Artist: Angela Strehli
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
Song: “Trying to Live My Life Without You” (Otis Clay cover)
Album: Ace of Blues
Release Date: November 18, 2022
Label: New West Records
In Their Words: “My deepest thanks are to Bob Brown [Strehli’s producer and husband]. He suggested it was time to record a collection of songs by the artists who had most inspired me to be a singer. It was my great fortune to personally know nine of these legendary artists. Bob helped me choose the material and assembled the right combination of players. The sessions were organized so well, we completed this record in less than two weeks’ time.
“Bob and I got to know Otis after a gig of his in Chicago. Sometime later, he asked me to sing with him on a tune he was recording at his home studio which had the original recording equipment of Brunswick Records circa 1950. One day he invited us for lunch to a place called Edna’s in his neighborhood on the rugged West Side. When we finally got a cab driver willing to take us there, we took a seat in a booth. Folks that were seated at the counter and in the booths all around us seemed surprised to see us. In fact the guy sitting behind us put us at ease by asking, ‘You ever been here before? You’re going to love the food. Edna guarantees her food!’ After a few long minutes, Otis showed up, obviously the local hero. Edna immediately came to our table to welcome us. This was a signature tune for Otis and really captured the spirit of our friend. A wonderful man.” — Angela Strehli
Photo Credit: Paul Moore
