Home

Displaying items by tag: Country

Thursday, 10 August 2017 22:14

Delbert McClinton - One of the Fortunate Few

 

I have been waiting to see Delbert McClinton for a while. It just never happened for me…timing, etc. Finally, it happened. I even took my Mom who is as big a fan as I am.

Warming up for Delbert was Amy Black, a singer/songwriter from Nashville. Black sang only accompanied by piano, which blended perfectly with her very strong voice that comes with powerful with awesome intonation. However, I didn’t feel that strongly for her songs. They were well written but just not overly catchy. In fact, I walked away with no memory of them at all, but only that of an amazing voice. I would like to see her with her full band instead of the simple piano/voice arrangements. Maybe that’s what was missing.

Then, after a brief intermission following Black’s set… Delbert McClinton walks onto the stage. I can’t even comprehend how many times he has done this. “Take Me to the River” was the opener. Del’s version is way more swampy feeling than Talking Heads - not even the same song. Del’s hand-picked musicians formed a tremendous band. No name brand guys. No one under fifty or sixty-years-old. I don’t even remember a band introduction. It was all about the music.

What about the music, you ask? McClinton’s music is self described as Blues but there is much more to it than that. It more like the intersection of Blues Road, Country Avenue and Old Rock and Roll Boulevard. If you think of music like cooking I guess it all kinda comes from the same kitchen, but his unique formula really makes the flavors that stand out. You have the basic recipe but when you start adding spices and such…things get extra tasty.

In a way, I feel here is a guy that should be headlining stadiums. But when I see him work a club, my thoughts change. An intimate venue like such is the perfect environment for Delbert. He is basically a breathtaking club act with great songs. Sometimes we put too much emphasis on the bands playing the hockey stadiums and forget the guys in the clubs exist. The lesson here - go see more musicians like this where you can see the expressions on their face and the watch each note played with finesse and passion rather than viewing a giant monitor.

Let’s get back to the songs. “When Rita Leaves” was played early in the set and another crowd favorite “Ain’t I Got a Right to be Wrong?” was included in the first five, six songs. He has SO many great songs. Two of Delbert’s songs that always stood out were songs at least partially penned by a guy named Jerry Lyn Williams – the same guy that wrote a chunk of Clapton’s later hits. “Giving It Up for Your Love” is a classic that was on the set list. The other is a beautiful song called “Sending Me Angels”.

Music like McClinton’s is good for your cardio-vascular system. It even gets the older people dancing…did I mention that? Well, I just turned fifty and took my seventy-one-year-old mother…and there were people older than her dancing. Some of you youngsters should get out and watch a band like this. You might not be able to keep up…unless somebody breaks a hip.

 

Published in In Concert

Take Flight and Feel the Magic with ‘Peter Pan: The Hit Broadway Musical'

28 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

After many years without seeing the movie or reading the story of Peter Pan, the moment I learned that Peter Pan:…

Casting for Lifeline Theatre’s production of “Native Son” adapted by Chicagoan Nambi E. Kelley, May 10 - June 30

28 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Lifeline Theatre and Artistic Director ILesa Duncan announce the casting for Chicagoan Nambi E. Kelley's "gutsy, powerful, and relentless" adaptation of Richard Wright's powerful introspection…

A.B.L.E. presents "The Odyssey" at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on May 11

27 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

A.B.L.E.—Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations—a Chicago-based nonprofit that creates theatre and film for, with, and by individuals with Down syndrome…

Review: Remy Bumppo Theatre Company's "Love Song' at Theater Wit

26 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

When a play’s opening moment is mystifying and its closing moment is satisfying, the stuff in between must be doing…

“Navigating Family, Truth, and Legacy: A Must-See Journey in ‘Purpose’”

26 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

The expansive, opulent home exudes an air of solid middle-class comfort, boasting a formal dining area, an upright piano, and…

Eddie Izzard performs Shakespeare’s "Hamlet" in limited engagement, April 19–May 4

26 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces today a thrilling addition to the season: Tony Award-nominated actor Eddie Izzard brings her celebrated solo theatrical performance of Hamlet to…

Identity Performing Arts presents spring concert “Muted”

26 March 2024 in Upcoming Dance

Identity's Spring concert offers a captivating performance with two dissimilar works in its dynamic. Join us for the premiere of choreographer…

Joffrey Ballet closes season with remount of crowd favorite, Alexander Ekman's "Midsummer Night's Dream"

25 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

The Joffrey Ballet boldly closes its 2023-24 season with the return of Midsummer Night's Dream by internationally renowned Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman. Premiered by The…

Breaking Through The Winter Blues: Cirque du Soleil Crystal Sparkles at NOW Arena

