Gerald McClendon

Can’t Nobody Stop Me Now

Delta Roots Records

Born and raised in Chicago Gerald McClendon is one of the more versatile artists weaned on the Masters of R n’ B: Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding. He embraces many genre’s and is an interpreter of classic rock, soul, blues, country and jazz. He is a singer and songwriter with an impressive discography. His recorded highlights include 1999’s “Choose Love”; a track on the 2004 collection “Judgement Day: The Songs Of Robert Johnson”; “Mother Blues: Sleeping While The River Runs” from 2005; “Grabbing The Blues By The Horns” a collaboration with saxophonist Vince Salerno released in 2019 on Pravda Records; and being a featured vocalist on “Battle of The Blues: Chicago vs Oakland” also on the Delta Roots imprint.

“Can’t Nobody Stop Me Now” is a collection of twelve originals written, produced and recorded by Twist Turner at the Delta Roots Sound Studios in Chicago. Turner has also worked with Luther Tucker; Jimmy McCracklin; Junior Wells and Hubert Sumlin among others. Vocalist McClendon is joined by guitarists Herb Walker, Joe Burba and Mark Wydra; keyboardists Roosevelt Purifoy, Sumito “Aryio” Aryioshi and Brian James; the rhythm section of Art Love bass, and       Turner, drums; and the Delta Roots Horns including saxophonist Skinny Williams and John “Boom” Brumbach. The string arrangements are also written by Turner.

Opening with the title track “Can’t Nobody Stop Me Now” McClendon asserts that he will leave his past behind, and take control, in order that he fulfill his dream. The theme of redemption is more deeply explored on “I Started Over”. McClendon shines again on the smoothly persuasive “Groove On Tonight”. “Where Do We Go From Here” is another great vocal.

The ballad “She Don’t Love Me Anymore” features the lyric “how can I be so blind, I never saw the sign”; included is some great piano. McClendon chastises his girl on the Z.Z. Hill influenced “Runnin’ Wild”; and is wonderful on the Bobby “Blue” Bland styled “It’s Over Now”. He is emotive on the tender love song “Why Can’t We Be Together”. “Mr. Wrong” includes my favorite line “can I be Mr. Wrong tonight, until Mr. Right comes along.” My favorite song however might be “Cut You Once’, shoot you twice, you been cheatin’ and you know it ain’t right”. The perfect closer is “when times get tough ‘I Think About You”. Throughout the recording Williams’ sax solos and Love’s bass lines excel.

McClendon has earned a reputation as Chicago’s “Soulkeeper”.  Just when we need him the most he steps up with this soulful collection of brilliantly colored gems. Thank you Gerald McClendon and Twist Turner.

Richard Ludmerer