Blues Brunch at the Mart

by Michael Coleman

Overview

More than 50-years-old and still going strong, Delmark records is Chicago's oldest jazz and blues label and arguably the most important one still operating. They've released stone-cold classics in both genres over the years and currently maintain one of the best rosters of Chicago talent in the field. You can thank Bob Koester for that; a nominee for "Patron Saint of Chicago Jazz and Blues" if ever there was one. He also heads up the world's largest blues and jazz retail store: Chicago's Jazz Record Mart. Every year during the Chicago Blues Festival, Jazz Record Mart hosts the blues brunch, where members of the Delmark blues family put on a free show (and brunch!) inside the store. In 2005, Michael Coleman & the Backbreakers acted as house band, backing a variety of other Delmark artists in a great informal setting, and Blues Brunch at the Mart was recorded for posterity. Aside from the two solo piano numbers (Steve Behr and Aaron Moore), the Backbreakers back all performers giving the album a unified sound, even as the lead performers come and go. But don't think this all sounds the same. You go from an updated version of "The Sky Is Crying" by Michael Coleman to the gritty blues of Lurrie Bell to the gospel-informed sounds of Shirley Johnson to the growling, extroverted Tail Dragger. The late, great Willie Kent takes a final bow as well. From the between-song patter, one gets the sense that this isn't just a group of musicians united by their label; this is the Delmark blues family, and the patriarch is Bob Koester (who turns in a couple of priceless introductions). Part label roster sampler and part historical souvenir, Blues Brunch at the Mart is a fine snapshot of Delmark blues circa 2005. ~ Sean Westergaard

Product Details

Release Date:	04/18/2006
Label:	Delmark
UPC:	0038153078522
Rank:	152235

Tracks

1. Knockin' on Your Door  - Little Arthur Duncan
2. The Sky Is Crying  - Michael Coleman  - Elmore James  - Clarence Lewis  - Morgan Robinson
3. I Need You So Bad  - Lurrie Bell
4. Reconsider Baby  - Lurrie Bell  - Lowell Fulson
5. Something New  - Willie Kent
6. Sad & Evil Woman  - Bonnie Lee
7. My Little Playhouse  - Steve Freund
8. Toxic  - Zora Young
9. Memories of Albert Ammons  - Steve Behr  -  Traditional
10. As the Years Go Passing By  - Shirley Johnson  - Deadric Malone
11. Be Careful  - Tail Dragger
12. Wading in Deep Water  - Aaron Moore
13. You're Going to Miss Me  - Michael Coleman

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Michael Coleman   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals,Guitar,Vocals
Lurrie Bell   Primary Artist,Guest Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Tail Dragger   Primary Artist
Bonnie Lee   Primary Artist,Vocals
Steve Freund   Primary Artist,Vocals,Guitar
Steve Behr   Primary Artist,Piano
Zora Young   Primary Artist,Vocals
Shirley Johnson   Primary Artist,Vocals
Willie Kent   Primary Artist,Bass,Vocals
Aaron Moore   Primary Artist,Piano,Vocals
Little Arthur Duncan   Primary Artist,Harmonica,Vocals
Bobby Sellers   Drums
Dave Waldman   Harmonica
John Chorney   Keyboards
David Wood   Bass

Technical Credits

Robert G. Koester   Audio Production,Producer
Steve Wagner   Mastering,Producer,Engineer,Mixing
Bill Dahl   Liner Notes
Clarence Lewis   Composer
Elmore James   Composer
Lowell Fulson   Composer
Morgan Robinson   Composer
Aaron Moore   Composer
Willie Kent   Composer
Eric Butkus   Engineer
Steve Freund   Composer
Traditional   Composer
Little Arthur Duncan   Composer
Zora Young   Composer
Deadric Malone   Composer