tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50511583973451859832024-03-17T22:58:56.284-05:00the total scenePresenting the best of arts and entertainment in the Chicago areaEric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.comBlogger722125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-69534513732436227662024-03-17T22:55:00.002-05:002024-03-17T22:58:09.704-05:00Plainfield resident Connor Lee to perform first solo show at Black Dog Vinyl Cafe<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fTbrJmRLtj05e4aTm5Odn_mf3Ph5HNl_QQn3XSyfj-064e5OHaQxYl4orp4G3RGUtrM07Dhjv9BDujdTDGSlF6vy5kb_igGFFpUArwN6E8vQBumJbpCdGzDf7-a8qYWHb1pjXrU-venEqiIMcFFmEvTL9H8fW81ZyoujLCfbhsq6pFlWPi3Gt2W8P_xJ/s1194/Screenshot%202024-02-27%20at%2011.52.33%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1194" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fTbrJmRLtj05e4aTm5Odn_mf3Ph5HNl_QQn3XSyfj-064e5OHaQxYl4orp4G3RGUtrM07Dhjv9BDujdTDGSlF6vy5kb_igGFFpUArwN6E8vQBumJbpCdGzDf7-a8qYWHb1pjXrU-venEqiIMcFFmEvTL9H8fW81ZyoujLCfbhsq6pFlWPi3Gt2W8P_xJ/w400-h396/Screenshot%202024-02-27%20at%2011.52.33%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">By ERIC SCHELKOPF</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Those who have attended open mic nights at <a href="http://facebook.com/blackdogvinylcafe">Black Dog Vinyl Cafe</a> in Plainfield on a regular basis knows that Plainfield resident Connor Lee writes songs with captivating melodies, such as his song "The Cardinal Song."<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">The 19-year-old college student will perform his first solo show at 3 p.m. March 23 at Black Dog Vinyl Cafe, </span><span class="LrzXr">located at 16108 Illinois Route 59, Plainfield.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">I had the chance to talk to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@connorlee10_">Lee</a> about the upcoming show.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr"><b>Q</b> – So you must be pretty excited about your upcoming solo show at Black Dog Vinyl Cafe.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">Yeah, it is awesome. There's a lot of camaraderie at the open mic nights. It's a really good vibe.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr"><b>Q – </b>So how long have you been a musician?</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">I started playing guitar about four years ago. I got really into music after seeing the Nirvana exhibit in Seattle.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">I don't know why, but I just connected with Kurt Cobain immediately. But I really didn't sing or perform until recently.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">My first open mic was last December. I kind of kept a lot to myself.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">I would write stuff for fun and just kind of keep it in my phone for a couple of years. So now that I'm starting to perform my own music, I'm putting those lyrics to melodies. </span></p><p><span class="LrzXr"><b>Q</b> – Are you inspired by any bands in particular?</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">I got into Bright Eyes this year and it really resonated with me with how </span><span><span>Conor Oberst</span></span><span class="LrzXr"> writes songs. And I listen to singer-songwriters like Elliot Smith and Phoebe Bridgers. </span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">And that's kind of what sparked me to start performing, finding musicians that sounded like what I could do. My favorite artists are Nirvana, Radiohead and Smashing Pumpkins, but I don't necessarily write music like that.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr"><b>Q</b> – So Bright Eyes, Elliot Smith and </span><span class="LrzXr">Phoebe Bridgers kind of inspire you.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">Yeah, especially with the songs I've been writing lately. But I'm all over the board with what I listen to. </span></p><p><span class="LrzXr"><b>Q</b> – What inspires you to write a song?</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">I definitely will write in reaction to emotions. I'm not going to sit down for no reason and write something necessarily.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">At least lyric wise. Sometimes if I'm just sitting in a room and my guitar is nearby, I just have that urge to pick it up and play something.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">But as far as actually flushing out a song, it's definitely stuff I'm going through or thinking about at the time. Or even reminiscing about.<br /></span></p><p><span class="LrzXr"><b>Q</b> – What inspired you to write "The Cardinal Song"?</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">Honestly, it was just literally dreams that I had, which is why that's in the lyrics. It was kind of written in fragments. </span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">I remember waking up and having a dream that someone passed away and someone asked me to sing a song at their funeral. And that became a verse.<br /></span></p><p><span class="LrzXr"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CPCiqw3YGmE" width="320" youtube-src-id="CPCiqw3YGmE"></iframe></div> <p></p><p><span class="LrzXr">And then the part about seeing your breath in the freezing air, I was just walking home from the train and I saw my breath in the air. I thought that was a cool phrase and I just kind of typed that into my phone and used it.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">It was just kind of like fragments of different dreams. And a cardinal is a symbol of a passed away loved one. So I wanted to use that.</span></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-12713041776859202612024-03-17T14:05:00.001-05:002024-03-17T14:05:42.703-05:00Acclaimed blues musician Mike Zito to bring honest, heartfelt songs to Buddy Guy's Legends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPL4jq2d3GIAFbUwHiyaJlq0KeDI5k2ekD-o6EC6TtleYAmKgp2mZYZUy3J0ewZ7myjN88FJ9RxWbqWPd3CoqjfsrXN28vJ90tYgZjyzDAjlDDrDaThAZlT4uT_UYycpzCKPucw6WUun4vtJIEv5ofce0jxMvxS3EW-bhyOe2NPHrMfHQKZXjmcyelwWR/s896/MZ_Life_Is_Hard_3kx3k.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="896" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNPL4jq2d3GIAFbUwHiyaJlq0KeDI5k2ekD-o6EC6TtleYAmKgp2mZYZUy3J0ewZ7myjN88FJ9RxWbqWPd3CoqjfsrXN28vJ90tYgZjyzDAjlDDrDaThAZlT4uT_UYycpzCKPucw6WUun4vtJIEv5ofce0jxMvxS3EW-bhyOe2NPHrMfHQKZXjmcyelwWR/w400-h400/MZ_Life_Is_Hard_3kx3k.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p> </p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">For acclaimed blues musician <a href="http://mikezito.com">Mike Zito</a>, making his latest album, "Life Is Hard," was a way for him to express his emotions about his wife's battle with cancer.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">He recorded the album just a few months following her death in July 2023. Zito will perform March 23 at Buddy Guy's Legends, <span class="LrzXr">700 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, as part of a CD release party for the album.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="LrzXr"><a href="http://www.billyflynn.com">Billy Flynn </a>will perform a free acoustic set from 5:30 to 8 p.m. followed by </span><span>the Bernard Crump Blues Band from 9 to 10 p.m.</span><strong><span> </span></strong><span>Zito will take the stage at 10:30 p.m.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Tickets are $25, available by going to <a href="http://buddyguy.com.">buddyguy.com</a>. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I had the pleasure of talking to Zito about the new album, which was released after the death of his wife, Laura, from cancer.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><b> </b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><b>Q</b> – Of course, your new album, "Life Is Hard," debuted on the Billboard Top U.S. Blues Albums chart at #1. That must make you very proud.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>That's pretty good. No complaints. I'm happy about that. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Laura would be proud. She was excited about the idea of making this record. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zrZOxlgHTTc" width="320" youtube-src-id="zrZOxlgHTTc"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I'm thankful that we got it made. More importantly, whether it's number one or number whatever, is that we made a really good record.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>It was very cathartic for me and I think it lets the whole world know how much she meant to me and how much I loved her. And that's all that matters.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><b>Q</b> – Are you hoping that people who listen to the album and who are maybe going through similar situations, that it might help them?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Well, sure. The music is mine when I make it. But once it's released, it doesn't really belong to me any more, it belongs to whoever is listening to it.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>You know, I've been sober for 20 years. Sixteen years ago, one of the first label records I released had a lot of songs about recovery and being sober. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>People going through something similar came and sought me out to tell me their stories.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>So I hope that people fall in love with the music on the new album and it means something to them. Hopefully it is cathartic for everybody.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Any kind of good music, especially good blues music, is supposed to be relatable to people. You're relating to the hard times that everyone goes through. That is absolutely what this record is about.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><b>Q</b> – Musically, what were you trying to do with the album?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I definitely and sincerely wanted to make a blues album, which is something I've never ever done. I've never ever said, "Oh, I'm going to make a blues album."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I realize that I'm a 53-year-old white dude from South St. Louis. I grew up in the '70s and listened to rock 'n' roll.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>It's not my music. It's the music that was in St. Louis that I fell in love with.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I'm a student of it. This particular time, I set out to make a blues record. It's like I gave myself permission to do that.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><b>Q </b>– Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith produced the album. What made you want to bring them on?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Joe and I have been friends for 20 some years. I've known him before he was the Joe Bonamassa that you know now.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Obviously, he's incredibly successful but he's also a sweetheart and a great friend. We all worked together on the studio album "Blood Brothers" with Albert Castiglia</span>. Joe and Josh produced that album.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KpD50EaiJTo" width="320" youtube-src-id="KpD50EaiJTo"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">And it was a great experience. I really enjoyed it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">I wanted the music on "Life Is Hard" to be as top tier and as good as possible. And Josh Smith is an unbelievable arranger. He's so good at arranging.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">And Joe pushed me to do my best when I was playing guitar. And I knew he would, which I'm very thankful for.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Q</b> – Of course, you will be playing at Buddy Guy's Legends on March 23. I was just wondering how Buddy Guy has influenced you and your music.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I personally believe I have the best Buddy Guy stories. I kind of grew up in St. Louis and in my 20s, I was opening for a lot of the artists that came through town.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I also was going to Chicago a lot to get seen or heard. I was playing Legends in the '90s and many times I ran into Buddy.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Some of them are really funny stories where he's blocking the parking lot and I'm honking at him because I'm late. And he gets out of his car to yell at me and saw my guitar and asked, "Are you the band?"</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>And I told him yeah and he says, "Well, come on, you're going to be late." One time I got there at 4 p.m. to do sound check and Buddy and Otis Rush are sitting at the bar drinking.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Then I come back to play four or five hours later and they're still at the bar and now I've got to play in front of them. And I got done and then the bouncer comes over and says that Buddy wants to see me. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>And then I come over and Buddy tells me, "Hey, that was pretty good. You can play here any time." </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>And they ask me what I want to drink and I'm drinking with Buddy Guy and Otis Rush at the bar. I will take that story to my grave. That was a great night.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><b>Q</b> – When he said that to you, did it make you feel that you made the right choice in getting into the music business and that you should continue on?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Yes. I've gotten to meet several of my heroes that I listened to when I was a kid, like Buddy Guy and Johnny Winter and I've gotten to play with them.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>And Johnny Winter told me, "Hey man, you're a good blues guitar player. You got to keep playing the blues."</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Those are things that always remind me why I keep doing this. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><b>Q</b> – And of course Buddy Guy is 87 and is on his farewell tour. And you're 53. So that means you have at least 34 more years of touring in you, right?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I hope so. That would be great.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><b>Q</b> – Of course, you have other projects as well. You're co-owner of the <a href="http://gulfcoastrecords.net">Gulf Coast Records</a> label, which has released several critically acclaimed blues rock albums.</span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Has the record label exceeded your expectations?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Oh man, by far. I didn't even consider that we were going to make a real record label.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span>I thought it was going to be a side project to help certain young artists. It never really occurred to me that we could be where we're at today.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">I'm so proud o<span>f it. We have a whole team that works so hard. We couldn't do it without them for sure.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="yiv2261452620MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -apple-system-font; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><br />Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-30872239598357484172024-03-03T14:13:00.000-06:002024-03-03T14:13:45.157-06:00Bands provide night of musical thrills at ROXY in Lockport<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQg-bjQZ-WL9TIQpbVheYlDg04YrCEPd0iqitU49g9zJlD58LSjK_T665A73RN5e1WEiVyyfAp91M6SlSNLlfUTreyKxSjtOQlGiQPYeg-Nhp_Hb8yADSCks1zatjqqa12R39pMdsOtPSRqjlyCPTML_1guXhyphenhyphenwmyk8anE1Y2uxO2elIs2OWiaojTHd52/s4032/PXL_20240302_010018851.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQg-bjQZ-WL9TIQpbVheYlDg04YrCEPd0iqitU49g9zJlD58LSjK_T665A73RN5e1WEiVyyfAp91M6SlSNLlfUTreyKxSjtOQlGiQPYeg-Nhp_Hb8yADSCks1zatjqqa12R39pMdsOtPSRqjlyCPTML_1guXhyphenhyphenwmyk8anE1Y2uxO2elIs2OWiaojTHd52/w400-h300/PXL_20240302_010018851.MP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack The Acquaintance introduces the band Jesus The Coyote.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p>As musician Jack The Acquaintance and his fellow musical friends proved in glorious fashion during their March 1 show at the ROXY in Aurora, rock is far from dead.</p><p>That is despite the show being billed as I Killed Rock 'n' Roll: Full Circle, a reference to Jack's album, <a href="https://jacktheacquaintance.bandcamp.com/album/i-killled-rock-n-roll">“I Killed Rock ’N’ Roll (It's Not Rock ’N’ Roll's Fault)”.</a> The show was the first time he played the songs from the album with a band.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sClOvu_GLd0JqJiDCSYe-xz_qh7FWei00Gn-gcjkyMx2T9-1Nykj7uddZ515PfJz_-yKywH22FDZKvyqmQktMV6QtlRA-JF5VGxjFBD-Zz5uO69acb5cyDq-9l_27V1y5yHSYmcyEM4GmkLU9KZuhxlT4V8wfcCdVlRT0aMX5ZJIB1jYM2YUcjRzPpMM/s4032/PXL_20240302_032530893.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sClOvu_GLd0JqJiDCSYe-xz_qh7FWei00Gn-gcjkyMx2T9-1Nykj7uddZ515PfJz_-yKywH22FDZKvyqmQktMV6QtlRA-JF5VGxjFBD-Zz5uO69acb5cyDq-9l_27V1y5yHSYmcyEM4GmkLU9KZuhxlT4V8wfcCdVlRT0aMX5ZJIB1jYM2YUcjRzPpMM/s320/PXL_20240302_032530893.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The night took attendees on a musical journey, starting with the searing
