Michael Coleman & the Delmark All-Stars
Blues Brunch At The Mart
Delmark DE-785
The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world. However, it
hasn't featured many Chicago blues cats lately. You are guaranteed to find them at the
Delmark Records and Jazz Record Mart Blues Brunch. On the final morning of the four-day
festival, the annual brunch is attended by die-hard fans, disc jockeys, festival
promoters, photographers, journalists and other blues industry personnel from around the
globe. On the menu is more than continental breakfast. The main entree is a free concert
featuring an all-star lineup of Delmark's leading blues artists. For posterity, the 2005
edition was filmed and recorded to be released on DVD. It was aborted since Delmark was
not pleased with its quality.
As one of Chicago's most notoriously under-rated guitarists, Michael
Coleman is known best for his 1980s tenure with James Cotton. Here, Coleman and his
Backbreakers act as house band for this remarkable event. Bobby Sellers (drums) and Dave
Wood (bass) support the All-Stars with stateliness while John Chorney delivers supreme
keyboard fills throughout. Take note of Coleman's undeniably dapper guitar work on
"The Sky Is Crying" and "You're Going To Miss Me". Although he was out
gigging into the wee wee hours, Coleman is in top form. With each note emitting
excitement, the booty-shaking latter features passionate guitar playing which is lacking
among Chicago's younger blues gunners. If you think Chicago blues is stagnating, let this
brilliant underdog transform you.
Lurrie Bell was the great phoenix of the 2005 Chicago Blues Festival. His appearance at
the brunch was a special treat. Listen to the blues drip off his frets on "I Need You
So Bad" and "Reconsider Baby". "Something New" may be beloved
Willie Kent's final recording. His blues are rough and raw, but his supple voice reveals
his gentleness. His passing was a great loss to the blues world. Fittingly, the CD has
been dedicated to him. Steve Freund doesn't provide stunning vocals, but his guitar
playing is phenomenal on a couple of songs. By the time Little Arthur Duncan finishes
"Knockin' On Your Door," he is a sweaty mess. In person, Taildragger sounds even
more like Howlin' Wolf than on "Be Careful". Via substantial support Delmark has
championed the careers of the city's blues women. The three featured here bring out
Coleman's best playing. Blues belter Bonnie Lee makes her voice waver on "Sad &
Evil Woman". By contrast, Zora Young's delivery is deeper and sadder on
"Toxic". "As The Years Go Passing By" has been covered many times, but
Shirley Johnson presents one of the best versions by using intense and genuine vocals.
For 60 minutes, you hear authentic, gut-bucket Chicago blues in their
natural habitat. It's not the fabricated stuff that the tourists go for. As good as the
music is the CD doesn't capture the camaraderie that transpires among the fans and artists
at this intimate event. So do yourself a favor. Attend next year's brunch in person.
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues CD Review - July 2006
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