Jazz and Heritage Stage

Friday, August 29, 2008
12:30-1:30 – Kenwood Academy Jazz Band with Composer in Residency Nicole Mitchell
2:00-3:00 – “History of Jazz” with Ron Perillo
3:30-4:30 – “Jimmy’s Jam Session” featuring Curtis Black Quartet plus Ahmad Salaheldeen, Edward House, Zaid Krisberg

Saturday, August 30, 2008
12:30-1:30 – James Sanders’ Conjunto
2:00-3:00 – “Percussion Discussion” with Thurman Barker
3:30-4:30 – Walter Dyett: Remembering a Jazz Warrior

Sunday, August 31, 2008
12:30-1:30 Vijay Iyer: Composer Talk
2:00-3:00 “Art of the Solo” featuring Julian Priester
3:30-4:30 Karl Montzka Quartet

The website linked above also has a brief paragraph about some other Jazz Festival activities going on during the week of the festival. From the website:

“The city of Chicago celebrates Jazz all week-long, beginning Monday, August 25 with a Chicago Jazz Partnership free concert at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a Jazz Institute of Chicago Gala Fundraiser on Tuesday, August 26 and the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Jazz Club Tour on Wednesday, August 27.”

I will try to dig up some information about the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Jazz Club Tour because I hear that is a must-see and must-do kind of activity for the week of the festival. If you’ve ever wanted to visit the key jazz clubs in Chicago, this is the way to do it.

Post from: Jazz & Blues Lounge

So, continuing my breakdown of who is playing and at what stage, let’s take a look at the Jazz on Jackson Stage today.

Jazz on Jackson Stage

Friday through Sunday don’t miss the New Orleans All Star Brass Band performing at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Jackson Blvd. between Columbus and Lake Shore Drive

Friday, August 29, 2008
12:00-12:55 – Isotope 217
1:10-2:05 – Jazz Guitar Summit featuring Curtis Robinson, John Moulder, Jeff Parker, Buddy Fambro, Ernie Adams and Josh Abrams
2:20-3:15 – Alison Ruble Sextet
3:30-4:30 – “Jazz has the Blues” featuring George Freeman and Billy Branch, Ari Brown and Corey Wilkes

Saturday, August 30, 2008
12:00-12:55 – Jo Ann Daugherty Quartet
1:10-2:10 – Chicago Bass Masters featuring Larry Gray, Harrison Bankhead, Ari Brown, Avreeayl Ra, Art Hoyle and Edward Wilkerson
2:20-3:15 – John Wright Quartet
3:30-4:30 – Kenny Burrell with Larry Gray, Willie Pickens and Joel Spencer

Sunday, August 31, 2008
12:00-12:55 – Frank D’Rone Quartet
1:10-2:10 – “Chicago Keys” with – Bob Dogan and Jim Trompeter
2:20-3:15 – Josh Berman and His Gang
3:30-4:30 – Sean Jones Quintet

I will be getting you information this week about the new jazz albums and reissues, but the website I use for that was down and I wasn’t able to get to that. At the same time, come back here later this week as we break down all of the stages you will find at the Chicago Jazz Festival. There’s a lot more to go.

Post from: Jazz & Blues Lounge

One of their sponsored events is called “Hot Jazz – 6 Cool Nites” which is taking place in the suburb of Naperville in August. Naperville is one of the largest cities in Illinois, once you get out of Chicago, and one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Chicago. They are the location of North Central College and this is where this particular celebration of jazz music is taking place.

From the North Central College website:
Featured Vocalists

Janice Borla, a native Chicagoan and North Central College visiting lecturer of music, has performed with such jazz talents as Clark Terry, Bobby Watson and Gary Bartz. Her current CD “From Every Angle” (Blujazz) has earned her enthusiastic critical acclaim, including a coveted four-star review in DownBeat magazine, and selection as one of its “Best CDs of 2007.” Jazz Improv magazine declares it “Great jazz singing…One of the best jazz releases of the year.” AllMusic Guide cites her “…adventurous, risk-taking approach…An impressive performance. Janice Borla clearly deserves far wider recognition with this release.” Jazz Times: “Genius. Pure genius.”