garage rock of Jesus Coyote. And yes, Jesus was there that night,
although fortunately no coyotes were allowed in the door. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gXjaqkBOMqE" width="320" youtube-src-id="gXjaqkBOMqE"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pop-punk group Double Identity Band also brought plenty of energy to the stage and their infectious melodies and catchy lyrics connected with the audience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DjnO48Dam3E" width="320" youtube-src-id="DjnO48Dam3E"></iframe></div><p>Jack The Acquaintance and his fellow musicians lifted the energy level inside the ROXY even higher, providing the perfect ending to a night of musical thrills.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W_0a4eqHQp0" width="320" youtube-src-id="W_0a4eqHQp0"></iframe></div><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ER76Or_mQ2I" width="320" youtube-src-id="ER76Or_mQ2I"></iframe></div><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"> </span></span><p></p>More videos from the show can be seen at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG7FHY4ZmxlH0yISyYktKkg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG7FHY4ZmxlH0yISyYktKkg</a><br />Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-44701018971065759642024-02-18T21:35:00.009-06:002024-02-18T21:49:32.848-06:00Jack The Acquaintance bringing a few of his fellow musicians to ROXY next month as part of high energy show<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjm2EPVQp2WaeWQAc3L3swVWN11jaG7qxCzXLPNMtu0lKhjNWsrJLYWRf2I-SYZZaImxTcs3ZF4YTQszcN2-lvw4qt5hhDL25oRLM3_WwCbqDcN-fDPuFnZmE3ZDrRZr_eq8rwBsOfP2k9nC-MojLufV5Gu-4tMY7BiAzJ4tDcpjgCvQZs-lhqwkKN-n4L/s1080/Polish_20231204_225852318.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjm2EPVQp2WaeWQAc3L3swVWN11jaG7qxCzXLPNMtu0lKhjNWsrJLYWRf2I-SYZZaImxTcs3ZF4YTQszcN2-lvw4qt5hhDL25oRLM3_WwCbqDcN-fDPuFnZmE3ZDrRZr_eq8rwBsOfP2k9nC-MojLufV5Gu-4tMY7BiAzJ4tDcpjgCvQZs-lhqwkKN-n4L/w400-h400/Polish_20231204_225852318.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p><br /></p><p>Aurora-based <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JackTheAcquaintanceMusic/">Jack The Acquaintance </a>will bring some of his fellow musicians to the <a href="https://www.roxylockport.com/">ROXY</a> in Lockport on March 1 for his I Killed Rock ’n’ Roll: Full Circle show.<br /><br />The<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ItmXNlUTjpe784xpaupfQ"> show </a>is bound to be a night of high energy rock ’n’ roll. ROXY is located at 1017 S. State St. in downtown Lockport. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show will start at 7 p.m.<br /><br />Tickets are $20, available at <a href="http://eventbrite.com.">eventbrite.com.</a><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOXOC9dzugbHwNse624jwO43GeBgQzgVNLN_voAlnBcQcgEqZl1wGhX3U6c350XDuaIcqTjT3UhcThUSb8erfpXdWFTViLlnO29TQ8SqCpl4_EIvlTkwpdJzEGpo7Gm67UZr21WUM6pVr34lBr9kfUI7FGm4UbxQ3NJD4KoXDNjo1ILoLM2I3hGXY_YNf/s956/thumbnail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="874" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOXOC9dzugbHwNse624jwO43GeBgQzgVNLN_voAlnBcQcgEqZl1wGhX3U6c350XDuaIcqTjT3UhcThUSb8erfpXdWFTViLlnO29TQ8SqCpl4_EIvlTkwpdJzEGpo7Gm67UZr21WUM6pVr34lBr9kfUI7FGm4UbxQ3NJD4KoXDNjo1ILoLM2I3hGXY_YNf/s320/thumbnail.jpg" width="293" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Those musical friends include <a href="http://facebook.com/danasiomusic">Dan Asio</a> and the bands <a href="http://doubleidentityband.com">Double Identity</a> and <a href="https://www.jesuscoyoteband.com">Jesus Coyote</a>. BroJack – a collaboration between Jack The Acquaintance and <a href="http://primalmoonband.com">Primal Moon</a> frontman Joe Brunker – is also on the bill. <br /><br />I had the chance to talk to Jack and Dan about the show<br /><br /><br /><b>Q</b> – So Dan, how did you get involved in the show?<br /><br />He asked me if I’d be down to back him up on guitar for this project that he was doing. And of course, I never turn down a chance to play guitar and kind of do new things.<br /><br />I’ve never played just strictly rhythm guitar in a band before. So, I was down.<br /><br />I thought it would be cool and I wanted to help him out. And here I am. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K3jyhg4Y2Wk" width="320" youtube-src-id="K3jyhg4Y2Wk"></iframe></div><p></p><div class="hHq9Z"><div data-hveid="CA8QAA" data-ved="2ahUKEwj44ZOJsLaEAxUmO0QIHVGFAaoQlcAGegQIDxAA"><div class="KsRP6"><div class="MDY31c"><div class="nwVKo"><div class="r2VLS WAvXif"><div data-ias="false"><div class="y1yadf" style="z-index: 125;"></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></div><span aria-selected="true" class="NQyKp Maj6Tc" data-hveid="CBEQAA" data-tab-index="0" data-ti="overview" data-ved="2ahUKEwj44ZOJsLaEAxUmO0QIHVGFAaoQyNoBKAB6BAgREAA" role="tab" style="background: rgb(236, 237, 238); color: #474747;" tabindex="0"></span>Jack – Dan and I have a lot of music in common, I think. We like a lot of the same bands.<p>I thought it would be really great to get to work with Dan and get to showcase some of his songs too. <br /><br />This will be the first time I will play my songs from the album <a href="https://jacktheacquaintance.bandcamp.com/album/i-killled-rock-n-roll">“I Killed Rock ’N’ Roll (It's Not Rock ’N’ Roll's Fault)”</a> with a band. Which is why it’s called “I Killed Rock ’N’ Roll” (Full Circle).<br /><br />We’re bringing it full circle and finally performing these songs. Also, my friend, Joe Brunker (lead singer of the band Primal Moon) and I perform together as BroJack. We’re going to bring him up as a special guest and do some tunes together.<br /><br />Q – So Dan, tell me about the songs you will perform.<br /><br />It will be all the new songs I’ve been working on. One’s already come out, the first single, <a href="http://danasio.bandcamp.com/track/lets-go">“Let’s Go.”</a><br /><br />It starts off like this acoustic rock ballad and then it kind of builds into this more alt-rock jam at the end. That’s been fun, getting that out there.<br /><br />I don’t have a designated band for my solo music, so it’s going to be a lot of fun playing the new songs that I’ve written with a full band.<br /><br />Q – What made you want to become a musician?<br /><br />Probably acting, actually. I always loved listening to music. It was always a big part of my life.<br /><br />But I always thought I would become an actor, either through the theater or on screen. I was learning how to sing through musicals and whatnot. <br /><br />And I learned some piano and guitar just for fun. I started a band with my friends, and once I did the band thing, I realized that was what I wanted to do.<br /><br />Q – Jack, you were talking about wanting to do more of these types of shows.Is that one of the reasons why you like being a musician, that you sometimes get to play with other musicians?<br /><br />That’s definitely a part of it. There’s a chemistry when you’re playing with other people.<br /><br />I grew up listening to rock ’n’ roll bands like Zeppelin and stuff and then got into Green Day. And all my music is meant for band based music. <br /><br />I always wanted to get a band going at some point. I like the energy of band based music.<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-68973198769430261402024-02-11T12:09:00.005-06:002024-02-11T14:44:09.236-06:00The Selectones providing uplifting blend of reggae, ska<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdBFKE5xEW1NsSprK-Z86QO476rdfTk3FVuT3f_8RMX4slNXo9jaoRBaMsbKVEsi2BRDVwObd1Dyjr2P7XAm4UOn9-S97jxQJzL14048JHxf2eGhyTT55adYot5SiFP7gd6VCK2kSVa7Pu7mGU_CyH4maLEFRm69uZP5Ag64EgSfRhCJx62rwXvbFQuiB/s1080/thumbnail-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdBFKE5xEW1NsSprK-Z86QO476rdfTk3FVuT3f_8RMX4slNXo9jaoRBaMsbKVEsi2BRDVwObd1Dyjr2P7XAm4UOn9-S97jxQJzL14048JHxf2eGhyTT55adYot5SiFP7gd6VCK2kSVa7Pu7mGU_CyH4maLEFRm69uZP5Ag64EgSfRhCJx62rwXvbFQuiB/w400-h300/thumbnail-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p><br /></p><p>Looking to escape the winter doldrums, at least temporarily?</p><p>With their captivating and uplifting blend of reggae and ska, Joliet-based The Selectones can help take your mind to warmer climes. And lucky for us, there are plenty of opportunities coming up to hear the band.<br /></p><p><a href="https://linktr.ee/TheSelectones">The Selectones </a>will perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 17 at <a href="http://studiolockport.com">The Studio</a>, 900 S. State St., Lockport and then at 8 p.m. Feb. 23 at <a href="http://thetownbar.com">The Town Bar & Grill</a>, 2681 E. New York St., Aurora.<br /></p><p>The band formed in September 2015. The current lineup consists of <span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Nic Jones on lead vocals and guitars, Michael Delaney on bass, Ellis Wright on saxophone and backing vocals, Patrick Wright on trumpet and backing vocals and Malik Temple on drums and backing vocals.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">I had the chance to talk to Michael and Malik about the band.<br /></span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q</b> – What were your goals in forming the band?</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Michael – To go out and have fun. It's a style of music that I really like and I wanted to put a reggae band together. It's fun music that everybody seems to enjoy.<br /></span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">I don't know that anybody came into this saying, hey, we're going to end up famous or anything like that. I think the goal now is to really grow the name and grow the band.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">We've been recording a lot of original music lately. We're prepping for a lot of releases this year.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q</b> – You released the song <a href="https://theselectones.bandcamp.com/track/secrets-of-nesta">"Secrets of Nesta"</a> last October, which I understand is an homage to the late Bob Marley. Did the both of you grow up listening to Bob Marley?</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Malik – I did not. But our singer, Nic, grew up listening to a lot of reggae. Nesta is actually Bob Marley's middle name.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Bob Marley has a special place in Nic's heart as a songwriter and as an activist.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/km4E18fsKXY" width="320" youtube-src-id="km4E18fsKXY"></iframe></span></span></div><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b> </b></span></span><p></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q </b>– Of course, the band also incorporates ska into its music. Did you listen to ska growing up?</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Malik – I didn't grow up with it. But I've developed an appreciation for it.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q </b>– There's not many reggae/ska bands in the music scene out here, so you guys stand out. </span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Michael – It's good summertime music, it's good outdoor music. </span></span></p><p></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">We play at the Joliet fireworks show every Fourth of July. And everybody eats that up.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">You've got fireworks, you've got reggae music. We're right there on the river in downtown Joliet.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">It doesn't really get much better than that.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q</b> – We were talking about Bob Marley earlier. In your shows, do you cover any of his songs?</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Michael – We usually sprinkle in two or three of them in a show. </span></span></p><p></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q</b> – Does Nic give the history behind the songs when you perform them?</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Malik – Yes. Depending on the crowd and the age group, he might share some of that information.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">He's very knowledgeable. He knows his stuff.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q</b> – I'm sure music lovers appreciate that.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Malik – Oh yeah, for sure.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q</b> – Is the band planning to release an album? Is that what you are working on next?</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Malik – We're compiling an EP right now. It's coming along.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">We've learned a lot. That's the benefit of the bass player having a studio in his basement.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q</b> – That must be nice.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Michael – It's a beautiful thing. Typically, for any band practice, I record the entire three hour practice and then send it out to everybody so everybody can listen to what they need to work on.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">And then it works out great for song ideas, too. If Nic comes here and he has a song idea, he can just play his guitar and sing. It's recorded and I can send it to everybody and we can sit and marinate on it.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q</b> – When are you looking to out out this EP?</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Malik – Hopefully by the summer. The goal is when we play at festivals this summer to have something for people connect with on the way home from the festival.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q</b> – Have you guys played with other reggae bands?</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Michael – We opened for a national act called Through The Roots a few years back. We've also played with a Chicago band, The Concrete Roots.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">We've also played with Bumsy and the Moochers, they're a ska band.<br /></span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q</b> – What's the best thing about playing live? Is it about the connection with the audience?</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Michael – Connecting with the audience, definitely. It's also about spreading the positivity.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQy8Y7ooKVLvvCNTN-rHW-1NPIlFToS0n40gk_4_OlPaVtjUwbgxiw1NDFgUvkzEDWHzZxINdMja2xDTRxBU16QzKjbmZqoKvl3HsTG4LEnQE66aD29-m7_jrXv4tqE0iN4wijl7C4suYH1PGSf__CVFDVhq7V-RfiNeQfqRgzfxvkEVOJNPsMhG01fVDr/s1024/thumbnail-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="828" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQy8Y7ooKVLvvCNTN-rHW-1NPIlFToS0n40gk_4_OlPaVtjUwbgxiw1NDFgUvkzEDWHzZxINdMja2xDTRxBU16QzKjbmZqoKvl3HsTG4LEnQE66aD29-m7_jrXv4tqE0iN4wijl7C4suYH1PGSf__CVFDVhq7V-RfiNeQfqRgzfxvkEVOJNPsMhG01fVDr/w324-h400/thumbnail-2.jpg" width="324" /></a></span></span></div><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"> </span></span><p></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">And it's about having fun. I have a blast with these guys. </span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">I like to do it as often as we can.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text"><b>Q</b> – I understand that some people have been coming to your shows since the band first formed. That must make you feel good.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">Michael – I really value the input from those longtime fans, like when we do a new cover song or play a new original song.</span></span></p><p><span class="bcTruncateMore"><span class="peekaboo-text">I think we all value their input. They have watched us grow over the years.<br /></span></span></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-20960845073164134042024-02-03T18:05:00.002-06:002024-02-04T12:38:27.819-06:00Fox Valley venues providing outlets for local musicians through open mic events, jam sessions<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tWRplxTduKoxFIfqNvvD1Bngh-RPFeysWrW3TxEe4Ax2_MMU9AfzcQUHqH7EbOXm9dCX6hhpYX_0TtYHS2L2M1vVo3F_B9ChHTjuy4riybHyIjIAx_VKcVmoOh5_BrRRPHhUAl1vIYcaqbNTLwak_0_Rj2BNNwRRCqM_A3Ogi_jeoyI16XErdTUjD3hw/s2048/417152565_10228668254924694_143358109420757791_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1583" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tWRplxTduKoxFIfqNvvD1Bngh-RPFeysWrW3TxEe4Ax2_MMU9AfzcQUHqH7EbOXm9dCX6hhpYX_0TtYHS2L2M1vVo3F_B9ChHTjuy4riybHyIjIAx_VKcVmoOh5_BrRRPHhUAl1vIYcaqbNTLwak_0_Rj2BNNwRRCqM_A3Ogi_jeoyI16XErdTUjD3hw/w494-h640/417152565_10228668254924694_143358109420757791_n.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p><br /></p><p>For St. Charles native Ryan Carney, one of the best things about being a musician is being able to collaborate with other musicians.<br /></p><p>"I will play anything with anyone at the drop of a hat," he said. "There is no rehearsal required and you don't even have to tell me the key that you're playing in. When you are able to be artistic with other people, you are able to express yourself among others who love what you are expressing. It creates a brotherhood or a camaraderie amongst a very small group of people. It's like having a good idea and then somebody else expands on the goodness of that idea to create great ideas. And that is really I think what it's all about for musicians across the board."<br /></p><p>Last April, Carney started the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/883646369373942">Fox Valley Jammers Club Facebook</a> group as a way to connect musicians who want to participate in the open mic and open jam scene across the Fox Valley. To give thanks to those venues that host open mic and open jam events, Carney and fellow musician Izzy Kucera, who oversees the open jams at Bar Evolution in Batavia, will host a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/570470911950610">state-of-the-jam dinner party</a> from 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 5 at Pollyanna Brewing Company, 106 S. Riverside Ave. in downtown St. Charles.</p><p>"It's all about celebrating and giving thanks to all the
hosts and venues across the Fox Valley for making the open mic/jam scene
possible," said Carney, who when he is not playing with his fellow musicians, is selling homes in the Fox Valley as a Realtor. "In nine months, we've attracted over 700 members to our group.
It's a very active and supportive group that continues to grow."<br /></p><p>The event, which is free, will feature a food truck, raffle prizes and an open jam. While the idea behind open mic events and jam sessions is not new, he noted such events have grown in popularity the last few years.</p><p>He attributed that to musicians wanting to get out and perform again after being locked down during the height of the COVID pandemic.</p><p>"I think that a lot of people just sort of huddled up in their homes and worked on their craft," Carney said. "They either learned a new instrument or they improved where they were on their existing instrument. They were learning songs and they were writing songs. I think people were pretty energetic to finally get back out into the scene and present what they had worked on. They were proud of it. They had something to show for that time and they missed being with friends. They missed being social. We are social creatures and that was a huge void, especially amongst the artistic community."</p><p>The open mic and jam sessions are a way for musicians to showcase their talents. And the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/883646369373942/">Fox Valley Jammers Club Facebook group</a> is helping to bring those musicians together.</p><p>"This is a place of encouragement, it's a place for a like-minded community to come together and sort of find support amongst ourselves," he said. "It's not just about the musicians. The businesses that host these events are gaining new customers and they're getting new followers."</p><p>Take for example, <a href="https://pollyannabrewing.com/pages/st-charles">Pollyanna Brewing Company</a> in downtown St. Charles.</p><p>"Pollyanna has the most attended open jam on the scene right now by far," Carney said. "They could bring in over 100 people on any given Thursday night."</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TZEUrIDYsPQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="TZEUrIDYsPQ"></iframe></div> <p></p><p>Carney has a master's degree in classical string bass performance. He enjoys taking his cello to new musical horizons.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cPsn3YM8x-r_0jygIVHKM_mpNBsSJQnkHZdb1rTsJ3cHlsAgBKR-7cMLnkmpyXqeznvi29z9Vso8OuT3tWNbfHAM60KAXjN05dJY8lOo8cE9xh7KUHIldnj0OaisKWl-PTUHcnUYb4iJRxwKE2KdmXpxLXFQ7z2Uv3BbjIXHZmV82-h1Oij0br4sbzg9/s1620/thumbnail-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cPsn3YM8x-r_0jygIVHKM_mpNBsSJQnkHZdb1rTsJ3cHlsAgBKR-7cMLnkmpyXqeznvi29z9Vso8OuT3tWNbfHAM60KAXjN05dJY8lOo8cE9xh7KUHIldnj0OaisKWl-PTUHcnUYb4iJRxwKE2KdmXpxLXFQ7z2Uv3BbjIXHZmV82-h1Oij0br4sbzg9/w426-h640/thumbnail-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo provided by Ryan Carney<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p><p>"I sort of play cello like a lead guitar," he said. "It catches people off guard. It's fun to hear and see."</p><p>More information about the Fox Valley Jammers Club is available by going to the club's Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/883646369373942">https://www.facebook.com/groups/883646369373942.<br /></a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/883646369373942"> </a></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br clear="all" /></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-71756021920050758642024-01-15T15:11:00.003-06:002024-01-15T15:23:24.032-06:00Grammy Award winner Howard Levy and his band – comprised of fellow Chicago area musicians – to perform at The Venue in Aurora<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-Yk6cdJWdyvGiE0djFuePs8QzXTE8XD0zAynscYh404c8ksqkK2zXFuReMqq3HavlJ7gtUKxgZhFRinYBsJxajxoxPVSu5oXa0zL2QfiTnlFPbtAFm9vyZG-vv-NQL1MTts6jMTKIUo7RXkp_W47bHBPxWrU5tBkrSkjpQuEwmTxlYTsk7GxHt7WpCyO/s940/https%20__cdn.evbuc.com_images_656938559_46146988435_1_original.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="940" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-Yk6cdJWdyvGiE0djFuePs8QzXTE8XD0zAynscYh404c8ksqkK2zXFuReMqq3HavlJ7gtUKxgZhFRinYBsJxajxoxPVSu5oXa0zL2QfiTnlFPbtAFm9vyZG-vv-NQL1MTts6jMTKIUo7RXkp_W47bHBPxWrU5tBkrSkjpQuEwmTxlYTsk7GxHt7WpCyO/w400-h225/https%20__cdn.evbuc.com_images_656938559_46146988435_1_original.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Evanston resident and multi-Grammy Award winner <a href="http://levyland.com/home">Howard Levy</a> continues to be a music innovator, as he proves with his latest project, the Howard Levy 4.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The group is comprised of Levy and three fellow Chicago area musicians who have made their own mark – Chris Siebold, house guitarist for five
years on "A Prairie Home Companion" and a member of internationally
renowned fusion band Kick the Cat; Josh Ramos, who was Ramsey Lewis’ bass player for five years and the bassist
for CALJE, Chicago’s premier modern Latin/jazz ensemble and Luiz Ewerling, renowned drummer/composer who is one of the top Brazilian drummers living
in the U.S.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The Howard Levy 4 will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 28 at The Venue, 21 S. Broadway Ave., Aurora. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are available at The Venue's website, <a href="http://themusicvenue.org">themusicvenue.org</a>.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I had the pleasure of talking to Levy about the Howard Levy 4.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px;"><b> </b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px;"><b>Q</b></span><i style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px;"> – </i><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px;">Great talking to you again. I think the last time I interviewed you was in 2012 after you received your second Grammy.</span></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;">Ah, yes. Good to hear from you again, too. It was a thrill for me to win one for Composition. </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Q – </b>Of
course, a lot has happened since then, including the fact that you have
this new group, the Howard Levy 4. I understand that you are longtime
musical friends with the other members in the group.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pz2jPAxUuss" width="320" youtube-src-id="Pz2jPAxUuss"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Yes,
that’s true. I guess I’ve known our drummer, Luiz Ewerling, the
longest. </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I played with him in the '80s with Som Brasil, and recorded on
his great album “Nossa Terra” (Our Earth) in the mid 1990s.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I've always
wanted to put a band together with him. Guitarist Chris Siebold and I
have played together for more than 20 years, in my group Acoustic
Express (our album is “Time Capsules”), and as a duo (our album is
“Art+Adrenaline").</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">We've toured together all over the world, too. And
I’ve known bassist Josh Ramos for a while, too, maybe 10 years, always
loved his playing. </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><i></i><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Q –</b>Was this just the right time to put this group together? Why do you think you guys work so well together?</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><i></i><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I
actually put the band together in 2018 or 2019, and we were starting to
play quite a bit when Covid stopped us in March 2020. It took a while,
but we got back together last year and it’s been an absolute joy.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">We all
are extremely eclectic with many musical influences – jazz, rock, blues,
Latin music, and more. Everyone has a great sense of humor, and we
inspire each other when we play.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Each of is a great soloist and loves
to groove hard, too. It’s a great combination. </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Q </b>– The
Howard Levy 4 in December released “The Howard Levy 4: Live from
Chicago” EP. Do you think the EP is a good representation of what
someone should expect from one of your live shows?</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Absolutely! We play those four tunes at most shows, but of course there is much more and the repertoire keeps on growing. </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Q –</b> How did your tour go last year? What can people expect from the band this year?</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Our
December tour was a blast. We played five nights in a row with long drives
every day, but the musical energy was so crackling that I think we
could have played another five without a break. </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Every night sounded better
than the previous one. The show at The Iridium in NYC was particularly
inspiring. I’m still hearing about it from people! </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Our
upcoming gigs are a benefit concert Jan. 27 at The Acorn Theater in
Three Oaks, MI and a concert at The Venue in Aurora.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">We have a tour
planned for May 2024 and I’m sure much more will develop. All dates are
listed at: <a href="http://levyland.com/shows">levyland.com/shows</a>.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Q</b> – Of
course, all of you are Chicago area musicians and the Chicago area has a
vibrant jazz and blues scene. What do you like about the Chicago area
music scene?</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">People
here are very open to playing in multiple styles and in general are
very friendly and appreciative of each others’ playing. And everyone is
rooted in the blues, which makes things soulful.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Q </b>– You
are considered one of the world’s most innovative harmonica players.
