McClinton to bring Americana talent to Newton

NEWTON — Delbert McClinton has been a leading Americana artist since before the genre was established and on Friday, Sept. 7, he will perform at the Newton Theatre at 8 p.m.
Delbert’s unique musical style grew from his Texas music beginnings. Influenced at a young age by Tejano, Western Swing, Rhythm and Blues and War songs, he developed a signature sound that served him well. Delbert grew up around Lubbock and Fort Worth and spent his early career leading the house bands for Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, and others while making a local name for himself. Later, Delbert traveled to England where he headlined shows with Bruce Channel (“Hey Baby”) with a little-known Liverpool band [The Beatles] as the opening act. He then rolled into Los Angeles as songwriters began to take top billing, and headed back to Texas for the progressive movement and blues renaissance that helped kick off Austin’s role in American musical history.
If you’ve seen a live Delbert McClinton show, you will recognize the synchronized energy that comes from thousands of miles of playing together. Delbert feels that his current road band, Self-Made Men, is the best band he’s ever had. The multi-Grammy Award winning artist is at the top of his game with his 19th studio album, Prick Of The Litter. Prick Of The Litter blends Delbert’s signature rhythm and blues sound with a newer jazz-influence inspired by Johnny Mercer, Nat King Cole and other legendary crooners. He includes some upbeat traditional blues (“Don’t Do It”) with a romantic take on Tony Bennett’s San Francisco (“San Miguel”) while “Skip Chaser” paints a vivid picture of the perils of the profession. McClinton's road band, Self-Made Men provide a hard-driving rhythm section, powerful guitars and innovative piano, accented by punched-up horns. Delbert’s definitive vocals and distinct harmonica licks bring it all together.
Tickets start at $49 and are available for purchase at The Newton Theatre box office, online at www.TheNewtonTheatre.com, or by calling 973-940-NEWT.