Based in New York City and a founding member of Janice Borla Vocal Jazz Camp’s artist roster, Jay Clayton has worked with jazz luminaries including Bobby McFerrin, Fred Hersch, Steve Reich and the internationally-acclaimed improvisatory vocal group Vocal Summit. Her current CD “Brooklyn 2000″ (Sunnyside Records) has won wide critical praise. Francis Davis (Downbeat magazine) writes: “Clayton is an important singer…one who proposed dramatic change in style and roles…Her musicianship is impeccable.” Debra Bresnan (Woodstock Times): “Clayton can swing, percolate, lay down a blues, soar in ethereal realms, avant you, romance you, and generally spin your concept of jazz singing a full 360…” This will be Clayton’s fifth appearance in the series.

Judy Niemack divides her time between Europe and the United States. Currently based in Berlin, she has recorded with Cedar Walton, Kenny Barron, Fred Hersch and Lee Konitz. Jazz Times magazine declares “Niemack represents jazz singing at its finest and most accomplished” and describes her newest CD release “Blue Nights” (Blujazz) as “at once a sublime testament to her long-established musical prowess and an utterly refreshing exercise in interpretive brilliance.” AllMusic Guide calls it a “brilliant effort” from ”one of the most underrated jazz vocalists of her generation.” Steve Getz of the Blue Note in New York City proclaims her “a world-class jazz vocalist. Period.” Niemack made her first “Hot Jazz—6 Cool Nites” appearance in 1990 and has been on its artist roster ever since.

In-residence instrumentalists

Trumpeter Art Davis is a former featured soloist with the Ray Charles Orchestra. Based in Chicago, he has performed and/or recorded with such notable artists as Louis Bellson, Joe Williams, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Sinatra, and is a member of the Janice Borla Group.

Pianist Dan Haerle is an alumnus of the Clark Terry Group and has performed with Al Jarreau, Joe Henderson, Pat Metheny and Mel Torme. Based in Denton, Texas, he leads the Dan Haerle Trio, whose current CD “Standard Procedure” (Blujazz) was selected by Downbeat magazine as among the best CD releases of 2005.

Bassist Bob Bowman has played with such jazz greats as Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, Toshiko Akyoshi, Carmen McRae and Karrin Allyson. Based in Kansas City, he is currently the leader of Interstring as well as a member of the Dan Haerle Trio and the Janice Borla Group.

Drummer Jack Mouse, coordinator of North Central College’s Jazz Studies Program, is a member of the Janice Borla Group and the Dan Haerle Trio. A staff artist for Yamaha Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Aquarian Drum Heads and Vic Firth Drum Sticks, he has performed with James Moody, Clark Terry, Bunky Green, Randy Brecker and Stan Kenton.

Belgian guitarist Jeanfrancois Prins has performed with such jazz talents as Toots Thielemans, Lee Konitz, Kenny Werner and Bud Shank. He can be heard on Judy Niemack’s latest recordings as well as his own most recent CD “Light” (GAM).”

Price: $17/$14 students and seniors

Dates and Times: July 18 – 24; 8 p.m.

Mark it on your calendar and be sure to check it out.

“

Post from: Jazz & Blues Lounge

From their website (linked above) the line up is:

Friday, July 18, 2008

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo
House of Blues
329 N. Dearborn Street
(312) 923-2000
Doors open at 7:30pm
Show at 9pm
Tickets: Standing only: $45.50
Age: 17+

The Corey Wilkes Quartet featuring Greg Osby
Andy’s Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard Street
(312) 642-6805
8pm & 10:30pm
Tickets: $21.50 in advance, $25 at the door

3 Generations of Chicago Tenors:
Von Freeman, Ari Brown & Frank Catalano
Green Mill Jazz Club
4802 N. Broadway
(773) 878-5552
9pm – 1am
Tickets: No tickets sold in advance. $12 at the door

