Record Boy Ink:

Who is Jon Cleary and why should you buy his record "Moonburn" (Point Blank)? This guy is a monster talent, no spring chicken, and unfathomably just now making his major label debut.

Jon is an English dude who transplanted himself to New Orleans and sponged up so much N’awlins funk that some have claimed him the inheritor of Professor Longhair’s throne. In the past he has been a session and touring musician for the likes of B.B. King, Taj Mahal and Bonnie Raitt. Now here’s a guy who plays sweet guitar, unreal funky piano, has a voice that has echoes of Boz Skaggs, Lyle Lovett and Lowell George, writes great songs and is at last getting a shot at solo success.

"Moonburn" has 12 songs all written by Cleary, who also plays the majority of the instruments on each track. Produced by John Porter who has become the pre-eminent blues producer of the ‘90s, this is one down n’ dirty record that sounds clean. Ever wonder what ever happened to Ernie K. Doe who had a number one hit back in 1961 with "Mother-In-Law"? Well, neither have I, but he makes a vocal appearance on the title track (another useless piece of trivia that Record Boy fully expects you to store away somewhere in your brain).

One of the problems with corporate record America is the difficulty to sell records by artists like Jon Cleary who aren’t 16 years old and a pop artist. Radio airplay for this music is limited to specialty shows, and Jon will certainly never be seen on MTV or VH1 for that matter. So kudos to Point Blank (owned by Virgin) for even making the attempt to sign and market Jon Cleary. This talented musician deserves support from anyone who appreciates good sangin’ and playin’.

That’s why you should buy "Moonburn".