How were you inspired to take the harmonica in a new musical direction?</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Ah…well,
I started playing harp at 18, after having played piano for 10 years. I
was playing and writing some pretty advanced jazz compositions, and
learning more and more all the time.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/76ac0JKoC8w" width="320" youtube-src-id="76ac0JKoC8w"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I originally picked up the harp
because I wanted to play blues on it, but after I figured out how to
bend notes and play blues licks, I realized that I wanted to take it
into other styles of music. </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">After a few months, I figured out a new
technique that allowed me to play it fully chromatically, which was a
major breakthrough. Nobody had ever really done this before.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I loved the
sound of the instrument so much that I decided to try to take it as far
as possible and I haven’t stopped!</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Q</b><i> – </i>In
2022, you released the book “Rhythms of the Breath, Vol.1: A
Revolutionary Way to Transform Your Harmonica Playing” and you have
released teaching videos on YouTube. Is it important for you to pass on
your knowledge to other people? What kind of feedback have you received
from people?</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I
really love sharing ideas with my fellow harp players. I’ve learned
things from other players, and taught things to many, giving lessons,
clinics, making videos, through my online harmonica school, and now with
this series of books. Vol. 2 will be out soon!</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/15aAfRBGbnw" width="320" youtube-src-id="15aAfRBGbnw"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">The “Rhythms of the
Breath” series has been a mind blower for me to write, and improved my
own playing, which is why I know that the concept works! </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Q</b> – Speaking
of YouTube videos, I watched a video of your 100-year-old dad, Ira,
singing on the song “Return to Sorrento” as you played piano and
harmonica. I understand your 97-year-old mom watched the both of you
during the program.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Yes,
my folks are amazing. My dad has an incredible operatic baritone voice,
and his strength has not diminished with age. It is remarkable and
inspiring.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uHQipCuVPWo" width="320" youtube-src-id="uHQipCuVPWo"></iframe></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Sometimes I get teary-eyed accompanying him. His voice is so
beautiful and his emotional commitment to the music is absolutely
sincere and heartfelt. </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>Q</b> – That must have been an inspiring day, not only for your family, but for everyone watching the program.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br clear="none" /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">It
was truly inspiring. During Covid, I recorded over 60 tracks for him to
sing along with and he gave many concerts in the building where they
live.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">He is an inspiration to everyone there. Playing live with him, I
could feel the incredible love in the room – all those elderly people
with their combined life experiences soaking it in and giving back the
best vibes imaginable.</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"> </p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: New; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And he doesn’t use a mic! I am doing it again
with him in February! <b><i><br /></i></b></p><p></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-41092744140540180472023-12-31T14:15:00.000-06:002023-12-31T14:15:32.105-06:002023 another banner year for live music in the Fox Valley<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFBxO7hDHud9bB_tkeVZYciBb-wG85SfD07dWcSMtSQ-AHBNxA8cc3N6jBszAVIQUmQklJUZO5lImkgjjTooxonT-MjXgDZZKpHiiZv3f5s5fcwjT6StBAIlgrJ0l7YA1WZykVqYO09T5j3Q8iifZ0TAHEgJd-FbTe_gPv1SrWQQn2GTKyXENj8x2q2hZ/s4032/PXL_20230805_014726137.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFBxO7hDHud9bB_tkeVZYciBb-wG85SfD07dWcSMtSQ-AHBNxA8cc3N6jBszAVIQUmQklJUZO5lImkgjjTooxonT-MjXgDZZKpHiiZv3f5s5fcwjT6StBAIlgrJ0l7YA1WZykVqYO09T5j3Q8iifZ0TAHEgJd-FbTe_gPv1SrWQQn2GTKyXENj8x2q2hZ/w400-h300/PXL_20230805_014726137.MP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><b>Chicago band Lynne Jordan and the Shivers perform at Millennium Plaza gazebo in downtown Aurora Aug. 4 as part of Aurora Downtown's annual Stolp Block Party. Photo by Eric Schelkopf</b></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><br /></span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><br /></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>By Eric Schelkopf</p><p><br /></p><p>2023 proved to be another banner year for live music in the Fox Valley.</p><p>Of course, it helps that there are so many talented musicians in the Fox Valley and the Chicago area in general.</p><p>Here are a few of the many highlights from the year:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ClEJR5CiOO0" width="320" youtube-src-id="ClEJR5CiOO0"></iframe></div><p></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><b>Chicago band Lynne Jordan and the Shivers perform her song "It Takes A Great Big Woman" at Millennium Plaza gazebo in downtown Aurora Aug. 4 as part of Aurora Downtown's annual Stolp Block Party.</b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qQh7lF5nusc" width="320" youtube-src-id="qQh7lF5nusc"></iframe></div><p></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><b>Noah Gabriel on guitar, Chad Watson on bass and drummer Justin O'Connell – Noah's Arcade – perform their song "East of Midnight" April 21 at The Venue in Aurora as part of a CD release party for Gabriel's latest album, "One Wing Shy."</b></span></span></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6tf6wuczxII" width="320" youtube-src-id="6tf6wuczxII"></iframe></b></div><b><br /></b><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><b>Chicago band The Claudettes performs its song "No Matter How Much" Nov. 11 at The Venue in Aurora.</b></span></span><p></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RFRg9O3P-gE" width="320" youtube-src-id="RFRg9O3P-gE"></iframe></b></div><b><br /></b><b>The Hurricane Project performs the Howlin' Wolf song "My Country Sugar Mama" Aug. 26 at Oswego Beats & Eats.</b><p></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qzPLp_v86sE" width="320" youtube-src-id="qzPLp_v86sE"></iframe></b></div><b> </b><p></p><p><b>Chicago singer-songwriter Nathan Graham performs his song "Somebody Else"Aug. 19 at The Venue in Aurora.</b></p><p><b> </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LWNmyNQOIok" width="320" youtube-src-id="LWNmyNQOIok"></iframe></b></div><p></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><b>Nashville band The Prescriptions perform its songs "Fire Moon" and "His Songs" Feb. 24 at The Venue in Aurora.</b></span></span></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><b></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TWc0VKW9Jr4" width="320" youtube-src-id="TWc0VKW9Jr4"></iframe></b></div><b><br /></b><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;"><b>Joined by the Pawnshop Horns and special guest Dave Ramont, the band HOSS performs Trip Shakespeare's song "Snow Days" on Dec. 2 at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora as part of its annual Hossmas Holiday Show and Toy Drive to benefit Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora.</b></span></span><p></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">More videos can be found at <a href="http://youtube.com/@ericschel12/videos">youtube.com/@ericschel12/videos</a> <b><br /></b></span></span></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-54384746973917837242023-12-03T23:27:00.001-06:002023-12-04T13:27:03.724-06:00The band HOSS once again brings holiday cheer to Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora while collecting toys for Hesed House<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2KO5WPuyEgaIFyfB3jrcALoUKSF1PaUorXg_mQFlRhG_RPzkXct2tFwhx52ipZEsmXa_G_dCcSLkknZTs1qBosIlpZ-4falt8YVOG4TTUwv5y1IKpwP6g6mBxjb62HAYmh9KV_RUaScDJv6PrhfsUmTClGRs1wzot6WYqG0_wP-7btFdBpzuOk_NubX2/s4032/PXL_20231203_030259372.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2KO5WPuyEgaIFyfB3jrcALoUKSF1PaUorXg_mQFlRhG_RPzkXct2tFwhx52ipZEsmXa_G_dCcSLkknZTs1qBosIlpZ-4falt8YVOG4TTUwv5y1IKpwP6g6mBxjb62HAYmh9KV_RUaScDJv6PrhfsUmTClGRs1wzot6WYqG0_wP-7btFdBpzuOk_NubX2/w400-h300/PXL_20231203_030259372.MP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p> </p><p>Joined by the Pawnshop Horns, Pete Lindenmeyer and his band HOSS
performed at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora on Dec. 4 as part of the
band's annual Hossmas holiday show and toy drive to benefit Hesed House
homeless shelter in Aurora.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImpg6XmZkHsePTOpg2OyUwoY-Nxo-vpPRuJRXk0WLLKAZobc8a5QUReDXASVU3UiUazlilFscIbfF5yUmsH3yp6F5seMIuryVKUjNxR6vOYTRfxtxc91AUm70mH6Oij2r8x_6OOaP1D4JFlBnt6Cb4VsqRTrEDfEUvC9Xo0zpVL6lM5HUOO9QtoHEfPpi/s4032/PXL_20231203_041728120.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImpg6XmZkHsePTOpg2OyUwoY-Nxo-vpPRuJRXk0WLLKAZobc8a5QUReDXASVU3UiUazlilFscIbfF5yUmsH3yp6F5seMIuryVKUjNxR6vOYTRfxtxc91AUm70mH6Oij2r8x_6OOaP1D4JFlBnt6Cb4VsqRTrEDfEUvC9Xo0zpVL6lM5HUOO9QtoHEfPpi/s320/PXL_20231203_041728120.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Here are a few highlights from the night. More videos are at: <a href="http://youtube.com/@ericschel12/videos">youtube.com/@ericschel12/videos</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cXiiqSm9keY" width="320" youtube-src-id="cXiiqSm9keY"></iframe></div><br /><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">The band HOSS performs its song "You Said" on Dec. 2, 2023, as part of Hossmas, a benefit for Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora, at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora. HOSS is joined by the Pawnshop Horns.</span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nIN9IHfgLQ0" width="320" youtube-src-id="nIN9IHfgLQ0"></iframe></div><p></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">Joined by the Pawnshop Horns, the band HOSS pays tribute to the late Michael Heaton by performing his song "If It's So Easy" on Dec. 2, 2023, at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora as part of its annual Hossmas Holiday Show and Toy Drive to benefit Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora. HOSS frontman Pete Lindenmeyer also is playing Heaton's guitar on the song.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TWc0VKW9Jr4" width="320" youtube-src-id="TWc0VKW9Jr4"></iframe></div><p></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">Joined by the Pawnshop Horns and special guest Dave Ramont, the band HOSS performs Trip Shakespeare's song "Snow Days" on Dec. 2, 2023, at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora as part of its annual Hossmas Holiday Show and Toy Drive to benefit Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pDhkKf4KTks" width="320" youtube-src-id="pDhkKf4KTks"></iframe></div><p></p><p>Santa HOSS, played by Wolfgang Holzl, talks to those gathered Dec. 2, 2023, at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora for the annual Hossmas Holiday Show and Toy Drive to benefit Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vB-tlhqCZws" width="320" youtube-src-id="vB-tlhqCZws"></iframe></div><p></p><p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string yt-core-attributed-string--white-space-pre-wrap" role="text"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" style="color: #131313;">Joined by the Pawnshop Horns the band HOSS performs Dec. 2, 2023, at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora as part of its annual Hossmas Holiday Show and Toy Drive to benefit Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VAc1n44xw1Y" width="320" youtube-src-id="VAc1n44xw1Y"></iframe></div><p></p><p>Joined by the Pawnshop Horns, the band HOSS performs The Cars' song
"Good Times Roll" on Dec. 2, 2023, at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora
as part of its annual Hossmas Holiday Show and Toy Drive to benefit
Hesed House homeless shelter in Aurora.</p><p> </p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-91390922051664932182023-11-18T21:08:00.004-06:002024-01-15T12:43:23.536-06:00Musicians come together to support Chicago saxophonist Mars Williams<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-e-AEm9WUzcZS5051rUxO2WxR3e-4fnHYgZtNfiweJ0mhnqXV5No0RQx-FfolUxcu_CO20x0FF7QQKOYX4gb_8DUP1Gy3x3IAxYQe2tpCXvkjiFdGL1Zu0omQlbXyf2doxzv9_-uMQTETQilSRfb8vuiUIN62ftLQSC086RJdnfWtveIu3wdD9WeC3XM/s1350/MusicforMars_Portrait_V2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-e-AEm9WUzcZS5051rUxO2WxR3e-4fnHYgZtNfiweJ0mhnqXV5No0RQx-FfolUxcu_CO20x0FF7QQKOYX4gb_8DUP1Gy3x3IAxYQe2tpCXvkjiFdGL1Zu0omQlbXyf2doxzv9_-uMQTETQilSRfb8vuiUIN62ftLQSC086RJdnfWtveIu3wdD9WeC3XM/w320-h400/MusicforMars_Portrait_V2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p>Innovative saxophonist Mars Williams brought a new sound to the Chicago music scene with his band Liquid Soul.</p><p>Now his fellow bandmates along with guest musicians will come together as part of a benefit concert for Williams, who recently passed away after battling a rare form of cancer known as ampullary cancer.</p><p><a href="https://metrochicago.com/event/music-for-mars-liquid-soul-featuring-mars-williams/metro-chicago/chicago-illinois/">Music For Mars</a> will take place at 8 p.m. Nov. 25 at <a href="http://metrochicago.com">Metro</a>, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago. The show will feature Liquid Soul (Williams will be there in spirit) as well as <span style="font-size: 11pt;">the <a href="https://www.joemarcinekband.com">Joe Marcinek Band </a>and <a href="http://facebook.com/djjessedelapena">Jesse De La Pena</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The show will also feature guest musicians Jeff Coffin of the Dave Matthews Band and Chicago musician <a href="http://ikereilly.com">Ike Reilly.</a> Tickets are available at <a href="http://metrochicago.com">metrochicago.com</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Proceeds will benefit the Mars Williams Medical Treatment Cancer Fund.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I had the chance to talk to </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Liquid Soul trumpet player Ron Haynes and keyboard player Frankie Hill about the show.</span>
</p><div class="yiv8173026767default-style"><b>Q – <span style="font-size: 11pt;">It is great that so many of the
people that Mars has worked with over the years have agreed to be part
of the fundraising concert. Did everyone jump at the opportunity to be
part of this concert?</span></b>
<br clear="none" /><div class="yiv8173026767default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv8173026767default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Yes! Musicians from all eras of Liquid Soul jumped on board as did some special guests who have played with Mars in other bands. <br /></span></div><div class="yiv8173026767default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv8173026767default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DsT3ZU94PkI" width="320" youtube-src-id="DsT3ZU94PkI"></iframe></div></span><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="yiv8173026767default-style"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Q – How is Mars doing these days? Is he still receiving chemotherapy treatments?</span></b>
<div class="yiv8173026767default-style" dir="ltr"><b>
</b></div>
<div class="yiv8173026767default-style" dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">Mars
stopped chemo before doing the Psychedelic Furs tour this fall. They
were not getting positive results from what I understand anyway.</span></span></div><div class="yiv8173026767default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT;"> </span></span></div><div class="yiv8173026767default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">He is
not well at this time. We are hoping that he hangs in there for as long
as possible. I know he has so many other projects he still wants to
finish. </span></span>
</div>
<br clear="none" /><b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Q – What are the goals for the concert? How are ticket sales going?</span></b>
</div>
<div class="yiv8173026767default-style">
<b><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></b>
</div>
<div class="yiv8173026767default-style">
<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 11pt;">The goal is
to bring everyone together as a tribute to Mars and to raise funds for
him and his family to deal his cancer treatment and his current health
needs. Ticket sales are strong but we are still getting the word out and
will continue to do so right up until the doors open at Metro on Nov
25. <b><br clear="none" /></b></span>
<br clear="none" />
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Q – Liquid Soul was a big part of
the Chicago music scene in the '90s. Why do you think the band made so
much of an impact and did it surprise you? </b></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b> </b></span></div><div dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JiTCDFYtvzo" width="320" youtube-src-id="JiTCDFYtvzo"></iframe></div><br /></b></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">When
the band broke through in the mid-90s, we were combining hip hop and
jazz but not just with loops; there were live players and we had a
killer horn section let by Mars Williams, plus the free-style rap genius
of Dirty MF. </span></span></div><div class="yiv8173026767default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT;"> </span></span></div><div class="yiv8173026767default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">This took the jazz/hip-hop combo to another level. </span>Miles
Copeland, Sting's manager at the time, heard the band and wanted us for
his new ARK 21 label, his follow up to IRS Records. </span>
</div>
<div class="yiv8173026767default-style">
</div>
<div class="yiv8173026767default-style">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Q –</b> <b>Mars has been a musician who is
in high demand. Besides leading the group Liquid Soul, he has played
with bands like The Waitresses and The Psychedelic Furs. What has made
him such an in-demand musician? </b></span></div><div class="yiv8173026767default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="yiv8173026767default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8_swpC1aH0A" width="320" youtube-src-id="8_swpC1aH0A"></iframe></div><br /></b></span>
</div>
<div class="yiv8173026767default-style"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 11pt;">Mars plays
monster sax solos and big, fat melodies! Plus he has superior jazz
chops. Just listen to the Furs, Waitresses, and Liquid Soul records! <b><br clear="none" /></b></span></div></div><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><br /></p><br /><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p> </p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-61849242817628361532023-11-01T21:16:00.001-05:002024-01-09T22:03:01.506-06:00Acclaimed musician Bruce Cockburn talks about new album, career ahead of shows in Chicago<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVM2JwRnJ2EGoFXdCj8_WY5hvku_ZZ_RUZ1Qpr_UF27KekAxyRdQvCWp4AtBn0hF3U0-ORVkjP6Ld0GnTWe-W5_z82HiueJIIEduv1wDMH_h6FG5chbINm-tLbbaODvAbnCTqu3wuJgUfIIMeWpLua6jzl9wRJdRenV1JB6eAp3lmGhk-IdcR81HJpVdY/s2048/338178182_527194802949138_564069963797338376_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVM2JwRnJ2EGoFXdCj8_WY5hvku_ZZ_RUZ1Qpr_UF27KekAxyRdQvCWp4AtBn0hF3U0-ORVkjP6Ld0GnTWe-W5_z82HiueJIIEduv1wDMH_h6FG5chbINm-tLbbaODvAbnCTqu3wuJgUfIIMeWpLua6jzl9wRJdRenV1JB6eAp3lmGhk-IdcR81HJpVdY/w400-h266/338178182_527194802949138_564069963797338376_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p> </p><p>His introspective and passionate songwriting has won <a href="http://brucecockburn.com">Bruce Cockburn</a> acclaim from music lovers across the world. <br /></p><p>As he shows on his latest album, "O Sun O Moon," the 78-year-old <span>Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist still has plenty to say. Cockburn will likely perform many of his new songs when he plays Nov. 3 and 4 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 North Lincoln Ave., Chicago, as part of a nationwide solo tour.</span></p><p><span>The shows start at 8 p.m. and tickets are available at Old Town's website, <a href="http://oldtownschool.org.">oldtownschool.org.</a> I had the privilege of interviewing Cockburn about the album and his career.</span></p><p><span> </span> </p> <div class="r2VLS WAvXif"> <div data-ias="false"><div class="y1yadf" style="z-index: 125;"><div aria-expanded="false" aria-haspopup="true" class="CcNe6e v4Zpbe" role="button" tabindex="0"><span aria-label="More options" class="XQIMve wSFoM ZS5sq IzqbHb z1asCe SaPW2b" data-ved="2ahUKEwjkzNq4l6SCAxUmFzQIHeYuDT0Q0-wHegQIDhAD" style="height: 16px; line-height: 16px; width: 16px;"></span><b>Q </b>– It is an honor talking to you. I have had the pleasure of interviewing musicians who cite you as an influence, including Ruth Moody, who is a member of the band The Wailin’ Jennys, which in 2010 performed as part of a tribute concert to you. Is it humbling to be honored by your fellow musicians?</div></div></div></div><p>It certainly is. I've had great respect for Ruth and the rest of her gang for years and we've had the occasional opportunity to perform together, which was great.</p><p>I take all that stuff with a grain of salt. It is an honor and it feels really good to have people want to sign up for something like that and then perform the songs.</p><p>But I don't do what I do to get that sort of stuff. But it certainly is a nice thing.</p><p><b>Q</b> – Have you had musicians come up to you and say that they became a musician because of you?</p><p>I don't think I've heard those exact words, but certainly I've heard from people who have said that I had an effect on what they did. That's mostly a third person kind of thing, like it will show up in an article somewhere.</p><p><b>Q</b> – Your song “Lovers in a Dangerous Time” came out in 1984 during the Cold War. Do you think we live in more dangerous times these days or equally as dangerous?</p><p>Well, it's hard to make that call. I don't think that the world has ever been free of the kinds of dangers that we see around us, other than the environmental one.</p><p>I guess the world has seen climate change before, but not in a way that we're seeing it now and not with the effects on us that we're seeing now, or potential effects. So that's different.</p><p>But otherwise, war and mayhem have always been with us as a species. But one thing I think we really have to think hard about is charity and compassion and fairness. </p><p>We have to try to resist the temptation to be drawn into positions of rage and hate.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7IX4gWkFqvU" width="320" youtube-src-id="7IX4gWkFqvU"></iframe></div> <p></p><p><b>Q</b> – You address some of the problems that society is facing today in your song “Orders” off your latest album. In a previous interview, you talked about the song’s meaning and about the importance of loving each other. Do you see the song as a reminder of that?<br /></p><p>When the idea for the song came to me, it seemed like this was something that really needed to be said right now. That and the song "Us All" were ideas that wanted me to put them in songs and put them out there.</p><p>That's how it felt. <br /></p><p><b>Q</b> – Is the song “On A Roll” a celebration of what one can accomplish at any age?<br /></p><p>I wasn't really thinking about it in term of accomplishments, other than survival. But I suppose that's a kind of accomplishment.</p><p>I think of that song as a very personal one and I think other people can relate to it in their own personal way. I mean, anybody who's over a certain age will get that song.</p><p><b>Q</b> – Do you think a song like “To Keep the World We Know” can help convince people that climate change is real?</p><p>I doubt it. It might, I guess.</p><p>I wouldn't rule it out. But I don't think that's the expected effect of a song like that.</p><p>For me, I don't think songs by themselves have that power. If people are sort of sitting and wondering about it or giving it some thought and a song like that comes along, it can push them in the right direction.</p><p>But if they're resistant to the idea of climate change, then they're just not going to like the song. <br /><br /><b>Q</b> – In sitting down to make the album, what were your goals and do you think you accomplished them?</p><p>The intention is to make the best album that we can. When I say we, I mean me and in this case, Colin Linden, who produced "O Sun O Moon," and whoever is playing on the album. Everybody wants it to be good. <br /></p><p>And that's the goal. I make an album when I have enough songs to make an album.<br /><br /><b>Q </b>– Do you think that a solo tour like the one that you are on allows you to better connect with the audience? I watched a video from your Oct. 11 show at FirstOntario Concert Hall where you ended your show with a new song, “Us All.” It seems like the audience was listening intently to the song.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6lUUX3JzG2I" width="320" youtube-src-id="6lUUX3JzG2I"></iframe></div> <p></p><p>It's been really great, the acceptance of the new stuff. The show is peppered with songs from the new album and people are responding really well to them.</p><p>So I'm happy about that. It seemed like just an obvious song to close the show with. </p><p>We spent 2 1/2 hours in this room together and that's a microcosm of the rest of us as well.</p><p><b>Q</b> – On a solo tour, it's just pretty much you and your guitars. Do you think that connects you better with the audience because they are only concentrating on you and your guitars and your songs?<br /></p><p>I think so. There are people I hear from who prefer the band shows. They like the energy and stuff like that.</p><p>There's elements of a performance that take away from the focus on the song. In the solo situation, it's all on the song.</p><p>The attention is on the song and the lyrics. And that's a good thing, in my book.</p><p><b>Q</b> – You've done so much in your life. Do you have any dream projects or collaborations?</p><p>Well, the one thing I may or may not ever get around to doing that I would like to do is an album of other people's songs. And I have a small list of those that I might want to record someday.</p><p>What I look for is the next idea. It's more about waiting for an idea.</p><p>I like touring. It's what I've always done and it's where the songs really become their true selves.</p><p>I like doing it, but at this point in my life, it requires more focused energy to get that show done than it used to. I don't have the energy for other stuff very much while I'm doing this or the time, for that matter.</p><p>I've got a busy life apart from this. </p><p>It's just a question of waiting. I don't really make plans and I never have.</p><p><b>Q</b> – Because you also have an 11-year-old child, right? That must keep you busy as well, I would imagine.<br /></p><p>She's about to turn 12. Yeah, it does. It's part of a generalized life picture that is busy.<br /></p><p> </p><p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p><br /></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-61448683274371071462023-10-28T21:27:00.000-05:002023-10-28T21:27:13.790-05:00Alternative rock band Bluphoria to bring its energetic sound to Subterranean in Chicago<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIY23S0SyAMW7Ey0La7GtX-9itvisNsuHbKs3rq_o4y6VF7m4b-w6-uU__weMQGSVL5SSmw-IAwhyuHBh-LVF9iwGBpyhUt7Z4C6SwPYw2CuLQYymVDeS1dn-7lobsS3I6J05sSz3N82JlI_qHwd6wJa-iUb2PThhKQnrfX1qMVfVkBF6gQGH7IxhGlqp/s3959/Stoop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3959" data-original-width="3418" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIY23S0SyAMW7Ey0La7GtX-9itvisNsuHbKs3rq_o4y6VF7m4b-w6-uU__weMQGSVL5SSmw-IAwhyuHBh-LVF9iwGBpyhUt7Z4C6SwPYw2CuLQYymVDeS1dn-7lobsS3I6J05sSz3N82JlI_qHwd6wJa-iUb2PThhKQnrfX1qMVfVkBF6gQGH7IxhGlqp/w345-h400/Stoop2.jpg" width="345" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Jena Yannone<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p>It's not surprising that Mark Needham – known for his work with bands like Fleetwood Mac, Mt. Joy and The Killers – would want to produce the self-titled debut album of Nashville-based band<a href="http://bluphoriaband.com"> Bluphoria</a>.</p><p>The band's wildly energetic sound and soulful vocals of frontman <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">Reign LaFreniere are bringing something new to the music scene. As part of a nationwide tour with </span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"> singer/songwriter <a href="http://noahvonne.com">Noah Vonne</a><strong>, </strong></span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">Bluphoria will perform Nov. 4 at <a href="http://subt.net">Subterranean</a>, 2011 W. North Ave., Chicago.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"></span></span>The show starts at 6:30 p.m. and general admission tickets are $15, available at <a href="http://ticketweb.com">ticketweb.com</a>.</p><p>I had the chance to talk to <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">LaFreniere about the album and upcoming show.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"></span></span><b> </b></p><p><b>Q</b> – Of course, your self-titled debut album was produced by Mark Needham, who has worked with the likes of <span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">Fleetwood Mac, Mt. Joy, The Killers and The 1975. What do you think he brought to the table?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">Mark had so much experience that was just super helpful for us when we went into the studio. He really just gave us the confidence to try everything.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HMcSB3Sy_Pc" width="320" youtube-src-id="HMcSB3Sy_Pc"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">That was just a big help with our process and just making the songs the best they could be.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"><b>Q </b>– To have somebody who has been involved with so many notable bands, was that an honor to have him involved with this project?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">Yeah. It was honestly surreal.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">Getting to hear some of his stories as well, really just enriched our whole studio process and honestly made us feel pretty good about where we were. He told us about how The Killers were really new too when he worked with them.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">Things like that really made us feel more confident about the album we were making.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"><b>Q</b> – Did you have any specific goals when you sat down to make the album and did you accomplish them?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">We wanted to make an album that was simultaneously dancy and a good road trip album and just something we could be completely proud of in the future as well. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">I feel like we accomplished that. I feel like our songs are pretty strong and I'm proud of how they turned out.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"><b>Q </b>– I know the band formed right before the start of the pandemic. That must have been pretty interesting.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">The second the pandemic hit, we were able to sit down and really write songs and not necessarily write them for a crowd, but write them for ourselves. So the pandemic helped in that sense.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">It did take away the live shows though, which was a bummer. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"><b>Q</b> – I understand an intern </span></span>from EDGEOUT Records was at one of your house shows which ultimately led to the band signing to EDGEOUT / UME / UMG in January of 2021. </p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">Apparently he had been to a couple of our house shows. He reached out to me one night and that's how it started.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;">He explained that he loved the music and that it was perfect for this label. He offered a great opportunity that I don't regret.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"><b>Q</b> – I know the band was formed in 2019 after you moved to </span></span>Eugene, Oregon to study film at the University of Oregon. And I understand you met two of your current bandmates at the University of Oregon.</p><p>As far as not pursuing a career in film, was this a good backup plan?</p><p>I still love film and being in that world. Right now, I feel as though music is my calling at the moment.</p><p>And luckily, the two kind of go hand in hand. So I intend to explore that.</p><p>But yeah, I met two of my bandmates at the University of Oregon. Dani Janae lived in Oregon as well and she interviewed me for a podcast and that's actually how we met. <br /></p><p>It's been great. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pcJf87FccpU" width="320" youtube-src-id="pcJf87FccpU"></iframe></div><p></p><p><b>Q</b> – I imagine the Nashville music scene is different than the scene in Oregon. What made you want to move to Nashville?</p><p>Well, we recorded our album here. And we met a lot of the community while we were out here and we just felt it was a great next step for our professional careers.</p><p>I wanted to be surrounded by musicians that inspire me. The industry is here and the local scene is here and there's not like this weird fight between the two of them.</p><p>They kind of go hand in hand. Everyone helps each other out.</p><p>It's just a very welcoming place. That's mainly why I came out here.</p><p><b>Q</b> – Is it living up to what you envisioned as far as the music scene?</p><p>Yeah, definitely. One-hundred percent.</p><p><b>Q</b> – I know that Bob Marley and Sam Cooke are a few of your musical influences. How did they influence your music?</p><p>I think a lot of their influence comes from just the tone and the timelessness of their music. I love that aspect about them.</p><p>And also just their life stories as well. It's inspiring in the sense that both those people went through so much and created such beautiful work.</p><p>Whenever I'm feeling down, I remember them and it drives me. There's a juxtaposition between the two.</p><p>Sam Cooke made the music that needed to be made at that time. And Bob Marley did the same, but with more political tinge than Sam did.</p><p>But there's still a level of defiance in Sam Cooke's work that is just inspiring. For the most part, he made the music that he wanted to make.</p><p>And I'm a big proponent of just writing what comes to your heart. That's what I find inspiring about those two guys.</p><p><b>Q</b> – Do you think they continue to influence your music?</p><p>Definitely. I listen to both those guys every day, pretty much.</p><p>And I hope that someday I can write as well as Sam Cooke or Bob Marley. We'll see.</p><p><b>Q</b> – I'm sure you've heard your vocals described as soulful. Is that how you view your vocals?</p><p>I'd say so. I feel like it just comes mostly from my background.</p><p>My mom is a great singer. She's got a very soulful voice.</p><p>I sang in church choirs back in the day and I've been listening to soul my whole life. So I just feel like it comes naturally.</p><p><b>Q </b>– It is a timeless genre, maybe because of all the emotions that are expressed in soul music. It's so honest and true.</p><p><b>Q</b> – There does seem like there is a meaning behind the band's name.</p><p>It's a juxtaposition, where the music itself sounds happy and upbeat, but the lyrics have a little tinge of sadness or vice versa. We kind of describe it as being depressed at a party.</p><p><b>Q</b> – And as far as your guitar playing, it seems like you are influenced by Lenny Kravitz.</p><p>I'm very influenced by Hendrix and Lenny of course and Gary Clark Jr., that whole sector of guitar playing. </p><p>I like how messy it is and it translates soulfully. The same way I sing, I want to play as soulfully as possible.</p><p><b>Q</b> – Would you like to tour with Gary Clark Jr. someday? That seems like that would be a good bill.</p><p>I would love to tour with that guy. He's great.</p><p><b>Q </b>– Do you have any goals with this tour? What would you like to accomplish?</p><p>I just want to have a good time and get our name out there. I'm excited to be playing music as much as possible and hopefully get some notoriety so we can tour with Gary Clark Jr. or somebody like that.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: georgia,times,times new roman,serif;"><br /></span></span></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-33820366431314372492023-10-22T14:22:00.002-05:002023-10-22T14:22:39.019-05:00Soft Machine guitarist John Etheridge talks about band's new album ahead of Chicago show<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicteyFPU7CxYlgOvOyvG-RwOIgbcWQDb2TzvFLTR0gDfUzAjsuPqfE6AekzLCHG4bhchD96EWYzJ7B3i4-ynfZzjqSBfQQGdOjv_Out_Dn-Xb4XlLNvVDWBqW05JkF1kpd4GLM3spPQiA6AQmjMpVuar-iDmsvuf8rM2skEgMKFD61w6vgT6T5XrBAfg54/s600/Soft%20Machine%20-%20Other%20Doors%20med%20res.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicteyFPU7CxYlgOvOyvG-RwOIgbcWQDb2TzvFLTR0gDfUzAjsuPqfE6AekzLCHG4bhchD96EWYzJ7B3i4-ynfZzjqSBfQQGdOjv_Out_Dn-Xb4XlLNvVDWBqW05JkF1kpd4GLM3spPQiA6AQmjMpVuar-iDmsvuf8rM2skEgMKFD61w6vgT6T5XrBAfg54/w400-h400/Soft%20Machine%20-%20Other%20Doors%20med%20res.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p> </p><p>After first forming in 1966, legendary UK band <a href="http://softmachine.org">Soft Machine</a> continues to explore new musical horizons, as evident on its latest album, “Other Doors.”</p><p>The band will perform at 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at <a href="http://reggieslive.com">Reggies</a>, 2105 S. State St., Chicago. Also on the bill is Chicago band <a href="http://marbinmusic.com">Marbin</a>.</p><p>Tickets are $40, available at <a href="http://ticketweb.com">ticketweb.com</a>.</p><p>I had the chance to talk to Soft Machine longtime guitarist <a href="https://www.john-etheridge.com/">John Etheridge</a> about the new album and upcoming show.</p><p><b>Q</b> – Great talking to you again. We last spoke in 2018 about the band's latest album at the time, <a href="https://softmachine-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/hidden-details-hd">"Hidden Details."</a></p><p>In June, the band released the album <a href="https://softmachine-moonjune.bandcamp.com/album/other-doors">"Other Doors."</a> Do you think you are opening other doors with your latest album?</p><p>Yeah, yeah, I hope we're opening other doors. I think "Other Doors" is a really good title for anything that is connected with a project like Soft Machine. With the Soft Machine, you're not necessarily going through the main door.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kQ-Bkp1ldHI" width="320" youtube-src-id="kQ-Bkp1ldHI"></iframe></div> <p></p><p>You're going through some side doors, you're going through a door in the roof, you're going through a door up in the underground passage. Soft Machine is the conjunction of what you might call mainstream music making with a kind of what you might call obliqueness.</p><p>Now, we're not completely oblique and we're not completely mainstream. It's the two things.</p><p>That's why "Other Doors" is a good title I think. The title of this album does mean something to me.</p><p>It's a very special band. When you put on your Soft Machine hat, as it were, you have a feeling about music making.</p><p><b>Q</b> – You joined Soft Machine in 1975. What did you try to bring to the band when you first joined and what do you think you're bringing to the band these days?</p><p>Initially, my job was to promote the album "Bundles," which featured guitarist Allan Holdsworth, and play something following what he had done. He left the band suddenly.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1geusVKvSNo" width="320" youtube-src-id="1geusVKvSNo"></iframe></div><br /> It was very keyboard heavy, so that all I ever played were solos. And then when we reformed in 2004, my contribution was much more fundamental. <p></p><p>The reformation was comprised of Elton Dean, Hugh Hopper, John Marshall and myself. There were no keyboards.</p><p>And that was very, very special for Soft Machine to not have keyboards. It gave me a huge amount of freedom, harmonically, to play all sorts of things.</p><p>Over the years that we've been reformed, I've developed I would say a much more kind of creative style in the band. Because we're not keyboard based any more, it will sound original, it will sound new.</p><p>We do some of the old tunes and they don't sound anything like they did, which is good. That's very important.</p><p>If we play the old music, it's because we can bring something of ourselves to it. Otherwise I wouldn't be interested. <br /></p><p>I'm not interested in being a tribute band at all. We're not a tribute to ourselves because we're playing 50 percent new music.</p><p>It really is a creative enterprise and I'm really proud of it and I enjoy it a lot. </p><p><b>Q</b> – You talked about the band still being creative. Is that why you've stayed with the band for so long?</p><p>Yes. I played with French violinist <span>Stéphane Grappelli for a long time.</span></p><p><span>And that was brilliant. That finished in the early '80s.</span></p><p><span>For about 20 years, I was running my own groups, being the leader. One of the beautiful things about Soft Machine is that it's a melding of people together.</span></p><p><span>If you mention to me the guitar players, for instance, that you really enjoyed, they'll be people who somehow connected to something that connects to you when you listen. There are loads of players throughout my life I've enjoyed.</span></p><p><span>You have to be humble. Anybody who's any good is humble.</span></p><p><span>Because they know it's a delicate and beautiful thing that's sort of fragile. It's something to be thankful for if things are going well.</span></p><p><span><b>Q </b>–What would you like people to get out of your music?<br /></span></p><p><span>The point of playing music is that you've got to create in the room a kind of circle of energy so that the people in the room are taken on a journey somewhere.</span></p>If somebody is listening to music, they want to receive some indication that it's going to take them on a journey.<br /><h1 class="firstHeading mw-first-heading" id="firstHeading"><span class="mw-page-title-main"><br /></span></h1><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /> </p><p> <br /></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-72402889542968619112023-10-15T20:02:00.001-05:002023-10-15T20:02:59.291-05:00Sideshow Villains to mix music with dance, circus and cabaret acts when it performs Oct. 22 in Chicago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdph9s-XrHw8qnEoDplCjERo4GnjoOJlMFWIHFHGp7PPGZxArIJhfBirWQvFGQGX8ImFiYj9ekJ9x5bPswxDpeUuIZQusCWGliauC-JkS3pNkZjfGDMckYTaIo8kncTBLNWwofuqKSeIJydMsJBnJ-IyAZ2wofAN82rFop0iLBH7AKiHQ5GRpMdfCnjaf1/s480/SideShowV.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdph9s-XrHw8qnEoDplCjERo4GnjoOJlMFWIHFHGp7PPGZxArIJhfBirWQvFGQGX8ImFiYj9ekJ9x5bPswxDpeUuIZQusCWGliauC-JkS3pNkZjfGDMckYTaIo8kncTBLNWwofuqKSeIJydMsJBnJ-IyAZ2wofAN82rFop0iLBH7AKiHQ5GRpMdfCnjaf1/w400-h400/SideShowV.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p> </p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p><br /></p><p>Chicago band <a href="http://sideshowvillains.com">Sideshow Villains</a> believes in giving their fans more of an experience than they would get from your average concert.</p><p>Accompanying the band when it performs Oct. 22 at <a href="http://alhambrapalacechicago.com">Alhambra Palace, </a>1240 W. Randolph St. in Chicago, will be dance, circus and cabaret acts. The Deviant Cabaret show starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are available at <a href="http://sideshowvillains.com">sideshowvillains.com</a>.<br /></p><p>Sideshow Villains recently released the EP <a href="https://sideshowvillains.bandcamp.com/album/claws-for-breakfast">"Claws for Breakfast."</a> I had the chance to talk to band leader Dante Ingram about the EP and the upcoming show.<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Q</b> – Great talking to you. Of course, your
group Sideshow Villains released "Claws for Breakfast" earlier this
year. In sitting down to make the EP, what were your goals and do you
think you accomplished them? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSA77edmV187siWgONj-s5VA78j-ddeiA78mePTcNLGmYHtFYiUPzUHsvLOjjvOy4DosQ2K9IOIuV9jZljyNQThyphenhypheno0l7Ov2GOjWEtI4tGuQCHC-uvhrqfOiyuui9kH7SNZy1yciEuXMBDRodUAXxN8PtjYXLVPXjJnw-4BjQbWSM-79gUzCKjxatJJoOdX/s700/a3226427396_16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSA77edmV187siWgONj-s5VA78j-ddeiA78mePTcNLGmYHtFYiUPzUHsvLOjjvOy4DosQ2K9IOIuV9jZljyNQThyphenhypheno0l7Ov2GOjWEtI4tGuQCHC-uvhrqfOiyuui9kH7SNZy1yciEuXMBDRodUAXxN8PtjYXLVPXjJnw-4BjQbWSM-79gUzCKjxatJJoOdX/s320/a3226427396_16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Several of the songs were started
years ago and one of the main goals was just to get them released into
the world. I also wanted to create an EP of songs with a cohesive theme – this one being criminality.</span></p><div class="yiv0352642988default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv0352642988default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I think we accomplished that, even if
stylistically it is fairly diverse. </span>
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Q</b> – It seems like the upcoming show at
Alhambra Palace will be more of an experience than your average concert.
There will be plenty to see and hear. Will this show be a template for
upcoming Sideshow Villains concerts? </span>
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Yes, that is the plan. We would rather
do fewer bigger shows than frequent small ones.</span></div><div class="yiv0352642988default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv0352642988default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Some of the musicians I
work with are on the West Coast. This is a blueprint of what we could
potentially do out there as well. </span>
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Q</b> – I know that Mark "The Knife" Faje will
be part of the show and that you previously have been his assistant in
his knife throwing act at a freak show. What made you want to join the
Psycho Circus freak show and what did you get out of the experience?<br /></span></div><div class="yiv0352642988default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I was young and wanted to escape my
life at the time so I literally ran away with the circus. Mark and I
have been friends since high school, so it was an easy escape route.</span></div><div class="yiv0352642988default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv0352642988default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
had a blast on the road with him; the freak show, and 13 MG – the band
we were touring with. Mark and I continued to perform together for
almost 10 years.</span></div><div class="yiv0352642988default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv0352642988default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">He was generous enough to include me when he was on
David Letterman and the Discovery Channel's "More Than Human" show. </span>
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Q </b>– Aerial artists will also be part of
the show and that is something you have done. What do you enjoy about
being an aerialist? How will you be showing off your skills at the
Alhambra Palace? </span>
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Aerial arts are incredibly meditative.
Once you have the strength to get yourself up in the air, it isn't an
option to think of anything apart from the movement.</span></div><div class="yiv0352642988default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv0352642988default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I love that about
it. I'll be performing on silks with my 5' skeleton puppet, Frank. </span>
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Q</b> – Do you have any dream projects or collaborations? </span>
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
</div>
<div class="yiv0352642988default-style">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Yes! I'd love to expand the skeleton
piece in the show and work with a composer to create new music – ideally
accordion and strings played live during the act. In a perfect world,
I'll be able to perform that and another piece I have in the works in
the Chicago International Puppetry Festival in 2025<b>.</b></span>
</div><p></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-61993797193088989492023-09-29T10:24:00.000-05:002023-09-29T10:24:23.250-05:00St. Charles singer-songwriter Ray Johnson continuing musical journey with latest album, "Appealing To Angels"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JU_ZfmtZ5rauYVBFwnExpF0Njad5Up3G0E0JEhd2jIIKpMtd_ruIhRPadoul8KQ5E3rN7GKsbJomDmM9aZjIRhGKP96Ly7fg8fFhb2cR4UTegMIfx8Tuv2CJA5a-bCZNx4UCzqTIKeJmOhe5Fuv_9ZRg0HoT8k_qk4ksbrgaPAlhv-WDTJZW_6f3oTRV/s2048/374119052_153685654445240_3963908304038019383_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JU_ZfmtZ5rauYVBFwnExpF0Njad5Up3G0E0JEhd2jIIKpMtd_ruIhRPadoul8KQ5E3rN7GKsbJomDmM9aZjIRhGKP96Ly7fg8fFhb2cR4UTegMIfx8Tuv2CJA5a-bCZNx4UCzqTIKeJmOhe5Fuv_9ZRg0HoT8k_qk4ksbrgaPAlhv-WDTJZW_6f3oTRV/w400-h400/374119052_153685654445240_3963908304038019383_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p>"Coffee And Trust" and "Ocean Blue," the first two singles off <a href="https://ray-johnson.com">Ray Johnson</a>'s latest album, <a href="https://rayjohnson.bandcamp.com/album/appealing-to-angels">"Appealing To Angels," </a>are earning rave reviews in part because of Johnson's deeply introspective lyrics.</p><p>On the album, the St. Charles singer-songwriter teams up with Dave Bieritz from his former band <a href="https://ray-johnson.com/saldo-kreek">Saldo Kreek</a>, which dissolved in 2002. They resumed their musical partnership in 2019 and have released three albums together – "Groove," "2020" and "Appealing To Angels."<br /></p><p>Johnson has his own publishing company, Soon To Be Famous Publishing LLC, and is responsible for all distribution and promotion of his work. He makes <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/5icPtbKDaaPoDZbNz14IoH">music</a> out of his home studio in St. Charles.</p><p>I had the pleasure of talking to Johnson about his latest project and his musical vision.<br /><br /><b>Q </b>– <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPirYNkTvZYrbMgmSeir_2A">“Coffee And Toast,”</a> the first single from “Appealing To Angels,” has received a lot of good press, which must make you happy. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ik0mR9LllR0" width="320" youtube-src-id="ik0mR9LllR0"></iframe></div><br />It does, very much so. “Coffee And Toast” is one of those songs that is starting to show the writing style moving from that poppy three and a half minute song to something more orchestrated and with more depth to the song.<br /><br />The music is really taking on a life of its own. And that’s really, really exciting.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Do you think “Coffee And Toast” has a visual element to it, that people can visualize something listening to the song?<br /><br />Yes. The music moves you.<br /><br />It leaves everything wide open to interpretation. You can find your own little space in it.<br /><br />With the lyrics I’m writing now, they’ve become much more astute. They're becoming more something that everyone can relate to. <br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Would you say that musically, you are on top of your game these days? It seems like you have tried to progress in your songwriting. I was just wondering if you feel more comfortable as a songwriter these days.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkep3RSoIrqg6DkPeDxDxE-xWsKIKLZ1bFKiuyrD5f7jBVXWM_irh2Pe68kkTPk_QSs-7eo3946h18ZIKxLjgtXbwk3hHmoKsM1u3uhKmNo5Gp2tzz0lSskoXe3yK11hyphenhyphen5KYmOHQIdS7tWU_l64vWBS7b83e60uJEhzCN32vTUgBwk2Ndm1PVFZkXGOme4/s1620/thumbnail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkep3RSoIrqg6DkPeDxDxE-xWsKIKLZ1bFKiuyrD5f7jBVXWM_irh2Pe68kkTPk_QSs-7eo3946h18ZIKxLjgtXbwk3hHmoKsM1u3uhKmNo5Gp2tzz0lSskoXe3yK11hyphenhyphen5KYmOHQIdS7tWU_l64vWBS7b83e60uJEhzCN32vTUgBwk2Ndm1PVFZkXGOme4/w266-h400/thumbnail.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> <p></p><p>I feel like I am completely in step with what I’m doing and how to reach it inside of me and tap into it and bring it out and work with it like clay.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – What do you think changed? Are you just feeling more comfortable in your own skin?<br /><br />Yeah, I definitely feel more comfortable in my skin. But I also feel that I have more direction. <br /><br />I actually feel that I have more of a purpose with my music than I ever have. <br /><br /><b>Q </b>– How long have you been writing songs?<br /><br />I wrote my first song when I was 16 and I’ve got a 45 RPM vinyl record to prove it. I actually cut a 45 my sophomore year at Geneva High School.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Are you looking to take these new songs on the road?<br /><br />The short answer is, probably not. I haven’t performed since 2001.<br /><br />Neither Dave nor I really have a desire to perform live, although we haven’t ruled it out. And we may very well do it, but it’s just not as easy to go about it as it used to be.<br /><br />It would be an undertaking all on its own to do it. We probably would enjoy it a lot.<br /><br />If the time is right to do something like that, I’m sure we won’t miss the boat on it. <br /><b><br />Q</b> – Are you working on new material?<br /><br />We’re close to halfway through our fourth release. We’re hoping to have it finished by the end of the year.</p><p>More information about Johnson's music can be found on his website, <a href="http://ray-johnson.com">ray-johnson.com</a>.<br /><br /></p><br />Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-23524202423800536402023-09-23T21:09:00.001-05:002023-09-23T21:12:27.398-05:00Chicago singer-songwriter Ron Lazzeretti to perform at FitzGerald's Sidebar to celebrate release of new CD<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7tobrIZiF_Lh55nSfWw45BAMCUhdbPs0HYqOoLBFoZDqUD4H0uH2OlToo5SeYQlCrPAGnZSwBnAKHmvh3Ur3R2C4KJ22Vvmr__kpd9ECWXrlqd4AWLoYLEcb4s886gQ41VCUYfEK46Xj3GimIUn0lxNznKl7gEn0urab1OchybbA-CUEBEfCJocqG_e2/s1689/1%20Ron%20pose.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1689" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7tobrIZiF_Lh55nSfWw45BAMCUhdbPs0HYqOoLBFoZDqUD4H0uH2OlToo5SeYQlCrPAGnZSwBnAKHmvh3Ur3R2C4KJ22Vvmr__kpd9ECWXrlqd4AWLoYLEcb4s886gQ41VCUYfEK46Xj3GimIUn0lxNznKl7gEn0urab1OchybbA-CUEBEfCJocqG_e2/w400-h256/1%20Ron%20pose.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p> </p><p>When Chicago singer-songwriter <span style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://ronlazzerettimusic.com/home">Ron Lazzeretti</a> isn't writing songs, he is making movies or writing and directing commercials.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Suffice to say, Lazzeretti is multi-talented. His latest CD, "Fat Head, Sunday Paper" will be released on Sept. 29.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To celebrate the release of the CD, </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Lazzeretti will perform a free show at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 30 at <a href="https://www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com">FitzGerald's Sidebar</a>, </span>6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. To RSVP, go to <a href="https://www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com/shows/list/?twpage=1">https://www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com/shows/list/?twpage=1</a>.</p><p>I had the chance to talk to <span style="font-size: 11pt;">Lazzeretti about the upcoming show.</span></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Q</b> – <span style="font-size: 11pt;">Great talking to you. I know that you will be performing at FitzGerald's Sidebar on Sept. 30 as part of a CD release party for "Fat Head, Sunday Paper."
