Singer set to play the Palace

WATERBURY — Delbert McClinton, multi-Grammy Award winner and “One of the Fortunate Few,” who has managed to live his dreams for more than six decades, will play the Palace Theater on Oct. 20 at 8 p.m.

McClinton is at the top of his game with his 19th studio album, “Prick Of The Litter” (Hot Shot Records/ Thirty Tigers). The new offering captures the balance of soulful energy and restraint that the legendary performer has been delivering in his live performances for decades all over the world. On “Prick of the Litter,” McClinton incorporates a variety of styles, and as always, just enough to keep him comfortably outside the traditional marketing categories.

“Prick Of The Litter” blends McClinton’s signature rhythm-and-blues sound with a newer jazzinfluence inspired by Johnny Mercer, Nat King Cole and other legendary crooners. He includes some upbeat traditional blues (“Don’t Do It”) with a romantic take on Tony Bennett’s San Francisco (“San Miguel”) while “Skip Chaser” paints a vivid picture of the perils of the profession. A highlight is the album’s closer, the gentle and hopeful “Rosy.” McClinton’s road band, Self-Made Men provide a hard-driving rhythm section, powerful guitars and innovative piano, accented by punched-up horns. McClinton’s definitive vocals and distinct harmonica licks bring it all together.

McClinton has been a leading Americana artist since before the genre was established. He has won two Grammy awards in the blues category for Best Contemporary Blues Album; and one in the rock category (Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group), with Bonnie Raitt for “Good Man, Good Woman.”

Tickets can be purchased at www.palacetheaterct.org, by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the box office, 100 East Main St.

Contributed photo Delbert McClinton is scheduled to perform Oct. 20 at the Palace Theater in Waterbury.