Although guitarist Michael Coleman's swirling attack might repel some blues purists, his frequent homages to the blues Kings (B.B., Albert, and Freddie) and bluesified covers of pop songs make him a perfect introduction to modern Chicago blues styles. He is one of the fourth-generation blues artists, who reference Jimi and the Stones as much as the Mississippi traditionalists, combining over 40 years of music into a crowd-pleasing, although somewhat less vital, brand of blues heard frequently on the northside today. Coleman has developed a strong following, but hasn't yet shown the breakthrough potential that has carried some of his contemporaries to national and international status. A great starting point for an exploration of Chicago blues.
Mentors: B.B. King, Albert King, Jimi Hendrix
Proteges: none yet
Recommended recordings: none yet, see him regularly at Kingston Mines and B.L.U.E.S.