John Abercrombie Organ Trio with Special Guest Eric Schneider
Jazz Showcase
809 South Plymouth Court
(312) 360-0234
8pm & 10pm
Tickets: $20

William Parker with Fred Anderson
Velvet Lounge
67 E. Cermak Road
(312) 791-9050
9:30pm & 11pm
Tickets: No tickets sold in advance. $15 at the door

Saturday, July 19

The Corey Wilkes Quartet featuring Greg Osby
Andy’s Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard Street
(312) 642-6805
8pm & 10:30pm
Tickets: $21.50 in advance, $25 at the door

3 Generations of Chicago Tenors:
Von Freeman, Ari Brown & Frank Catalano
Green Mill Jazz Club
4802 N. Broadway
(773) 878-5552
9pm – 1am
Tickets: No tickets sold in advance. $12 at the door.

John Abercrombie Organ Trio with Special Guest Eric Schneider
Jazz Showcase
809 South Plymouth Court
(312) 360-0234
8pm & 10pm
Tickets: $20

William Parker with Fred Anderson
Velvet Lounge
67 E. Cermak Road
(312) 791-9050
9:30pm & 11pm
Tickets: No tickets sold in advance. $15 at the door

Sunday, July 20

Gospel Brunch
William Smith Jr. & Renewed Voices for Christ
with host Cedric Nunley
House of Blues
329 N. Dearborn Street
(312) 923-2000
10am & 12:30pm
Tickets: $45.50-$50.50
Kids 6-12: $22
Kids under 6: Free

John Abercrombie Organ Trio with Special Guest Eric Schneider
Jazz Showcase
809 South Plymouth Court
(312) 360-0234
4pm & 8pm
Tickets: $20

Post from: Jazz & Blues Lounge

This weekend is predicted to be a real scorcher here in the Midwest and Chicago in particular. I am sure the same people who, six months ago, couldn’t stop complaining about how cold it was and how much they wished it was summer, will now complain about it being too hot.

Enjoy the shows!

JAZZ

Petra van Nuis & Andy Brown Duo
Friday, July 18; 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Katerina’s, Chicago

Mike Staron/Ken Paoli Duo
Friday, July 18; 5 to 10 pm
Sullivan’s Steakhouse – Naperville, Naperville

The Evanston All Stars
Friday, July 18; 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Bill’s Blues Bar, Evanston

Sound Investment
Friday, July 18; 8:30 pm
Bill’s Blues Bar, Evanston

Steven Palmore Quartet
Friday, July 18; 9 pm
Pops for Champagne, Chicago

Elaine Dame
Friday, July 18; 8 to noon
Philander’s, Oak Park

Green Mill Quartet Jam Session
Friday, July 18; 1:30 to 4 am
Green Mill, Chicago

Dan Cray Trio
Friday, July 18; 7 to 11 pm
Rhythm Room Bar & Bistro, Evanston

Ron Perrillo Quartet
Friday, July 18; 9 pm to 1 am
Pete Miller’s – Evanston, Evanston

Joel Paterson Trio
Friday, July 18; 8 pm to 12:30 am
Pete Miller’s – Wheeling, Wheeling

JVC Jazz Festival
Friday, July 18; 9:30 pm
Velvet Lounge (new location), Chicago

JVC Jazz Festival-Three Generations of Chicago Tenors
Friday, July 18; 9 pm to 1 am
Green Mill, Chicago

JVC Jazz Festival Chicago 2008
Friday, July 18; 8 pm
Andy’s, Chicago

Paul Marinaro & Accompanist
Friday, July 18; 8:30 pm to 12:30 am
Drake Hotel – Coq d’Or, Chicago

Steven Palmore Quartet
Saturday, July 19; 9 pm
Pops for Champagne, Chicago

Brent Kimbrough
Saturday, July 19; 8 to midnight
Philander’s, Oak Park

Paul Marinaro & Accompanist
Saturday, July 19; 8:30 pm to 12:30 am
Drake Hotel – Coq d’Or, Chicago

JVC Jazz Festival Chicago 2008
Saturday, July 19; 8 pm
Andy’s, Chicago

JVC Jazz Festival-Three Generations of Chicago Tenors
Saturday, July 19; 8 to midnight
Green Mill, Chicago

Frank D’Rone
Saturday, July 19; 9:00 pm to 1:00 am
Chambers, Niles

Skinny Williams Quartet
Saturday, July 19; 8 pm to 12:30 am
Pete Miller’s – Wheeling, Wheeling

Ron Surace Trio
Saturday, July 19; 8 pm to 12:30 am
Pete Miller’s – Schaumburg, Schaumburg

Ron Perrillo Quartet
Saturday, July 19; 9 pm to 1 am
Pete Miller’s – Evanston, Evanston

JVC Jazz Festival
Saturday, July 19; 9:30 pm
Velvet Lounge (new location), Chicago

Dan Cray & Geof Bradfield
Saturday, July 19; 7 to 11 pm
Rhythm Room Bar & Bistro, Evanston

Scott Earl Holman
Sunday, July 20; 6pm – 10pm
Chicago Chop House, Chicago

Petra van Nuis & Tom Hope Duo
Sunday, July 20; 5:00 pm to 9:00pm
Chambers, Niles

WDCB Sunday Big Band Jazz Party
Mulligan Mosaics Big Band
Sunday, July 20; 6 to 9:30 p.m. (doors/dinner service opens at 5 p.m.)
FitzGerald’s, Berwyn

Corky McClerkin
Sunday, July 20; 7 to 9:30 pm
Philander’s, Oak Park

Two for Brazil with Paulinho Garcia and Greg Fishman
Sunday, July 20; 7:30 to 11:30 pm
Checkerboard Lounge, Chicago

Joe Davidian Trio
Sunday, July 20; 11 am
Wicker Park, Chicago

Velvet Lounge Jam Session
Sunday, July 20; 9:30 to midnight
Velvet Lounge (new location), Chicago

Anne Burnell
Sunday, July 20; 10:30 am
Andy’s, Chicago

Martez Rucker Trio
Sunday, July 20; 5 pm
Andy’s, Chicago

Andy’s Jam Session
Sunday, July 20; 9 pm
Andy’s, Chicago

Kimberly Gordon Organ Trio
Sunday, July 20; 11 pm to 2 am
Green Mill, Chicago

BLUES

Stan Skibby & the Love Soldiers, Big James & The Chicago Playboys
Friday, July 18; 9:30 pm
Buddy Guy’s Legends , Chicago

Sammy Fender Blues Band
Saturday, July 19; 8:30 pm
Bill’s Blues Bar, Evanston

Matt Hendricks, Kent Burnside, Charlie Musselwhite
Saturday, July 19; 6 pm
Buddy Guy’s Legends , Chicago

Buddy Guy’s CD Release Party
Sunday, July 20; Doors Open at 3 pm
Buddy Guy’s Legends , Chicago

Post from: Jazz & Blues Lounge

They do a program just known as “All Things Jazz” and it runs all day long. In the evenings and on weekends, they break the all-jazz format and do news and community affairs programming. Granted, I would prefer a 24-hour all jazz radio station, but I don’t have to run a radio station on a college campus and that’s community funded. If anyone would like to front me a ton of money I’d love to start an all classic jazz radio station (you could even do that on AM since so many of those original jazz albums were recorded in mono) here in this town.

But I digress…

They do a lot to promote jazz and the exist entirely by donations and subscriptions from people like you and me. It’s pretty cool. It is a small price to pay for a few membership drives just to hear the British morning DJ who refers to himself as “Your British-American Buddy.” See, the entire station just oozes cool.

They also do and sponsor a lot of shows and it is all out in the suburbs. That means that you Chicago suburb-dwellers can enjoy great jazz just as much as those of you who live downtown. One of the things they sponsor is the WDCB JAZZ THURSDAYS which go all summer long.

