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James Wheeler – Ready!
Delmark DE 719


James Wheeler's first Delmark album, featuring an All Star Delmark band. He was primarily known as a guitar playing sideman but this 1998 album Ready! (Delmark 719) and tours of Europe and South America have established James as leader. Living Blues magazine in a review of Ready! said, “Wheeler sings and plays with polished authority. How could such a tasteful and talented musician have slipped through the cracks for so long?” Wheeler first started his own band in 1963, backing many greats as they passed through Chicago including Al Green, Johnny Taylor, Etta James and others. He did lengthy stints with Otis Clay, Otis Rush, Mississippi Heat and is currently playing guitar as a member of Willie Kent & The Gents.

1 Ready! 4:43
2 This Old Freight Train 6:12
3 Gonna Make Some Changes 3:40
4 My Key Won't Fit That Lock No More 5:02
5 Cold Hearted Woman 5:05
6 Blues At Midnight 6:59
7 Good Morning Little School Girl 4:06
8 Bad Girl 3:44
9 Extension 309 6:36
10 I'm Just Your Fool 3:41
11 My Baby's Coming Home 3:21
12 Hound Dog 8:45
13 Looking For My Baby 4:04

all songs by James Wheeler except:
7) John Lee Sonny Boy Williamson
8) Gloria Thompson-Rodgers
10) Buddy Johnson

James Wheeler - vocals, guitar
Billy Flynn - rhythm guitar (solos on 1 and 5)
Ken Saydak - piano
Bob Stroger - bass
Vernon Rodgers - drums
Golden "Big" Wheeler - harp (2, 10)
Gloria Thompson-Rodgers - vocals (8)





ALL MUSIC Review by Richard Mortifoglio

Chicago blues journeyman had played with both Otis Clay and Otis Rush for decades before finally recording this debut for Delmark in 1998. READY! is exceptionally well-produced by owner Robert Koester in the naturalistic Delmark style. The backing band is first-rate, especially pianist Ken Saydak and James's brother, harpist Golden "Big" Wheeler, who are both given ample solo space. Of course, the main attraction is the guitarist himself who is a great player in the classic Chicago blues tradition. While Wheeler's vocals rarely rise above the middling--neither Rush nor Clay have anything to worry about here!--his jazz-derived instrumental approach and light touch bear comparison with B.B. King's. Vocalist Gloria Thompson-Rodgers guests on the scathing "Bad Girl."