Live Review
Delbert McClinton with Mick Sterling and The Stud Brothers
Medina Ballroom, Medina, MN
March 27, 2004
by Rich Benson
Photography © 2004 by Rich Benson, all rights reserved.
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Delbert has become one of the Medina Ballroom’s most popular returning acts, returning 2-3 times a year. And the feeling seems to be mutual, since Delbert seems to love singing and playing for the fans there and the room itself. But before the Texas singer and harp player held court, it was time for the tight, enthusiastic R&B and blues stylings of Mick Sterling and the Stud Brothers. Mick continues to be one of the most popular and charismatic singers around, his rasping, husky voice and the great sounding, energetic instrumentalist playing behind him adding up to a powerful musical sound for listening and dancing. Doing a long, 90 minute set, Mick and the band had a chance to really strut their stuff in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd. Featuring 3 horn players, Hammond B-3, piano, guitar, drums, bass this group has a tight ensemble sound honed by the many years holding court at Bunker’s on Sunday nights and playing elsewhere throughout the Midwest.
“Bump and Grind” had Mick delivering some great, old school R&B with nice husky, raw edged vocals, rasping with emotion. Mick works a crowd like a master, making emotions ebb and flow with his rising and falling vocals, the band playing fast and furious, and then bringing it down. Brian Simons wowed the crowd with his great held, high sax riffs on tenor sax during his smoking sax solo. This song celebrates the joys of slow dancing. The band also has great vocal harmonies, adding to Mick’s passionate vocals on “Tap, Tap, Tapping on the Window Pane.” Mark Lickteig’s great B-3 added much to this strong, emotional song. Mark provided some funky, expressive vocals on the R&B of “Shot Gun,” the band keeping that solid R&B ensemble sound going behind him.
A highlight of the show was Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic” a song featured on the band’s last CD, Sunday Soul Service. Mick manages to capture the spirit and mood of the song, while doing it with his own vocal style. Brian nailed the sax parts with smooth, wailing riffs. Mick had the crowd rocking and dancing with the great blues of “Blues Is My Business,” shouting the vocals with rasping passion. Mick closed his set out by urging the crowd to stand up, raise their arms, and move on “I Got a Problem with My Life.” This catchy, humorous song about too many women causing a man trouble had Mick dancing, moving, shaking, and strutting around the stage. Mick has become one of the Twin Cities top showmen, in addition to being one of the top vocalists. Mick also announced the return of Heart and Soul, his musical fundraiser for children’s causes, to be held August 28th and 29th outside Bunker’s.
Then it was star time, with Delbert and his veteran band hitting the stage in high gear. They started out with fast, hard energetic playing on “Take Me to the River,” Delbert singing in his passionate, strong husky voice and banging away at a cowbell with a drumstick. It was quite a musical tour, from blues, to soul, to R&B, to country, and back. Delbert served up some great old school R&B with “Standing on Shaky Ground.” Lead guitarist Kevin McNelley played some, mean, snarling licks here. The crowd was in for a real treat this night, as Delbert played a lot more harp than he has for years. His harp playing is simple, straight ahead blues harp with a country edge, but one that features an easy, fluid style and wonderful tone. Playing through his vocal mike, he made it sound great all night. Delbert’s harp drove the fast rolling blues of “Thank You Baby.” His low, powerful harp riffs was backed by some great, fast piano. Delbert seemed to be having fun all night, smiling at the crowd, his energy and enthusiasm flowing out to get many dancers up and bopping on the dance floor. While most of the show was what you expect: strong, powerful Texas blues, Delbert also brought it down at times for some great soulful playing and singing. On the grinding blues of “I Want to Love You” Kevin’s nice, slow, soulful, lingering guitar licks nicely backed Delbert’s passionate vocals, filled with heartache. His muted harp solo added a nice touch to the jazzy, atmospheric playing of the band.
Delbert served up some nice country on the melancholy song about love lost, “Your Love is Beyond My Control.” He served up several songs dealing with faith and trust in each other, including “Leap of Faith” and John Hiatt’s “Have a Little Faith.” He kept the crowd dancing, bopping, and screaming and cheering for more. Delbert sang his recent hit song “Every Time I Roll the Dice” to wild applause and cheering. Barely slowing down, he came right back with the R&B of “Giving It up for Your Love.” He put a fitting exclamation point on the night with “Sending Me Angels” that had touches of blues, country and R&B. The happy crowd had had their appetite for Delbert’s music well fed, until the next time he rolls into town. Look for him to return to the pleasant confines of the Medina some time later this year.
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