Brothers Scott and Justin Collins will bring a night of high energy when they share the stage on Nov. 8 in Chicago with their respective bands

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

 

It truly will be a family affair when two Nashville bands perform at 

Lazymoon Design in Chicago on Nov. 8.

As part of double headlining bill, Scott Collins will perform with his band The Sovereignty. Sharing the stage will be his brother's band, Justin and The Cosmics.

Also on the bill is Chicago-based artist Sarah Krohn. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

Lazymoon Design is located at 4642 North Francisco Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $33.85, available at eventbrite.com.

I had the chance to talk to Scott Collins about the upcoming show.

 

Q – Great talking to you. I guess life comes full circle because, in 2011 and 2012, I interviewed Coley Kennedy about his bands The Buddies and Welcome to Ashley. 

Of course, you were a member of The Buddies along with your then wife Kim and your brother, Justin. I know that in 2012, your wife was battling breast cancer and Coley started an online fundraiser to help with her medical and living expenses.  

Hopefully she is doing well these days.

That's very thoughtful of you to inquire. Yes, Kim has been fully recovered from that situation for over a decade now.

Q – I see Coley was also involved with the album Bravery Is Necessary, which you and your band The Sovereignty released in January. It is great that you have had a strong relationship with Coley over the years. 

 

Hopefully you will perform your song “Shittin’ Tears” from that album at your show in Chicago. Your searing guitar work on that song is amazing.

Thank you, graciously. "Shittin' Tears" is, in many ways, the linchpin song for Scott Collins and The Sovereignty; the song that started it all metaphysically for me as a solo artist and now most live shows end with it.   

 

Q – And, of course, your latest solo album, Capistrano Beach, was released on Oct. 10. What goals did you have for the album and did the end result exceed your expectations?  

 

I suppose the fact that Capistrano Beach is out and released as an official album in and of itself has exceeded any expectations. It was originally recorded as a birthday gift. 

 

It was originally intended to be heard by only one person other than myself and the studio engineer (and my best friend), Christopher Lord Byrd. All the songs were played live, in order, one time, one take...on the actual birthday which was 1 degree Aries. 

 

It felt inaccurate, unjust, and illegitimate to call this collection of songs demos, although the eight songs on Capistrano Beach do also live in different, fuller-produced versions as part of a 12-song album to be released in early 2026.

 

 

Often people hear acoustic versions of songs AFTER they hear fully-produced album versions, so I realized this was an opportunity to flip that antiquated pattern on its head. It is, without a doubt, the most intimate expression I've ever released. 

 

Chris, Claira, and I – all three couldn't stop listening to it almost daily for weeks on end, so as an exercise in vulnerability and authenticity; I said "fuck it"...[let's] put it out.

 

Q – The Chicago show will also feature your brother’s band Justin and The Cosmics. I am sure that will make the night even more special for you. Will there be any collaborating with your brother that night?

 

Affirmative; high probability of a Collins thunderstorm approaching. It is a rare storm these days. 

 

Although I did play lead guitar in The Cosmics for a few years, and on a couple of The Cosmics albums (Perf and Cool Dead), so there is a handsome cesspool to draw from.  

 

I know the duo you had with your former wife – The Smoking Flowers – is on hiatus right now. Do you see the band doing anything in the near future?

 

The future of The Smoking Flowers is not divulged in the crystal ball. I am holding space for the best scenarios and outcomes possible in the future.

 

Q – What had been the best part of working with your former wife in not only that band, but also in other bands like The Buddies?

 

Traveling, seeing and feeling the world through someone else's eyes in addition to your own can prove to be revelatory. The ocean of experience to draw upon for creativity is unrivaled. 

 

The art, the story, the work, the purpose you leave in your wake – no one can take from you. I think some loved and saw us as a singular entity, not as two separate sovereign individuals.

 

 

Aurora musician Angus Macaskill bringing new vibrancy to the local music scene

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

 

Listening to Angus Macaskill songs will quickly put a smile on your face.

Take for example his song "Beautiful," which has an infectious melody that will get stuck in your head.

The Scottish-born singer-songwriter calls Aurora home. The stage keeps getting bigger for Macaskill, who recently opened for well-known Americana artist Samantha Grimes.

I had the chance to talk to him after he played recently at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles as part of Indie Music Night.

 

Q – It's great to talk to you. I was impressed with your recent show at the Arcada Theatre and the passion you put into the show.

I was especially impressed with the song "Beautiful." The song's melody stuck in my head.

Oh, thank you. I'm a self-taught musician.

I wrote the song as part of a 35-day writing challenge. It's a fun song.

Q – Is the song about anyone in particular?

It's open to interpretation. I try to draw my inspiration from experience and observation.

I like tongue-in-cheek humor.