From their website, here is information about those Jazz Thursdays for summer of 2008:

WDCB Jazz Thursdays

WDCB presents Jazz Thursdays (most) Thursdays from 7 to 10 p.m. at Adelle’s in Wheaton. No cover!

Upcoming Schedule
Thurs. July 03: Marcus Jefferson/Scott Lies Duo
Thurs. July 10: Paul Abella Trio
Thurs. July 17: Andy Meacham Duo
Thurs. July 24: Chris Bernhardt Duo
Thurs. July 31: Grasslands Gypsy-Jazz & Swing Duo

Venue: Adelle’s
Address: 1060 College Avenue
City: Wheaton
State: IL
Zip Code: 60187
Telephone: (630) 784-8015

RADIO STATION INFO:

Name: WDCB Public Radio
Telephone: (630) 942-4200
Email Address: WDCBMktg@cod.edu

Check out the station, check out their awesome website. You can tune in via the internet no matter what part of the globe you live on. Donate if you have the means. Also, tell them you heard about the station right here and, finally, check out one of their sponsored shows.

Enjoy!

Post from: Jazz & Blues Lounge

Oh yeah, and there is a lot of music.

Now, the main stage is known as the Petrillo Music Shell. Here are the performers there, but you will notice there ain’t much jazz or blues related, but still, you should probably know about these big named players if you want to attend:

THE PETRILLO MUSIC SHELL

Friday, June 27, 2008
City of Chicago & V103 present
5:30 p.m.
CHAKA KHAN
ANGIE STONE

Saturday, June 28, 2008
City of Chicago and U.S. Cellular present
5:30 p.m.
STEVIE WONDER

Sunday, June 29, 2008
5:00 p.m.
City of Chicago presents
PLAIN WHITE T’S
JOSH KELLEY

Monday, June 30, 2008
6:00 p.m.
City of Chicago presents
BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
“Taste” of the Best of Broadway headlined by the casts of Chicago’s own JERSEY BOYS and WICKED, joined by the Broadway stars of LEGALLY BLONDE, A CHORUS LINE and others.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008
5:30 p.m.
City of Chicago presents
JOSS STONE
RYAN SHAW

Wednesday, July 2, 2008
5:30 p.m.
City of Chicago & WGCI present
FANTASIA
ESTELLE

Thursday, July 3, 2008
8:00 p.m.
City of Chicago presents
28th ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE EVE CONCERT

9:30 p.m. FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR

Friday, July 4, 2008
3:00 p.m.
City of Chicago & 93XRT present
GOMEZ
OLD 97′S
ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO

9:30 p.m. FIREWORKS

Saturday, July 5, 2008
5:30 p.m.
City of Chicago, BUD LIGHT Music & 93XRT present
BONNIE RAITT
DAVE BARNES

Sunday, July 6, 2008
2:00 p.m.
City of Chicago & Radio Disney present
ALY & AJ
A CURSIVE MEMORY
KEKE PALMER

Now, where things get interesting is with the “International Pavillion.” That’s where you find some interesting jazz and blues music mixed in with music from around the world. Here’s the schedule there”

THE INTERNATIONAL PAVILLION

June 27, 2008
12:30pm – Ghanatta, West African, Hi-Life music
2:30pm – National, Swedish Folk dance
4:30pm – Muntu Dance Theater (African Dance)
6:00pm – Orange Mighty Trio, new age violins

June 28, 2008
12:30pm – Picante. Modern World Latin Jazz
2:30pm – Ghanatta, West African, Hi-Life music
4:30pm – Seneke Ensemble W.African drumming
6:00pm – Funkadesi, trans global groves

June 29, 2008
12:30pm – Jasc Tsukasa Taiko (Japanese drumming)
2:30pm – Harper Didgeridoo (Australian)
4:30pm – Maja Rios, Brazilian Jazz
6:00pm – El Payo, Rumba Gypsy King Style

