A Long Way Home (CD) by Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown

Designed like one of John Lee Hooker's latter-day albums, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown's Long Way Home is filled with guest appearances by superstars like Eric Clapton and Ry Cooder. Although it has the same clean, immaculate production that hampered Hooker's albums, Brown cuts through the gloss with his gut-crunching licks and hoarse, fiery vocals. Throughout the record, Gate sounds far younger than his 76 years of age -- his solos completely cut those of his guest stars. It's a welcome surprise to hear just how vital Brown sounds on Long Way Home, which ranks among his best recorded efforts. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide