Michael Coleman & The Backbreakers
Gig Seeker Pro

Michael Coleman & The Backbreakers

Chicago, Illinois, United States | INDIE

Chicago, Illinois, United States | INDIE
Band Blues Funk

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"Blues Brunch at The Mart"

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. http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:24520r4aw48i - Sean Westergaard (All Music Guide)


"Do Your Thing!"

CD Review
Michael Coleman
Do Your Thing!
Delmark Records, 2000 (DE-747)
by Tim Holek
Review date: October 2003

Sixteen years ago Michael Coleman was heralded as one of Chicago's brightest young blues stars on the Alligator compilation "The New Bluesbloods". Known best for his 1980s tenure with James Cotton, Coleman developed his lowdown guitar skills while performing with Aaron Burton, Johnny Christian, Muddy Waters and Eddy Clearwater.

So far prominent recognition level has eluded Michael. However, like so many others this isn't due to his majestic talent. This CD will set him on an eminence front. The 66 minute, no border CD covers the gamut of roots music via 12 tracks including two originals. Michael's embracing vocals and jangling guitar are heard on blues, soul, funk and R&B numbers made popular by the likes of Jimmy Reed, Isaac Hayes, Peter Green, Latimore and Otis Redding. Included are some hearty jams which make some tunes last for seven minutes. They don't come funkier than Michael Coleman whether you compare him to soul icon James Brown or Chicago colleague Big James Montgomery.

"The Train" is an infectious, repetitive ride that will have you hopping on this railroad like an old-time hobo. Marty Sammon's burbling keyboards and the explosive horns (trumpet, sax & trombone) fuel this locomotive with more energy than steam and diesel combined. Here, Coleman's vocal harmonies are baffling. The horns add their extra groove to a couple other numbers namely the title track and the ultra-funky "Breakfast In Bed". Matthew Skoller tackles the challenge of blowing harp on a tune associated with Junior Wells, "Help Me". The instinctive arrangement showcases Michael's astounding rhythm and lead guitar work and ability to lead the band. He gets down while being all funked up on "Message of Love". "Cold, Cold Feeling" is sweaty, slow and serious while "Black Magic Woman" is a brilliantly arranged instrumental. Here, the organ is so heavy, it may collapse your lungs. Vince Varco's soft, sexy strings bring out Coleman's romantic side on "Let's Straighten It Out". Throughout, the fused rhythm is punctuated by Willie 'Vamp' Samuels (bass), Sam Green (bass) and Merle Perkins (drums).

Sure for those already enjoying the pleasures of roots music, there are too many cover songs. On some, Michael's vocals and arrangements don't always mix well with the original. Still, these modern day interpretations are more than mere imitations. Thus, this is one of those albums that will attract new fans to the blues. If you like dapper guitar and acrobatic keyboards, groove on and jam on with Funky Michael Coleman. This smooth-picking, hipster is one of the most authentic, contemporary Chicago blues artists to appear on Bob Koester's old label. Shame on him for bypassing this state-of-the-art musician from this year's 50th anniversary blues collection.

For CDs, booking and information, contact: Delmark Records, 4121 N. Rockwell, Chicago, IL 60618 USA Website: www.delmark.com Artist website: www.funkymichaelcoleman.com

Tim Holek - Freelance Journalist/Photographer - www.mnsi.net/~thblues - Tim Holek


Discography

Albums/CDs:
The New Blue Bloods, 1985, Alligator Records
Back Breaking Blues: Chicago Blues Sessions vol. 1, 1990 Wolf
Chicago Blues festival 91 (M.Coleman & Pr. Eddie Lusk) 1993 Black & Blue
Self Rising Blues, 1995 SAAR
Shake Your Booty, 1995 Wolf
You Can't Take What I Got, 1997 SAAR
Do Your Thing!, 2000 Delmark
Michael Coleman & The Delmark All-stars, 2006 Delmark
Funky Situation Live, 2002
Funky Situation Live 2, 2008
May I Have a Chance With You, 2012

Arrangements/accompaniments:

Honest I Do, Jerry Tyrone, 1980 single song album
Ms. Fine Brown Frame, Syl Johnson 1983 all songs
High Compression, James cotton 1984 Alligator all songs
Live from Chicago Mr. Superharp Himself, James Cotton 1986 Alligator all songs
New Bluebloods, compilation 1987 Alligator Woman Loves a Woman
Harp Attack! James Cotton 1990 Alligator all songs
Poor Man Blues, John Primer 1995 selected songs
Celebration of Blues: Great Piano & Harp 1996 compilation wolf
The Ramble, Blue Chicago 1997 Blue Chicago records, Foolin' Around, Little Girl
Blues Harp Power, Wolf 1997 compilation
Story of Black & Blue 1976-1988, compilation 1997 Black & Blue Call My Job
Dark End of The Street, Artie Bluesboy white 1997 selected songs
Blues Power Vol. 1, Wolf compilation 1998
Thinking Out Loud, Angela brown 1998 Bluesside (UK) selected songs
I'm In The Business, Sam cockrell 1999
Sitting In With The Greats, compilation 2001,ultimatebluestool.com
Color Blind, Sam Cockrell 2001 selected songs
Whip It On U, Lee Morris 2001 selected songs da man records
Long Tall Sally, Joanbaby 2002 princessrecords.com selected songs
Wolf Records 20th Anniversary, compilation 2003 Wolf
Costra Nostra, Country Boy 2003 Country Boy Records
Cuttin' Heads, Lurrie Bell Isabel Records 2004 selected songs
Blues Guitar Killers 2005 Wolf Records
The Black Hand Mob, Country Boy, Country Boy Records 2006 guitar & bass

Photos

Bio


Voted one of the top 50 bluesmen in the world
by Guitar World Magazine, and certainly one of Chicago’s hottest guitar slingers, Michael Coleman brings his funky twist to the blues.

A gift discovered at 4 years of age by his mother, at 8 he was performing with his father Cleo Williams; at 13 with the top 40 band Midnight Sun during the afternoon and with Johnny Dollar and Aaron Burton at night; at 14 with Johnny Christian; at 21 on the road with Muddy Waters; and at 22 touring Europe with Eddy Clearwater. In 1979 at the age of 23, Michael began his ten year tenure with The James Cotton Band.

Since 1991, with the Backbreakers backing, Michael has opened for such greats as B.B. King, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, John Lee Hooker, and Luther Allison, to name just a few.

With 16 albums of his own, and having arranged some of the top blues hits and albums in the world, Michael brings a lifetime of experience to his professional, high, energy, funky, bluesy, crowd-involved show.
Don't think lump-de-lump, think danceable funk!