June 30, 2008
12:30pm – Balkano, (Klezmer Balkan Jazz)
2:30pm – Egshiglen, Mongolian Folklore
4:30pm – Corazon Boliviano, South American dancers
6:00pm – Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater

July 1, 2008
12:30pm – Ayodele, The Largest African Empire Revealed (Music Dance, and Stories)
2:30pm – Michelet Innocent
4:30pm – Jazz Mata, Indian ragas with jazz modes
6:00pm – Magic Carpet, World Jazz Music

July 2, 2008
12:30pm – Michelet Innocent
2:30pm – Lamajamal, Influences from North Africa to the Middle East and the Balkans
4:30pm – Jutta & The Hi Dukes, Greek Blues to Scandinavian Waltzes
6:00pm – Steve Gibbons Gypsy Rhythm Project

July 3, 2008
12:30pm – Corazon Boliviano, South American dancers
2:30pm – Fandanguero, Son Jarocho

July 4, 2008
12:30pm – Jamaican Ensemble
2:30pm – Egshiglen, Mongolian
4:30pm – Som Brasil, Brazilian Jazz
6:00pm – Mhondoro, Zimbabwe pop music

July 5, 2008
12:30pm – Las Guitarras de Espana, (Spanish Guitars
2:30pm – Ala Nar Dancers, Middle Eastern Dance
4:30pm – T- Rroma, gypsy music
6:00pm – Alpha and the Princes of Futa, African Music

July 6, 2008
12:30pm – Mayco, Bolivian music
2:30pm – Corazon Boliviano, South American dancers
4:30pm – Maja Rios, Brazilian Jazz

So, you have plenty of time. The fireworks show listed above is legendary. The food, as I have said, is fantastic. Enjoy!

Post from: Jazz & Blues Lounge

The festival is in beautiful downtown Glen Ellyn which is in the far western suburbs of Chicago. It is sponsored by the radio station WDCB which you hear me ranting and raving about at least at once a week. It is July 12 and it is totally, completely, wonderfully free of charge.

Where? Downtown Glen Ellyn, lllinois
When? July 12, 2008 from 3 pm to, roughly 8 pm

Who? The schedule is as follows:

3:00 MULLIGAN MOSAICS BIG BAND
4:30 HENRY JOHNSON TRIO with VOCALIST TAMMY McCANN
6:00 WILLIE PICKENS TRIO
7:30 CHEVERE featuring ALEJO POVEDA and HOWARD LEVY

There is als an “After-the-Fest” post-festival program where local Glen Ellyn restaurants and businesses are being encouraged to have their own musicians and performances. One of those is:

Curly’s – 499 Pennsylvania Avenue
They will be welcome the Paul Abella Trio

So, mark it on your calendar. Start making plans. It’s free and it won’t take up your entire weekend, but give you a great evening of great music in a great setting.

Post from: Jazz & Blues Lounge

I had originally planned to go through this list and then try to present them to you in order of their dates. Yeah, well, that seems like it will take a lot of time, so I am just going to present them to you, over the next few days and weeks, as I found them. I am going to start with one from St. Louis called the Big Muddy Blues Festival.

There is no denying that St. Louis is a great blues town. It’s really kind of cool how most of your big cities on the Mississippi are big jazz and blues towns. It really shows you how that music started on the banks of that river and people travelled up and down the thing, bringing the music as they went.

The following is from STLBlues.net, which is linked above there:

Festival Information:

612 North Second St.
St. Louis, MO 63102
www.bigmuddyblues.com

Saturday, August 30

Festival Lineup – NOT YET ANNOUNCED
12:00PM to 10:00PM
The 2008 Big Muddy Blues Fest
The Big Muddy Blues fest is a world-class music event. This years Big Muddy promises to be an artistic success, after all, it does showcase that St. Louis sound, with some great national headliners added in! St. Louis is a river city long known for its place on the Blue Highway that stretches from the Delta. A city that is home to a red-hot Blues scene!

When you check out the BigMuddyBlues website above you will see how cool the festival is. There ain’t nothing like blues right on the Mississippi River and in a great town like St. Louis. In fact, over the next few days and weeks you are going to find out that Illinois and the surrounding area is loaded with great blues and jazz music and festivals.

