LIVE in CLARKSDALE - Press and Reviews

• ...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.

• 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.

• 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.

• ...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

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• ...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

•  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.

• ...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