Delbert McClinton is not only a gifted vocalist and harmonica player but a legend whose distinct style sets him apart from other blues artists. While his career as a singer began in the mid 1950's, it would take Delbert nearly two decades to evolve into one of the most renowned and respected blues artists to come out of Texas. His latest recording, Room to Breath, again gives long-time fans a pleasing combination of blues, soul, country, and rock and roll.
Room to Breath is classic Delbert McClinton with tight horn arrangements, funky rhythms, and Delbert's trademark 'story telling' lyrics. While there are no big surprises here, Room to Breath is an enthusiastic and fun recording. McClinton starts working his mojo from the first track, 'Same Kind of Crazy' where the harp player struts his stuff with a tasty solo. The singer gives the listener some old school boogie woogie with rolling piano and a Jerry Lee Lewis vibe on 'Blues About You Baby'. With Emmylou Harris, Marcia Ball, Rodney Crowell (to name a few) backing McClinton on vocals, 'Low Star Blues' mixes country with a twang of bluegrass fiddle. His signature rough-edged voice are the focal point as Delbert constructs the heartfelt ballad 'Don't Want To Love You' which could easily rival his rendition of the Otis Redding classic 'Dreams'. 'New York City' is an up tempo tribute to a city that saw devastation.
Even though this album is what we've come to expect from Delbert McClinton, the twelve tracks are fresh and pristine. Room to Breath would be a welcome addition to any Delbert enthusiast.
New West Records, LLC.
P.O. Box 4700, Austin, Texas 78765
Phone: 1-800-DELBERT
E-Mail: lucas@newwestrecords.com
Web: www.newwestrecords.com or www.delbert.com
Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!
This review is copyright © 2002 by Tony Engelhart, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
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