Johnny Iguana Reclaims the Raw Power of Blues Piano on At Delmark

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

In a digital age where musical precision is often edited to sterile perfection, Johnny Iguana dares to do something refreshingly radical: he hits record, plays the piano, and leaves it all on the keys. His new solo album, Johnny Iguana: At Delmark, is a gritty, elegant, and deeply personal love letter to the Chicago blues, performed on a century-old Steinway B, captured in unedited single takes straight to analog tape. It’s not only a bold follow-up to his acclaimed debut Johnny Iguana’s Chicago Spectacular!—it’s a timeless statement of identity, reverence, and raw artistry.

“Go in the live room and kick up some racket, with the tape rolling,” Iguana explains. “And that's exactly how this album was made—in three afternoons.”

That sense of immediacy defines At Delmark. It’s a record that breathes, hesitates, surges forward and sometimes stumbles—exactly as real music should. Recorded at the legendary Delmark Records studio, a cornerstone of the Chicago blues for over 70 years, the album adds a new chapter to the label’s storied catalog of solo piano records. Iguana’s playing is technically masterful but emotionally instinctive—honoring his heroes while unmistakably forging his own path.

Born in New Jersey and raised on a mix of punk rock, classical training, and a deepening obsession with the Chicago blues, Johnny Iguana (real name: Brian Berkowitz) was pulled into the Windy City in the early ‘90s after a chance audition for Junior Wells. It was a surreal career leap for a young musician still finding his footing, suddenly on tour with one of his greatest musical heroes. “I used to say, ‘You know What shows are? Shows are sold out, That’s what shows are,’” he laughs, recalling the whirlwind years of packed houses and international tours. “It was a pretty wild way to get started.”

Since then, Iguana has become one of the blues’ most sought-after pianists, performing and recording with legends like Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Derek Trucks, and James Cotton. His 2020 debut, Chicago Spectacular!, brought together a powerhouse ensemble of Chicago blues icons to honor the city's rich piano tradition. But At Delmark is a different kind of record—an introspective, minimalist counterpoint that brings the man and his instrument into unfiltered focus.

The tracklist features Iguana’s own compositions alongside his idiosyncratic interpretations of everyone from Jay McShann and Little Brother Montgomery to Neil Young and AC/DC. Yes, AC/DC—because Iguana’s musical vision doesn’t believe in boundaries. “I wanted this album to be personal,” he says. “Not just a tribute to the past, but a reflection of who I am now.”

That sense of self has been forged over decades. Iguana has co-led the genre-blurring band The Claudettes for over 10 years, released countless records, and scored the Emmy-winning FX/Hulu series The Bear alongside his longtime partner JQ. His signature piano style—rhythmic, fearless, and improvisational—is rooted in the blues but laced with punk, jazz, and classical elements.

“I think a lot about Otis Spann and Jay McShann, and about just telling a story with your hands,” he says. “This album is me, in the room, telling that story.”

At Delmark will be released on April 11, 2025, across vinyl, CD, hi-res digital, and all streaming platforms. For audiophiles, a reel-to-reel edition is coming through a partnership with Revox/Analog Arts—a perfect format for music this honest and analog.

Fans in Illinois can experience Johnny’s live release shows this spring:

• April 29 – Hey Nonny, Arlington Heights, IL

• May 12 – SPACE, Evanston, IL

• May 16 – Hong Kong Pizza Party, Yorkville, IL

As Johnny puts it, “Music isn’t just a recording—it’s a moment. This album captures mine.”

For more, visit johnnyiguana.com or follow The Claudettes at theclaudettes.com.

:Listen to the full interview with Johnny Iguana on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience.