Al “Coffee” McDaniel. He has been performing professionally since he was five years old. It was then that he fronted a gospel band. Granted, this band was comprised of siblings, but he knew even then what course his life would take, and the direction he would pursue.
McDaniel’s Blues in My Shoes, released on McDaniel’s private CPA Records label, is a landmark recording for the blues. It may very well be the first modern day urban blues opera. This fourteen track CD, possibly autobiographical, in music and song tells the story of a man who finds himself married to a woman who is controlling, abusive and unfaithful. He asserts his autonomy from this relationship, meets and falls for another woman who ultimately helps his career as she helps him attain fame and notoriety.McDaniel, who is responsible for the compositions and arrangements, is accompanied by two of the most recognizable names in the music industry—legendary producer/songwriter/drummer, Narada Michael Walden, and blues great, guitarist/keyboardist/songwriter, Lucky Peterson. With this level of future hall of fame artists joining McDaniel on this project, Blues In My Shoes has genuine Grammy awards potential.