Acquired Taste

Delbert slides as easily into country, blues, jazz, gospel, and folk styles as anyone I've ever heard. He does this so naturally, that you could easily miss it if you weren't paying attention. This record rewards close listening, but can also be enjoyed at a party. It will get the attention of anyone with a taste for any of the above mentioned styles, but has an appeal far beyond the average purist.

Each song has its own identity, but not so much that you find yourself saying "Oh, here's the country tune." The stew has such a fine mix of ingredients that you're apt to hear a blues vocal turn within the context of a country tune or jazz piano on a blues tune. Or a little bit of all of the above. This is done rather seamlessly; it is never distracting or jarring for the listener. All is in service to the song, and his remarkable voice, which other reviewers here have described perfectly as weathered. I liken it to a perfect cup of coffee - bold and smooth, with a bit of a kick. You won't have any problem hearing or understanding the words, that's for sure.