• NEWS
  • REVIEWS
  • INTERVIEWS
  • EVENTS
  • VIDEOS

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado Sign to New Label for New Album Release

July 5, 2022

Exclusive: Christopher Lockett and Kitten Kuroi Premiere Video for ‘The Reckoning’

July 5, 2022

The Surprising Real Names of 30 Famous Blues Artists

July 1, 2022

Canadian Roots Blues Duo Blue Moon Marquee Are Ready to ‘Scream, Holler & Howl’

July 1, 2022
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Facebook Twitter Instagram Vimeo
American Blues SceneAmerican Blues Scene
  • NEWS
  • REVIEWS
  • INTERVIEWS
  • EVENTS
  • VIDEOS
American Blues SceneAmerican Blues Scene
Home»News»Mike Wheeler Is A Self Made Man
News

Mike Wheeler Is A Self Made Man

Barry KerznerBy Barry KerznerMay 16, 2013Updated:April 10, 20201 Comment3 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email VKontakte WhatsApp
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Mike Wheeler self made man cvr

Do you enjoy funky blues where the guitarist not only knows how to play, but when not to play? If you enjoy the type of honest funky blues that was at its peak in the 1970’s, then Mike Wheeler’s Self Made Man is for you! There was a time when funky blues was elevated to an art form and produced masters that still influence playing today. Included in this group are Curtis Mayfield, The Bar-Kays, Funkadelic, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Issac Hayes, The Ohio Players, Bootsy’s Rubber Band, and many more.

Mike Wheeler knows about this level of funky goodness because he has been around, working with some great artists himself. For 13 years he was the guitarist for Big James and The Chicago Playboys. He has also performed with Shemekia Copeland, Son Seals, B.B. King, Koko Taylor, and Buddy Guy, just to name a few. Wheeler is from the school of “I will let my guitar do the talking.” He knows when to let loose, and when to let things breathe a bit. He does not try to impress with a million notes in 12 bars. All his playing makes sense, is for the betterment of the song, and every note belongs right where he plays it.

Along with Wheeler on guitar and vocals, other personnel are: Larry Williams on bass, Cleo Cole on drums, Brian James on keys, and Omar Coleman plays harp on tracks 3,9, and 12. Everyone contributes to the great grooves and textures. Funkadelic used to say “We want the Funk! Gotta have some Funk!” Wheeler and company bring it, along with some soulful, bluesy overtones. Also: the sound and production values are thoughtfully executed, and the album has an overall “warmth” to the sound. There is an almost vinyl-like ambience to it that is really nice.

Standout tracks include “Here I Am,” with its nice keyboard backing from Brian James, and spot on bass and drumming from Williams and Cole. Wheeler lays down some great rhythm playing, and subtle lead work too. “I’m Missing You” has a great bass line, with Wheeler’s artful playing over, under, and wrapped around it. Nice job; and the keys and drumming are sweet too.

Of particular note is the band’s rendering of the Muddy Waters staple “Let Me Love You Baby.” This cut is just rich, delicious Chicago blues, dripping with a big helping of funky goodness. It has the heavy, funky beat of Bootsy Collins, and the guitar has both the funk of Johnny “Guitar” Watson and the edge that made Chicago blues guitar famous. Great work here.

Another exciting track is “You’re Doing Wrong,” which has a wonderful Byther Smith/Otis Rush feel to the guitar work. Excellent playing by the entire band on this; really masterful stuff!

Give Mike Wheeler Self Made Man a spin in your player soon.

Mike Wheeler Band

On Facebook

Mike Wheeler – Delmark Records

Album Review Blues CD Review Chicago Blues Funk Funky Blues Mike Wheeler Self Made Man
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email WhatsApp
Previous ArticleFlorida Blue Blues & Music Festival to Replace Sarasota Blues Festival
Next Article Walter Trout Kicks it up a Notch With Luther's Blues
Barry Kerzner

Related Posts

Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado Sign to New Label for New Album Release

July 5, 2022

Canadian Roots Blues Duo Blue Moon Marquee Are Ready to ‘Scream, Holler & Howl’

July 1, 2022

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers Live at 16 TONELADAS Rock Club in Valencia, Spain

June 30, 2022

The Legendary Ingramettes Receive NEA National Heritage Fellowship

June 29, 2022

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Events
  • Videos
  • About

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.