Mother Blues with Gerald McClendon
Sleeping While The River Runs
Sleeping Dog Records
Original Release Date: August 8, 2005
Publicity: Blind Raccoon
By Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro © July 2025
Since June of 2020, I have had the extreme pleasure of reviewing three of Gerald McClendon’s previous releases. As it turns out, during those five years I was totally unaware that there was a prequel of sorts, kind of like a blast from the past. Now, as it celebrates its twentieth anniversary, I’m here to tell you about the re-release of Sleeping While The River Runs, by Mother Blues with Gerald McClendon.
The album features seventeen tracks, of which most are compositions/collaborations of Steve Bramer, that offer nearly an hour of powerful music. Making that music are: Gerald McClendon on vocals; Steve Bramer on guitars, bass, keys and percussion; Gordon Patriarcha on bass; Gikas Marks on drums; Jerry Soto on keyboards; Hurtin’ Burt on harp; Baabe Irving on additional horns; and Carole Baskin, Lara Jenkins & LaShann McNicholas on background vocals.
On the liner notes relating to the opening track, “Pass You By”, Steve Bramer boasts that the song’s opening line – “Someone’s been stealing all your time. Right before my eyes, I’m watching dollars turn to dimes.” – is “one of the favorite lines I’ve ever written”. That may very well be, but hearing Gerald slowly, soulfully and powerfully belt those lyrics out has to have him liking it even more.
One of the disc’s most touching tracks is “Keep You From Harm”. Although it is technically a cover song, Gerald does his best to own it. It’s a heartwarming ‘Luvaby’ (a cross between a lullaby and a love song) that Gerald is lovingly singing to his child. The idea behind the song is that when he was younger, he was told he could barely just keep track of himself, and now he finds he gets his peace of mind from watching over someone else. As Gerald says…
“While you’re here in my arms, let daddy keep you from harm”. That’s the power of fatherhood. Musically, the ever so slightly stinging guitar lead; the relaxed rhythm; and the soft tickling of the ivories; are all the perfect escort for the song. Had this one been written more currently, I’d be saying it’s got “Song of the Year” written all over it.
Although the title track, “Sleeping While The River Runs” paints a picture of hopelessness and hints at giving up, it also attempts to convey a message of hope. That hope can’t be more evident than in the song’s performance. Regardless of the song’s lyrics, the lead and backing vocals, and the energetic beat of this Gospel style song sound nothing but uplifting to me.
The disc’s two instrumentals are as different as they are excellent. The first is titled “Me & Ian” and its smooth jazz vibe is highlighted by masterfully smooth guitar work by Steve. The second is “Where’s The Fire” and with that sounding like a question, I’ll say the answer is ‘right here!’ This one’ is a smoker led by rousing rhythm and percussion, and a fiery harp performance by Hurtin’ Burt.
“Glory Train” takes preparedness to the highest level. As the lyrics – “And when my time has come, I’m gonna hop that train and ride” – indicate, it addresses being ready for the ultimate journey. Are you?
Of all the things you could think of that you’d never want around your body, a “Chalk Line” should surely be on the top of everyone’s list. This one tells the story of someone who wasn’t lucky enough to avoid one. On a song he wrote, the dark tale starts off with Gerald singing “They put a chalk line around him; Now he’s no longer sleeping with my wife.” Talk about sending a message! Musically, with its intense rhythm, stinging guitar licks and killer horns, this is easily one of my favorites.
The disc closes with a short but sensational minute-and-a-half reprise of “Sleeping While the River Runs” that’s performed by The Halsted Street National Choir. The combination of the heavenly lead vocals, the joyful back up harmonies, and the glorious sounds of the organ, all take this one to a hymn-like level.
Being known as the “Soul Keeper” and being one of the most powerful singers these ears have heard are no doubt just a few of the reasons Gerald McClendon will be honored with the “Bobby Blue Bland Award” for the “Outstanding Blues Vocal Stylist and performer in the Blues arena”, at the 2025 Jus’ Blues Awards taking place at the end of this month in Biloxi, MS.
On a personal note, as I understand it, Gerald will be heading my way this fall and I’m looking very forward to meeting and seeing him perform.
Should you like to find out more about Gerald McClendon just go to his website – www.geraldMcClendon.com. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you talk to, please tell them that the Blewzzman sent you.
“The Blues Is My Passion And Therapy”
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com
2011 “Keeping The Blues Alive” Award Recipient