Q – You recently performed at Nashville North in Milwaukee with Samantha Grimes. You must feel honored to perform with someone of that caliber.

Oh, yeah. She's definitely next level.

Q – I know you are a self-taught musician. What got you interested in music in the first place?

I think I was born with it. I really do.

 

Music is what keeps me grounded. There's something about playing a guitar that just soothes and connects me to the world.

Q – I understand the day before your show at the Arcada Theatre, you hyperextended your right thumb.  

Yeah, I messed it up bad. 

Q – But you pushed through it. You didn't bow out of the show.

I don't back out of things. It still hurts, but it is going to be fine.

Q – You live in the Fox Valley and it seems like the Fox Valley has such a vibrant music scene. Why do you think that is?

There's a lot of small, independently owned bars in the Fox Valley. And I think there's a movement happening where more people are going out and seeing local live music because they need that connection.

I have to juggle playing music with a full-time career and being a dad and a husband. I have a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old.

I play my music as much as I am able to do so.

Q – Wow, you have a lot to juggle.  Have you released an album yet? Is that a goal of yours?

It is a goal. I have 25 original songs right now that I've written.

It's going to happen hopefully sooner rather than later.

Q – As far as what you want your music to do for people, do you want to be able to have your listeners relate to what you are singing about?

I want to put a smile on someone's face and I want to put a tune in somebody's head. You want to be memorable.

Q – Do you think your heritage plays a part in your music or do you try to instill your heritage into your music?

I think my personality is 100 percent Scottish and it comes through when I perform live. I think people find that entertaining, which definitely helps with the delivery at times.

Q – It seems like you have a pretty good bond with other musicians.

I think I have a good bond with people in general. I connect with people.

That's part of being an artist. And I think that stems from the way I was brought up.

 

I'm writing songs now that I would have never written a year ago because I didn't feel confident in opening up memories or emotions. 

Being around other musicians, I can be genuinely more supportive and understanding when they are writing. And I think that helps me.

Me being confident helping someone else be confident helps my confidence.

Q – What goals do you have in the near future?

I'm currently focused on recording and releasing an original song – hopefully before the end of the year.

I also want to be an opening act for like a big name band. And really that's a lofty goal.

 

Chicago-based Surabhi Ensemble and Las Guitarras de España will perform Oct. 6 at City Winery in Chicago to celebrate release of new album

 

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

 

After returning from a successful tour to India, members of Chicago-based Surabhi Ensemble and Las Guitarras de España will come together in October for a global music and dance performance that will feature new music.

The new album, "Guitarra Trotamundos" or “Globe Trotting Guitar,” celebrates years of  teaching and performing in countries such as Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, Senegal, Mexico and India. The title is also a nod to the members of Surabhi Ensemble, who have taken to jogging in various places, including recent appearances in the Mumbai and Boston Marathons.

To celebrate the release of the album, Surabhi Ensemble and Las Guitarras de España will perform Oct. 6 at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago. The evening will also feature several special guests.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available at citywinery.com/chicago. 

 

I had the chance to talk to band leader and musician Carlo Basile about the show.

Q – Great talking to you again. The last time we spoke, the Surabhi Ensemble was about to embark on its Global Peace Tour of India. I understand it was always a goal of the Surabhi Ensemble to tour India, especially since four of the members were born there. How was the tour and did it live up to your expectations or exceed them?

Hi! Nice to chat again. I’m glad to report that our overall experience greatly exceeded expectations! 

 

Global travel is hard. We experienced a few injuries (more on that later), missed flights and had some typical travel drama, but the concerts were all very well received and the hosts were so kind and welcoming. 

 

For example, in Rajpipla, Gujarat, we had more than 2,000 people come to an outdoor performance as the Prince of Gujarat welcomed us with a live marching band and official ceremony.

 

It was amazing, unexpected and unforgettable!

 

Q – And now Surabhi Ensemble and Las Guitarras de España will perform at City Winery in Chicago on Oct. 6 to celebrate the release of “Guitarra Trotamundos.” What goals did you have for the album?

To be honest, I just wanted to gather some new and old friends to make an album which celebrates a few things…global friendships, my turning 60 years old, and continuing to run marathons at this age!

 

It’s a vanity project for sure, but there are some creative moments in the new pieces, as well.

 

Q – Do you have any favorite tracks on the album?

Yes, there is so much diversity in general, which may not be a popular word politically, but I am glad that we have about seven languages represented on the tracks. 

 

My favorites are "Malifarka," "Gli Anni Sono Brevi," "Kapi," and "Vencerá."

 

Q – Music brings people together. It does seem like the country is more divided than ever. Do you hope that “Guitarra Trotamundos” will help teach people about other cultures and perhaps help to bring people together?

Of course, always. But folks have got to figure things out for themselves. 

