“Anyone that has ever listened to blues music knows how important Delmark Records has been to the genre. My earliest introduction to blues music was on The Delmark Record label. Magic Sam, JR. Wells, Jimmy Dawkins.Their Jazz Artists are equally impressive as well.”

Anthony Geraci: Where Were You

Anthony Geraci returns with one of the most inspired recordings of his remarkable career.  The album titled “Where Were You” (Street Date: 9/18/26, Delmark Records) with many special guest: Sheryl Youngblood, Dave Specter, Barrence Whitfield, Jon McDonald, Anne Harris and more! A master pianist, composer, and bandleader, Geraci delivers a deeply soulful collection that blends Chicago blues, jazz, soul, and timeless American roots music.  Joined by his outstanding touring band and an all-star cast of acclaimed Chicago musicians, he creates a rich and dynamic musical landscape that showcases both his exceptional songwriting and expressive piano playing. The album also prominently features the remarkable Sheryl Youngblood, whose soulful voice brings warmth, power, and emotional depth to three of Geraci’s songs. Rich in melody, inspired musicianship, and heartfelt storytelling, this new release is a compelling testament to Anthony Geraci’s enduring artistry and a worthy addition to the legendary Delmark catalog.

(Anthony Geraci / Photo by Russell Davis)

On the occasion of this highly anticipated and groundbreaking release, we have the distinct pleasure of sitting down with Anthony Geraci. In this interview, the master musician opens up about his core musical philosophy and his firm belief that true art knows no boundaries. He shares insights into his creative process, discussing how he beautifully navigates the delicate balance between his structured role as a composer and the absolute creative freedom he requires as a solo pianist on the keys.

Interview by Michael Limnios   Archive: Anthony Geraci 2020, 2022, 2024 Interviews 

Special Thanks: Anthony Geraci, Kevin Johnson, Delmark Records

Your new album blends Chicago blues with jazz, soul, and traditional American roots music. How did this musical vision come about, and what does it mean to you?

I think this recording is a culmination ofmy entire life as a musician. I listen to Lightning Hopkins-as much as I listen to Art Pepper or Horace Silver.

To me there’s no boundaries in music or art. When I was doing research on my Masters Degree I did some digging into Louis Armstrong. He was once asked “what kind of music do you play “? He replied “I play folk music-I play for all the folks“. Even while listening to Otis Spann, Muddy Waters… all the great Chicago Blues Artists… I was still listening to some folk music that was popular in the 1960’s… I really dug Richie Havens.

How do you balance your role as a composer shaping the structure of a track with your role as a solo pianist who needs to express himself freely on the keys?

I only know one way to play-honestly. I have probably a million hours of listening to music in my life. I was never big on copying solos note for note-but rather absorb the music and make it my own.

For this record, you brought together your touring band and an all-star cast of Chicago musicians. Do you prefer tracking live in the studio all together, or do you layer the instruments one by one?

To me having a band is very important. It’s how the music grows and breathes. I may compose all the songs, but it’s the individual musicians that make the sound. In a band it’s all about trust. I once did a recording with G.E. Smith (Saturday Night Live, Hall and Oates, Bob Dylan) and I asked him what should I play on a particular tune…his response was “just play great”. I tell me my band that too! I was honored once I got to Chicago that Julia Miller and Elbio Barilari suggested some great Chicago Blues Musicians to play on the recording. I’ve known Dave Specter and Rodrigo Mantovani for a long time. Sheryl Youngblood just blew me away with her powerful vocals and drumming. Jon McDonald brought some real West Side flair to a few tunes…and Pooky Styx was in the pocket from the first beat.

“If you’re a “blues” artist and don’t count Chicago as a major influence-then there’s no need to play blues music! I’m still inspired by the recordings of Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Otis Spann, Pinetop Perkins, Memphis Slim and many more. I have a very big record collection-and I love pulling out the original recordings by the great blues artists.” (Photos: Anthony Geraci’s new album by Delmark  / Anthony Geraci with Julia Miller and Elbio Barilari of Delmark Records)

Having such a long and distinguished career, how do you feel your personal sound and approach to the piano have evolved on this album?

I feel my piano playing has become more expressive. Sure there’s a cool boogie woogie tune “Brooklyn Boogie” that I named after the city my father was born in. But like a fine wine we tend to mellow a bit as we age. I’m honored that Delmark Records let’s me be me. As a songwriter I hope people listen to the lyrics-every song tells a story.

This release marks your debut on the historic Delmark Records. How does it feel to add your work to the catalog of the oldest continuously operating independent blues and jazz label?

Anyone that has ever listened to blues music knows how important Delmark Records has been to the genre. My earliest introduction to blues music was on The Delmark Record label. Magic Sam, JR. Wells, Jimmy Dawkins.Their Jazz Artists are equally impressive as well.

Even though you come from the East Coast tradition, this record is deeply immersed in Chicago blues. How did the heavy musical lineage of this city shape your new compositions?

If you’re a “blues” artist and don’t count Chicago as a major influence-then there’s no need to play blues music! I’m still inspired by the recordings of Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Otis Spann, Pinetop Perkins, Memphis Slim and many more. I have a very big record collection-and I love pulling out the original recordings by the great blues artists. 78 rpm records too! I was fortunate to sit in with Muddy Waters, B.B King, and to tour with Otis Rush, J.B. Hutto, Big Joe Turner and many more great blues artists. I recorded two records with Big Walter Horton and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Super Harps I (Telarc) that featured James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite, Billy Branch and Sugar Ray Norcia.

The amazing Sheryl Youngblood sings on three tracks of the album. How did you work with her to blend her powerful, soulful vocals with your expressive piano playing?

I wasn’t familiar with Sheryl when I went to Chicago to finish the album at Delmark Studios. Julia Miller and Elbio Barilari took me to see her at a club in Chicago. She was so good! We discussed having her sing a few songs I had written for the recording. So we bought Sheryl into the studio a few days later and she nailed it. Sheryl is playing drums and singing on the title track “Where Were You”.

As an experienced master of the genre with multiple awards, how do you view the future of timeless American roots music in 2026 and beyond?

Me and my friends are all getting older! I’m 72-but still feel like a teenager! There’s so many great young artists playing real deal blues at a very high-level. Young Rell (Harrell Davenport) is really great. He plays way beyond his age of 19 years old.

Others that will be carrying the torch forward are D.K. Harrell and of course Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. I’m on the Board of Directors at The Pinetop Perkins Foundation. Christone was with us since he was very young. We are all so proud of him.

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(Photos: Anthony Geraci with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. BMA Memphis TN and Anthony Geraci with collaborators, at Pinetop Perkins Workshop)