King" and "Good Friend Gone" are two of the best Blues songs I've heard in many a while.
- The DVD is a must-see...
- ...a brilliant band in a wonderful setting...
- ...you can almost feel the soil and all it contains
- ...this is how you play the Blues.
- Read the full review here.
Blues Matters! (UK) - May 2025 - LIVE Soundtrack Review
- The band released their debut album, Stuck in the Mud in 2024, to huge acclaim
- I was very excited to receive the next installment in this band’s journey
- Recorded at a Juke Joint...(the) Shack Up Inn, in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
- ...you immediately get a feel for the ambiance within the audience.
- A juke joint, in Clarksdale, what’s not to like?
- "Hard Work Don’t Pay," and "Cotton Ain’t King" are two of the best descriptions of how life used to be in and around the Delta
- "How Long, How Long Blues," is a tune I have not heard in many a year...but is still as vibrant and valid today.
- The album concludes with the other cover, Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out, performed here by messers Wyze and Yacovone on keyboards.
- A brilliant way to end a gig, intimate, but still as telling as always.
- Read the entire review here
Spotify Recent Music - May 2025
- ...a fresh yet deeply rooted voice in contemporary blues, combining masterful storytelling with a powerful blend of Americana, blues, and classic country influences
- Christopher Wyze & the Tellers burst onto the global blues scene with their 2024 debut album
- ... quickly earned critical acclaim and chart success, including a top 40 Blues Album of the Year nod from RMR
- Wyze draws his musical inspiration deeply from the Mississippi Delta's blues heritage, sharing stories of struggle, hope, and perseverance with a voice that blends country-style crooning with authentic blues emotion.
- The Tellers comprise talented musicians with connections to notable acts.
- ...they captured the energy of their live performance at Clarksdale’s Juke Joint Chapel on the album... showcasing their gritty, soulful sound in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
- Read the full review here.
Making a Scene - May 2025
- This is a must have for all those Wyze fans.
- Christopher Wyze was awarded a “One To Watch” songwriter award by the Nashville Songwriters Association International.
- This is the live follow-up to his debut studio recording “Stuck In The Mud”
- ...recorded at The Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
- This live album is accompanied by two videos. The first is the live recording session at Clarksdale’s iconic Shack Up Inn...
- while the other is a historic documentary on the history of the blues.
- Read the full review here.
Blues Blast Magazine - April 2025
- (the band) got back together in Clarksdale for this live recording (and DVD videos)
- ...an interesting show...and Clarksdale tour video (with) Wyze taking us on a tour
- “Three Hours from Memphis”a rocking blues, opens
- Nice guitar, pretty soloing...keyboards...well done...vocals...clean and clear
- “Hard Work Don’t Pay”...some pretty slide to savor and (Mark) Yacovone... shine(s) on organ.
- (On) “Stuck In The Mud”...Wyze blow(s) dirty harp...(John Boyle) continues to shine on guitar.
- “How Long, How Long Blues” is a tribute to Scrapper Blackwell in this Leroy Carr classic.
- Nice piano licks abound along with the guitar soloing (as) Wyze croons
- The band is tight...Wyze’s vocals are deep, gritty...
- ...the songs all tell a story.
- Wyze and company are devoted to their craft and work hard at doing authentic blues.
- Read the full review
Global Blues Radio - Radio Guitar One April 2025
- ...classic blues grooves with confidence and swag... well rehearsed unit...knows how to function as one.
- ...a blues super highway...well oiled and slick... identifiable fingerprint that straddles the line between classic blues and the modern approach.
- How Long, How Long Blues...a perfect choice for this record and the band did a wonderful job with it.
- Money Spent Blues...solos are tasteful and the groove is as solid as they come.
- ...vocal is uniquely Christopher Wyze's with an unmistakable and memorable delivery.
- ...anything more than what is needed is simply too much...a rare commodity that this band seems to possess quite naturally.
- (on Stuck in the Mud)...presence of the harmonica...is a welcome addition...adding just enough to the mix to get that vibe, but never overstaying its welcome.
- It all sits gracefully within the pocket. The spotlight is seamlessly passed from the vocals to the soloists throughout the entirety of this well produced set...mix is rock solid, a great listen.
- If you prefer your blues a little on the dirty side this record will be a good fit for your collection.
- Read the full review
WTJU 91.1 FM - May 2025
- ...brainchild of singer-songwriter Christopher Wyze and producer Ralph Carter – musicians who had met 10 years earlier in Clarksdale at a blues gathering
- lyrics are catchy and tell a story.
- A lot...went into this project (DVD, CD, elaborate CD package and recorded live at the Chapel at the Shake Up Inn in Clarksdale)
- ...best of the CD...“Stuck In The Mud”, “How Long, How Long Blues” and “Cotton Ain’t King”.
- ...my favorite is “Three Hours From Memphis″...could cross genres...
- I will give this a 9 on Blues content
