Biography

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Big Wheeler – Jump In
Delmark DE 709 (1997)

Golden “Big” Wheeler was a young man when he left Beaconton, Georgia. He ended up in Chicago in July ’54 where he heard Little Walter playing at 38th and State. They soon became good friends. By ’56 Wheeler had his own band but was in and out of music for the next 35 years, working to feed his family. By the late 80's he went into music full-time. The alum Jump In, his 2nd for Delmark, is full of vibrant traditional blues. One listen to Wheeler’s swooping and soaring harmonica, original compositions, unique voice and wonderful accompaniment will make you feel what a groovy date this was.

Whereas Wheeler’s first album, Bone Orchard (Delmark 661), featured a ’50s-styled two-guitars-and-drums setting, Jump In has a fuller Chicago blues sound with an all star band featuring Golden “Big” Wheeler, vocals and harmonica; James Wheeler, guitar; Allen Batts, piano; Bob Stroger, bass; and Baldhead Pete, drums. This is a personal album from a personable and legendary blues gentleman, so jump in!

Harmonica, Vocals – Golden "Big" Wheeler
Bass – Bob Stroger
Drums – Baldhead Pete
Guitar – James Wheeler
Piano – Allen Batts

Recorded August 18 & 19, 1997 at Delmark Records Riverside Studio

1 Gotta-Have Will Jump In 4:40
2 Fire On The Mountain 6:33
3 Chicago Winter Weather Blues 8:15
4 Connie 3:28
5 Just To Be With You 4:49
6 Bad Situation Worse 7:43
7 Guilty 4:04
8 Big Wheeler's Christmas Bells 6:38
9 Big Mishap 7:52
10 Young Generation 4:50
11 Jelly, Jelly, Jelly 5:43
12 You're So Fine 4:54