by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
WHO: Delbert McClinton
WHERE: The Florida Theatre
WHEN: Friday, December 1st
Delbert McClinton is unquestionably one of our country’s greatest singer/songwriters. Like Bob Dylan, his work transcends genres and trends. At 66, Delbert has accomplished many milestones and today he is considered an icon amongst his peers. His background is steeped in blues and other American roots music. Delbert’ latest album, Cost of Living comes off with hints of his flirtation with country music. For the past 18 years, Delbert has lived in Nashville, and as one would expect, he has many musician friends in Music City’s country music scene.
More significantly, Delbert is a down to earth regular guy who shuns the superstar label, concentrating on writing music, then touring to support his latest project. Born in Lubbock, Texas, Delbert is genetically rooted in the Texas blues traditions, but his musical pallet is much more expansive. Delbert writes music that interests him at the time, irrespective of its origins or genre. His music is “Delbertized” that is-- with his particular stamp of well written lyrics, grabber hooks and hot grooves.
For me, listening to a Delbert McClinton album is a special experience, like opening up a treasure and marveling at its brilliant shine. So, when I had a chance to chat with Delbert via telephone last week, it was an exciting occurrence. He was charming and we hit it off, since we are in the same age group and I’ve always admired his work. Talking to Delbert was like talking to an old friend. It’s rare in the music business to encounter humility. Most musical superstars suffer from frequent fits of self esteem. Not Delbert–he was super-cool.
“This new album came out a little bit country but it wasn’t necessarily intentional. I just write songs, and let other people worry about how to classify them. But all my work is rooted in the past. Lately I’ve been prolific and the creative juices are flowing. So, I’m in the studio fooling around with new ideas and writing more material. I write about what’s happening with me now so it’s no telling how it will turn out when I’ve worked with other players, and they have added their little bits and pieces,” he said.
Our conversation covered many subjects but I stated that live was king and I much preferred live recordings if they were recorded by a legitimate studio using a van and splitters on the mikes.
“Yeah, I love playing live and I’ve tried to capture that live excitement on a recording, the problem is, if I know it’s being recorded I suffer from angst and it usually doesn’t work out. However, I have one live album that I’m very proud of. It was recorded in Norway. At the time, I had no idea that it was being recorded live, so I wasn’t worried about it. When I heard the cuts, I was amazed. It sounded really great. Also, I’m proud of this new album which was not too stressful to record,” he said
Then I asked him if he had a new project in the works. Of course, Delbert always has a new project in various stages of development.
“I’m playing around with ‘big black band’ music of the 1940s. I’m thinking about writing songs with that groove with horn voicing and swing rhythms. This idea is in the early stages of development, but it should come together fairly quickly once I get more time in the studio. Now, I’m touring to support Cost of Living. But when I get back home from that tour, I’ll have more time to get serious about this next album. Yes, I’m always thinking about the next album. It just depends on my mood at the time, and what crisis I’m dealing with–you know what I mean. I have a son , Clay McClinton who has joined the family business. I’m real proud of him. He’s getting ready to release an album and tour. So, as long as I can have family ties, write songs, and play music, I’m happy,” he said.
How refreshing it was to chat with a musical icon who has no great expectations other than to practice his art and live each day as it comes. In that respect, we have a lot in common. Two old farts living in the moment and treating each day like it’s the last. “Long may we run.”
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