Monday, June 28, 2004
The saxophonist's band occasionally overshadowed The Big Man.
By JOSH MOUND
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BOARDMAN -- For the past 20 years, Clarence Clemons, The Big Man, has been in the shadow of The Boss, Bruce Springsteen. Clemons' saxophone has been a key component in such Springsteen hits as "Born to Run" and "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out."
During that span, Clemons has also released seven solo albums -- including 1985's Hero, which featured the hit "You're a Friend of Mine" -- and has worked with Jerry Garcia, Aretha Franklin, Roy Orbison and Ringo Starr, among others. Yet, even on "You're a Friend of Mine," Clemons ceded some of the limelight to Jackson Browne, who shared vocals duties with Clemons on the track.
So, on his current tour with backing band Temple of Soul, it would stand to reason that Clemons would let no one get in the way of his claim to the spotlight. After all, it is safe to assume that few in the audience came for any other reason than to see Clemons and hear his searing sax-work, so why shouldn't he take charge? Not to mention that his stature -- both in terms of his physicality and his fame -- basically ensures that the Big Man is the center of attention. Yet, Clemons did have some competition for the spotlight Sunday night at B & amp;B Backstage.
As they delivered an amalgamation of rock 'n' roll and rhythm and blues throughout the evening, it was clear that Clemons and his band enjoyed making music together.
A bigger role
Temple of Soul often rose above the role of a typical backing band. Sure, each member had his or her prescribed solos and canned introductions. However, unlike many main-attractions, Clemons seemed happy to share the spotlight to an extent that most bandleaders do not.
In fact, violinist Athena O'Lochlainn often overshadowed even Clemons instrumental virtuosity. With her ability to shift effortlessly from languid, sorrowful lines to country fiddle honk, she could match Clemons note-for-note and then some.
Though he played "You've Got a Friend in Me" and a funky cover of Sprinsteen's "Pink Cadillac," few of Clemons' songs are particularly notable, and his gruff, deep voice still has the sound of a back-up vocalist who sometimes struggles to sing lead.
Yet, the excitement Clemons and his band displayed was intoxicating and helped to overcome any weaknesses. Like a good politician or coach, Clemons seemed to know his limits and surrounded himself with a great supporting cast. Maybe being the perpetual sidekick brings with it a certain type of wisdom.