OMAR COLEMAN

Born & Raised

Delmark Records

14 tracks/60:39

By Mark Thompson

No one will ever claim that Omar Coleman is an overnight success.  While he grew up hearing the blues on Chicago’s West Side, he didn’t take up playing harmonica until much later in life.  From that point Coleman worked hard at learning his instrument in addition to developing a strong singing voice.  In 2005, he was part of the Severn Records release, Diamonds In The Rough, featuring a group of six players billed as the Chicago Blues Harmonica Project.  It was six years before Coleman appeared on another recording with guitarist Sean Carney, Very Lucky Man, before releasing another title later the same year under his own name.  West Side Wiggle featured Coleman backed by Billy Flynn on guitar, Bob Stroger on bass, and Kenny Smith on drums with a setlist that mixed the leader’s gripping originals with well-chosen covers.

One listen to his new Delmark Records project makes it clear that our aspiring harp player spent the last four years honing his skills on his instrument, as well as sharpening his singing and songwriting abilities. The recording reverberates with a pulsating energy that is in short supply these days.  Coleman manages to recast shop-worn blues licks with a creative touch so that the tunes sound familiar, yet fresh and exciting. Certainly some of the credit goes to the veteran backing he gets from Pete Galanis on guitar, Neal O’Hara on keyboards, Art Seder on bass and Marty Binder on drums.  The “Special Guest” list is limited to three guitar players with strong Chicago resumes: Toronzo Cannon, Mike Wheeler and Dave Herrero.

But the real star is Coleman. Listen to his dramatic rendition of “One Request,” delivering an impassioned plea for love.  “Man Like Me” is a driving shuffle that sounds like something the Nick Moss Band conjured up, with the leader’s smooth harp tones and Cannon’s fiery guitar leading the way.  The title track is brimming with enthusiasm as Coleman preaches about his West Side heritage over swirling organ accompaniment from O’Hara and a feisty wah-wah solo from Galanis.  Binder’s rolling beat propels “I Know You Been Cheating” as Coleman casts off his despair with some hearty blasts on his harp. “Tryin’ To Do Right” is resurrected from his previous album, with bold vocal and harp statements from Coleman before Galanis responds with some fine fretwork.

Wheeler adds his fluid guitar lines to “I Was A Fool,” which finds Coleman updating the familiar theme of learning too late to appreciate a good woman.  His emotional torment is right there for all to hear on this standout track. The pace quickens on “Slow Down Baby” with Coleman blowing sweet high notes over Herrero’s rocking guitar. He also co-wrote “Tell Me What You Want,” a tune that strikes a deep, funky groove that stumbles a bit due to weak lyrics. The same issues pops up on the easy-rolling “Wishing Well” but Coleman and Wheeler overcome it with incisive performances.

Several tracks highlight some of Coleman’s musical influences. The streamlined “You Got A Hold On Me” pays homage to Junior Wells as a singer and harp stylist. Coleman used to hear Bobby Rush in clubs as he was growing up. The legendary bluesman’s funky sound burns bright on “Sit Down Baby” with Galanis once again impressing on guitar. “I Don’t Want No Trouble” mines a similar vein with Coleman making a gritty plea in an attempt to overcome a woman’s growing indifference toward him. The disc ends on a swinging note with the leader singing the praises of “Raspberry Wine” while giving Galanis and O’Hara extended time in the spotlight with Coleman urging them on every step of the way.

It is hard to imagine that someone as talented as Omar Coleman has had to wait this long to get the attention of a major blues record label. With so many products being marketed as “blues” with little-to-no real connection to the music, Delmark should be commended for having the foresight to issue this outstanding effort from one of the bright lights on the Chicago blues scene.  The next time somebody tells you blues music is dying, play this disc for them and watch their face light up when they realize that musicians like Omar Coleman are still out there, “Born & Raised” with the blues, and proud of it!

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