23 March 2024 in Theatre Reviews

Like any good Chicago March, the city cannot make up its mind about what season it is in. This weekend…

Review: A Streetcar Named Desire at Copley Theatre

22 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

If there's one play every American should see in their lifetimes, without a doubt it's Tennessee Williams' perennial classic A…

Five Plays by Spanish Speaking Female Playwrights Selected for Series at Instituto Cervantes

20 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Instituto Cervantes of Chicago (31 W. Ohio St.), the city's primary non-profit center for Spanish language and cultural exchange, is pleased to present,…

Macbeth Gets Upended in ‘What the Weird Sisters Saw'

20 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

I love all things Shakespeare, particularly modern iterations and adaptations of his works, and I’ve had good experiences with Idle…

ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN Is Now Playing

19 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce the smash-hit musical, ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN is now…

Casting Announced for Drury Lane Theatre's production of Guys and Dolls April 10 – June 9, 2024

18 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Drury Lane Theatre is thrilled to announce casting for its first show of the 2024/2025 season, Guys and Dolls, making its triumphant return to…

Writers Theatre announces 2024-2025 season

18 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Artistic Director Braden Abraham and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce Writers Theatre's 2024/25 season. The season launches with the Chicago premiere of the acclaimed musical Natasha,…

Music Theater Works’ ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ a sparkling and witty production

17 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

Who will the best speller be? Who will be able to withstand the pressures of competition? Who wants it the…

BLACK SUNDAY, a new, dust bowl-era drama by Dolores Díaz, directed by Sandra Marquez, storms in as TimeLine Theatre's 2023-24 finale

16 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

TimeLine Theatre announces the world premiere of the latest play developed through the company’s Playwrights Collective—Black Sunday, by Chicago playwright Dolores…

Marriott Theatre Continues Thrilling 2024 Season with "The Music Man"

15 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Marriott Theatre continues its thrilling 2024 season with MEREDITH WILLSON'S THE MUSIC MAN, the six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy, directed and choreographed…

Red Theater presents HAMLET

15 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Red Theater is thrilled to present its second show of the 23/24 season: Shakespeare’s HAMLET, directed by Jeff nominated director Wyatt Kent, running April 26…

Margaret Atwood's 'The Penelopiad' Is a Zesty Romp, Even If a Bit Cerebral

15 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

“The Penelopiad” is a zesty romp and very entertaining. With a script by a writer I adore, Margaret Atwood of “The…

City Lit announces first season under incoming Executive Artistic Director Brian Pastor

14 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

City Lit Theater has announced its programming for the 2024-25 season, the company’s 44th. The season is the first to…

GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO DEBUTS "GERSHWIN IN B" CHOREOGRAPHED BY EMMY AWARD-WINNER AL BLACKSTONE IN SPRING HARRIS ENGAGEMENT APRIL 5 & 6

13 March 2024 in Upcoming Dance

Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) presents their "Season 61 | UNLIMITED!" Spring engagement at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park, 205…

Steppenwolf Theatre Announces 2024/25 Season

12 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Steppenwolf Theatre Company, under the leadership of Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis and Executive Director Brooke Flanagan, today announced its 2024/25 Season, featuring a dynamic…

Pretty Woman is now playing at CIBC Theatre

12 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is now playing at Broadway In Chicago's CIBC Theatre (18 W.…

'Bill W. and Dr. Bob' Tells About AA Founders, and What It Was Really Like to be their Wives

11 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

“Bill W. and Dr. Bob,” in its Chicago premiere at the Biograph Theater, tells the exciting story of the 1935…

MOMIX: ALICE is Spectacular!

10 March 2024 in Dance in Review

I’ve seen quite a lot of wonderful, entertaining dance productions in Chicago lately - creations that include music and modern…

Review: 'Aida' at Lyric Opera Chicago

10 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

There’s a reason Elton John’s Broadway musical adaptation of ‘Aida’ was one the most popular musicals of the early aughts.…

Deathtrap: A Thriller to Die For

09 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

It was a dark and stormy night (yes, it really was!) – the perfect ambiance for taking in one of…

Pre-Broadway World Premiere DEATH BECOMES HER Announces Complete Casting

05 March 2024 in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago and Universal Theatrical Group announced today complete casting for the world-premiere Chicago production of the drop-dead hilarious new musical comedy, DEATH…

Black Ensemble Theatre's 'The Time Machine: A Tribute To The 80’s' celebrates a transformative era of music

05 March 2024 in Theatre in Review

Black music in the 1980’s was transformative. It was the decade where Black music exploded in diversity and influence. It…

 

 

         17 Years and counting!

Register

 

     

Latest Articles

Guests Online

We have 568 guests and no members online

Buzz Chicago on Facebook Buzz Chicago on Twitter 

Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.