[rating=7.00]
Delbert McClinton has had a long and distinguished career, but he is still not widely known unless you are a fan of witty songwriters rocking Texas swing-blues. More known for his writing (he was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame) than his singing, he puts the focus squarely on performance for his 25th album, amping up the jazz and balladry for Prick of the Litter that despite its title showcases a softer side of the man.
McClinton starts with a bang on “Don’t Do It”, inviting some smooth guests to the party. Jimmie Vaughan arrives with his excellent guitar solo and Lou Ann Barton provides strong vocals in a duet role but both take a backseat to the prime horn work, opening the album on a high note. The slick Self-Made Men along with backing vocals from Vicki Hampton and Wendy Moten elevate a toss off track like “Doin’ What You Do” while McClinton himself raises the vocal bar for a personal torch song titled “Middle of Nowhere”.
“Skip Chaser” kicks the dust up with its roadhouse boogie letting the band cut loose while that upbeat energy is also present on the piano driven “The Hunt Is On” but for the majority of the album the groove is slow, letting the blues. A track like “San Miguel” is a good example, slick electric jazz guitar with delicate brushes on drums, dribbling piano, all swirling around a heartfelt vocal from McClinton. In the end the listener’s reaction to McClinton’s singing will determine if the album is a success, but his honest direct style remains engaging.
“Pullin’ The Strings”, “Like Lovin’ Used To Be” and “Bad Haircut” all succeed via the late night lounge singer act while “Neva” ups the funk levels with a gruff old-timey blues vocal and “Jones For You” travels to New Orleans with some strong trumpet work; the whole number is reminiscent of a humorous Louis Armstrong effort. Those catchy lyrical turns of phrase that put a smile on your face have always been McClinton’s strongest attribute, but Prick of the Litter proves his tone can be softened and delivered with passion effectively.