 

How far do we want to take nationalism and narcissism? I think we are finally starting to see some push back. 

 

Hopefully our work and the ideas of togetherness will come back in fashion soon…I hope!

 

Q – I know you competed in your first Boston Marathon in April and that you qualified for next year's Boston Marathon. Are you happy with how you did and do you plan to participate again next year?

Thanks! That was a HUGE bucket list item. It went well, but I’ll run the Chicago Marathon in a few weeks and see what my time is. 

 

I’m aiming for under 3 hours 40 minutes because Chicago has now adopted a tougher qualifier than Boston. 

 

I’m going to run in the desert this February, so I’ll skip Boston in 2026. 

 

I’ll likely return, but I would love to run in Berlin and Tokyo next.

Chicago blues musician Mud Morganfield to celebrate release of new album with a show at Hey Nonny

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

 

The eldest son of Muddy Waters has plenty to celebrate this month.

Chicago native Mud Morganfield released signed with a new record label, Nola Blue Records and will release his label debut album, "Deep Mud," on Sept. 26.

On Sept. 27 – his 71st birthday – Morganfield will perform at Hey Nonny, 10 South Vail Ave., Arlington Heights. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are available at heynonny.com.

I had the chance to talk to him about the new record.

Q – Great talking to you again. We last spoke in 2018 about your release “They Call Me Mud,” so it’s nice to talk to you again and get caught up on your latest activities.

 

I’m sorry to hear about the death of your mother, Mildred McGhee. I understand she was a big supporter of yours.

 

She was kind of connected to my hip. My dad was gone a lot of times and she had to be father and mother on any day.

When I scratched my knee, she was the one who put the bandage on it. 

Q – That makes sense, because your dad was on the road a lot.

You talk about wanting to see your mother in your dreams in one of the songs on the new album, “A Dream Walking.”

 

I imagine that was a hard song to write.

 

It was a hard song to write and it was a hard song to sing. But I knew I had to get through it. 

I knew that was something she would want since she was my biggest supporter.

Q – But it's also a song that other people who perhaps lost their parents can connect with.

I am praying to the highest power that it does. Because there's strength in tears.

It's a cruel man who doesn't cry. I don't want to be that kind of person. I want to be able to share tears.

It doesn't make you weak. It's makes you stronger because there's power in those tears.

Q – Of course, you are on a new record label, Nola Blue Records. What made you want to sign to the label and what do you like about the label?

 

Well, I shopped around and I couldn't get the right deal from any other label.  I spoke with Sallie Bengtson, president of Nola Blue Records, who is a fantastic lady.

Sometimes you can meet people and you get a certain feeling about them. I had nothing but positive feelings from Sallie. I felt like I could trust her.

Q  I know that “Deep Mud" is being released on Sept. 26 and then you will perform at Hey Nonny on Sept. 27, your 71st birthday. Does that make it even more special to be able to perform your new songs on your birthday?

 

It is special because I'm a year older, but I don't care when it would have come out. Me and this band, which includes Buddy Guy drummer Melvin “Pooky Styx” Carlisle, we put together some great tunes.

Q – It seems like you really like your fellow musicians on the album.

I love those guys. We have a personal relationship. They have gone with me on this journey from the beginning, especially Rick Kreher, who was my dad's last guitar player along with John Primer before he passed.

Q – I know you have said in different interviews that you wanted to experience the blues before you became a professional musician.

 

How can you have some blues if you've never had no blues? If you've never went through drug addiction, alcoholism, being a cancer survivor or something.

You've got to go through something to get some real nitty gritty blues. 

Q – You were on the main stage at the Chicago Blues Festival this summer singing your dad’s iconic song “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man” in celebration of Chess Records’ 75th anniversary. What was that experience like?

 

It's always great to represent my city, first of all.

Q – What do you think your dad would have said seeing you perform that song?

I do a lot of my dad's work, man, just to try to keep his legacy here. And also, I add my own songs, like "Ernestine" and "She's Getting Her Groove On."

I do dad's songs to always try to keep his legacy fresh. I can be anywhere in the world and people will be screaming at me to play "Got My Mojo Working" and "I Just Want To Make Love To You."

I slide right into character, because he was my father. 

Q – I know that you are trying to carry on the legacy of your dad but at this same time, have your own sound and forge your own path. Is it hard to do both? 

 

Yeah, it is a double-edged sword sometimes. "Deep Mud" features two of my dad's songs, "Strange Woman" and "Country Boy."

And I will never put an album out without at least one or two of dad's songs on there,  just to show respect for my father.

 

I have to honor him. God was just kind enough to give me his lungs and vocal chords and all that.

Q – I know that you perform worldwide. How are the fans in other countries like England, Russia and China?

Outstanding, especially in England. They love American blues music.

The love for blues music is universal.