Johnny Iguana - At Delmark: Chicago Style Solo Piano

Chicago pianist Johnny Iguana is tireless. After a long tour of France at the end of last year, Delmark Records unveils his new album. A few months ago, Julia Miller and Elbio Barilari, the label’s managers, invited the pianist to the studio. The goal was twofold: to test the qualities of their Steinway and to experience the recently restored analog recording equipment. In front of the instrument, the managers explained their vision: “We would like you to record a solo piano album. It’s simple, we will only do single takes, without mixing or editing, all carried out strictly in an analog process at every stage of production .” The result is a splendid album that pays vibrant tribute to the music we cherish. What a pleasure to listen, in such conditions, to compositions like Bass Key Boogie by Little Brother Montgomery, You Belong to Me by Magic Sam, or the classics You Never Can Tell by Chuck Berry and Messin’ With The Kid composed by Mel London and performed by Jr. Wells. Johnny Iguana also features five remarkable original tracks, including For Dancers Only , Stormy Night at a Moroccan Blues Bar , and Welcome Distractions . A special mention goes to Neil Young’s cover of Heart of Gold , a true gem on this album. Without a doubt, this exceptional session is destined to become a classic. A must-listen! – Jean-Luc Vabres