Stay tuned!

Post from: Jazz & Blues Lounge

When I first got there I was just in time to catch most of Shorty Mack and his Magnificent R&B Blues Band performing on the U.S. Cellular Front Porch stage, which is the first stage you see. The sun was out, but there were plenty of places to sit in the shade. Shorty was rocking the house and sweating his behind off, wiping his face constantly.

Right after that, it was time to wander off and spend a lot of money on a 1 liter bottle of water. For that and the food you need tickets. I nursed that bottle the rest of the day and then headed over to the Gibson Guitar Crossroads stage, facing the lake, to catch Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band.

What the hell is Zydeco? Is it really blues? There is a lot of “my woman done left me” lyrics going on but you have an accordion and metal worn on the front of some dude’s chest that he plays with…I dunno…sticks or sporks or whatever. I am not a huge fan, but I was in a good mood and the music was upbeat.

I then spent too much money getting just a few barbecued baby back ribs. I followed that up by eating the most gigantic and most-delicious piece of watermelon I have ever had. Thank you Dominicks!

It was then over to the Mississippi Juke Joint stage to catch Theodis Ealey. Theodis was also playing later at the main stage with his full band, but this performance was something to see. This was low-down dirty Mississippi Delta blues, folks. Plus, it was historic. He played with his two older brothers. Theodis is 61. His next oldest brother (his name, when pronounced by Theodis, sounded to me like YZ) is 71 and he played. Then they brought out his oldest brother, Bubba, who is 81 and he managed to bring the house down playing amazing guitar and singing blues in a quavery voice that made me think of old vinyl blues records you would find in a used record store. According to Theodis, they have not played live before.

Theodis is that kind of blues player that has a story before each song and then says, “So, I wrote a song about it? Wanna hear it?”

I then wandered a short way to the Maxwell Street Stage and caught Chicago native Steve Arvey. Steve has a voice like someone gargling with gravel and does the blues like you wouldn’t believe. I bought his damn CD and got him to autograph it right there beside the stage. Maxwell street is historic to Chicag blues and Arvey fits right in and carries on the tradition beautifully.

Then came the big show. Otis Taylor. Otis Taylor. Otis Taylor. Otis Taylor. I want you to repeat after me: OTIS TAYLOR. He spells it O-T-I-S T-A-Y-L-O-R. I wrote about him earlier this week and was anxious to see this show. Holy crap. Holy Moses. Holy Cow.

Otis’ new album is called “Reclaiming the Banjo.” YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS BAND LIVE. Beg, borrow, steal. Hitchhike, hop freight cars. Do whateve you have to do to see this band live. The Sad Salamanders are the official jazz band of the Jazz and Blue Lounge. I can only wish Otis Taylor would become the official blues band.

There’s only one problem. I think I am in love with Otis’ oldest daughter, back-up vocalist and bass player. Cassie Taylor! Oh, I love you girl. You can keep all of your supermodels and movie stars, just give me Cassie with her gorgeous curly red hair strutting and curling around that bass sexily. Lord help me! My apologies Otis…but damn!

Had there been doors around Grant Park, Otis would have blown them off. Had they put a roof over the park, he would have blown that off too. They were just, simply, and without any exaggeration AAAWWWWWEEEEESSSSSOOOOOOOMMMMMEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Then I got a text message telling me there was a tornado. The the sky got dark. Then it started raining big, giant fat drops of rain so hard it hurt. I got soaked. Otis finished his set early, then came back and played MORE to thank everyone for hanging out during the rain.

Whooo… What a day. Buckwheat Zydeco is the big headline act tonight. I alread saw one Zydeco performance for the day, plus you throw in tornados, and I am done. I had a blast, wish I could see BB King tomorrow, and will be back next year.

See you then.

Oh, and Cassie Taylor! I am but a humble blogger, and a struggling writer…

Post from: Jazz & Blues Lounge