Of course, you have been playing at FitzGerald's for years and
currently host a Songwriter Circle there.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What do you like about playing
at FitzGerald's? Is it an honor to perform at such an esteemed music
venue that has meant so much to so many people over the years?</span>
</p>
<div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It's hard to express just how rare and
sacred FitzGerald's is. I've been going there for 30 years.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I always
say that if I knew FitzGerald's was there when we moved to Oak Park, I
would have moved there to be near it. But I had no idea.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Then one day, I
walked through that door and a whole world opened up for me. It's like
this amazing road house dropped from the sky and landed in Berwyn,
Illinois. </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And, Bill Fitzgerald and his wife, Kate, and the Fitzgerald
Family built this...you know, they built Bill's dream. He loves music.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">He told me that when he was a kid, he had a cordless, battery operated
record player. And he would assemble his friends down on the street or
up in a treehouse fort and play music for them.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It's essentially the
early model of what came to be his professional career. He had a
calling.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And any chance I've had to play there, it just never gets old.
And now Will Duncan has taken over and it’s wonderful because he came in
knowing the power of the place.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Anyone who has ever been there can tell
you, it's a very special place born of someone’s passion; nothing
cynical about it.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">And it extends to other places in the area like the
Rob Pierce's Friendly Music Community. Or The Outta Space. It's really a
vital scene. Sometimes I think it's the best kept secret in the Midwest.</span>
</div>
<div class="yiv1293009363default-style">
<br clear="none" />
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Q </b>– It seems like there is a meaning
behind the album's name. Is there? In sitting down to make the album,
what were your goals and do you think you accomplished them?</span>
</div>
<div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr">
</div>
<div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">My main goal was to make a record,
not just a pile of songs. I like a record, a complete piece; like a
novel or a book of short stories.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">You hear that vinyl records are making
a comeback. I'm not sure about that. But anything that encourages
people to listen to a record from top to bottom and think of it as a
whole, I'm all for that.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Heo7zsAUG34" width="320" youtube-src-id="Heo7zsAUG34"></iframe></div><br /></span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I'm not comparing what I've done in two records
to the classics. But to illustrate what I mean, "Pet Sounds" is a record. <i>"</i>Blood On The Tracks"<i> </i>is a record. "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot"...a
record.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I can cherry pick songs for mixes or whatever but I have a
place in my heart for an album. So I was aiming for that kind of
integrated piece.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">As for what it means, it's purposely a little vague: "Fat Head, Sunday Paper."</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">But it's safe to say that there's a bit of a "morning after hangover"
thing. That Sunday vibe you feel in the air with regard to a lot of
things; that sense that maybe the party is over. </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It’s not that all hope
is lost but it is a bit of a wake-up call. </span>
</div>
<br clear="none" /><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Q</b> – I understand you share a birthday with Bob Dylan. How much of an influence has he had on you and your music?</span>
</div>
<div class="yiv1293009363default-style">
</div><p>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="yiv1293009363colour">Well,
the Dylan birthday thing is just something that tickles me because
clearly it means nothing, but it is one of those things that sounds like
something. But I can’t deny that he has had a tremendous influence on
me; me and zillions more like me.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="yiv1293009363colour">This is a guy who had tremendous
influence on the Beatles, so what more do we need to know? I admire him
because he has such creative integrity, does what he wants and does it
with conviction.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="yiv1293009363colour">And he’s aged just the way I hoped; kind of a crotchety
old bluesman. And he’s funny. He cracks me up.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="yiv1293009363colour">Anyway, I also share a birthday with David Hasselhoff. And Britney Spears. So I travel with a pretty interesting crowd.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span class="yiv1293009363colour"><b>Q </b>– </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It seems like you are always working
on something, whether that is making music, making movies or writing and
directing commercials. Do you view each one as providing a different
creative outlet?</span>
</p>
<div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I’m more and more aware of how much
overlap there is in the work that I do; how everything feeds on itself.
Commercials taught me about film. Independent film taught me
storytelling.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Some musicians I’ve worked with provided music scores.
Others proved to be wonderful actors.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ICU39RlaYhQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="ICU39RlaYhQ"></iframe></div><br /></span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If creativity and curiosity are in
your DNA, there’s no telling what you can do. So we try to stretch and
see what we’re really made of. </span>
</div>
<div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Q </b>– What projects do you have coming up and do you have any dream projects or collaborations?</span>
</div>
<div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr">
</div>
<div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr">
<span class="yiv1293009363colour" style="font-size: 11pt;">I have
two thoughts bouncing around. One is a film idea and one is the next
record, which has already been percolating in my head.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span class="yiv1293009363colour" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span class="yiv1293009363colour" style="font-size: 11pt;">It’ll have a
different, more stripped-down sound. I’m excited about it.</span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span class="yiv1293009363colour" style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr"><span class="yiv1293009363colour" style="font-size: 11pt;">Then again,
first I have to learn to enjoy the moment. That’s what my wife tells me.
And she’s usually right.</span>
</div>
<div class="yiv1293009363default-style" dir="ltr">
</div><p> </p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-80664418294406077112023-09-20T20:30:00.000-05:002023-09-20T20:30:05.454-05:00Musician Jim Green to bring his innovative guitar playing to St. Charles Public Library Oct. 1<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWfg7YliYyq5DzH2ei5Gg2P1EZF6I8Z-OVhe9usiy_q7TsIhayjeBl1RtZW2y0wYv9TYWSfTBR4g98KFv5VMI7uNzEsLZ65zApW_fp1Mrola0b5Knz20hKO5IqDzQMDnkF0bxtZzJCK0EdFGqHR1sWbjF6IDHjtAS_0TBBBjSyCA9_HM2L29ngGNUYI1t/s264/7999974.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="176" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNWfg7YliYyq5DzH2ei5Gg2P1EZF6I8Z-OVhe9usiy_q7TsIhayjeBl1RtZW2y0wYv9TYWSfTBR4g98KFv5VMI7uNzEsLZ65zApW_fp1Mrola0b5Knz20hKO5IqDzQMDnkF0bxtZzJCK0EdFGqHR1sWbjF6IDHjtAS_0TBBBjSyCA9_HM2L29ngGNUYI1t/w267-h400/7999974.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://jimgreenmusic.com">Jim Green</a> entertained Fox Valley audiences for years with his innovative guitar playing.</p><p>Green recently moved to Colorado, but is back in the area as part of his "Tethered To A Dream" tour. As part of the tour, he will perform at 2 p.m. Oct. 1 at the <a href="https://www.scpld.org">St. Charles Public Library</a>, One South Sixth Ave.,<br /> St. Charles.</p><p>I had the chance to talk to Green about the tour.</p><p>
</p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Q</b> – Great
to talk to you again. The upcoming show at the St. Charles Public
Library is part of your "Tethered to a Dream" tour. You
recently released the song “Tethered to a Dream.” What was the
inspiration for the song?</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since
I was in high school back in the '80s, I knew I wanted to play
guitar as a career. 2003 is when I could finally say I was supporting
myself with my music.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fast forward to today, I’ve had some
reasonable successes such as getting signed to a record label and
opening for some well-known artists. Throughout that time, I had my
fair share of doubts, but I’m happy to say it is all working out.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To
engage in some other line of work would feel dispiriting to me. Hence
the song title and inspiration, “Tethered to a Dream."</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/06zSgwOd_DQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="06zSgwOd_DQ"></iframe></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Q</b> – Is
there anything in particular you will be showcasing at the library
show?</span></span></span><p></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Located
on the second floor of the library is the Carnegie Community Room, where I will
be playing. My first thought is, I’m just excited to play that room
again because of the great acoustics in there.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Unfortunately, I don’t
think most people in and around St. Charles have even experienced a
concert in that room and I hope if they are reading this they feel
encourage to join me there that Sunday afternoon. Other than that,
I’ll be playing a mix of moods and tempos, including what I am
mostly known for, percussive guitar.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This style incorporates unusual
and innovative guitar techniques that have been described as visually
entertaining as well as musically. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Q</b> – You
recently moved out of the area and moved to Colorado. What made you
want to do that and how has life in Colorado been so far?</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
learned of a CO transplant saying I like that goes like this, “I’m
not from Colorado, but I got here as soon as I could.”</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’ve always
wanted to live near mountains. I’m really into running, biking,
just being outdoors, and the landscape there enhances all those
activities. </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After
eight months, I’m still looking for my tribe and musically slowly
building a name for myself. I think it’s going well overall.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’ve
been lucky enough to play a couple gigs at the legendary Broadmoor
Hotel and Resort. I know the more I play out, the more chances to
meet people and make friends.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Q</b> – I
know that you are on <a href="https://www.skyvalleyrecords.net">Sky Valley Records</a>, which is a small,
independent record label dedicated to instrumental guitar music. It
makes sense to be on the label.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is
being on the label bringing even more exposure to your music?</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’ve
been very fortunate in the beginning with being able to sell a good
number of CDs at my shows. With the introduction of free streaming,
that has seen a significant drop.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last year, I finally started
promoting and directing people to my music on those streaming
platforms. My stream count had risen quite a bit verses doing nothing
of course, but the record label has connections with a lot of
different playlist curators and has brought that count higher than I
ever could on my own. </span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Previously I was only reaching those who were
at my gigs. The label has helped me reach a larger world-wide
audience. </span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I admit many of them are passive listeners to a playlist
but my growing follower count is good evidence that the songs are
catching some ears. </span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cFAOXhHdj6k" width="320" youtube-src-id="cFAOXhHdj6k"></iframe></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></span></span><p></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Q </b>– Of
course, you are known for your finger-style approach to playing
the guitar. How did you develop the style in the first place and how
do you think it has changed over the years?</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some
of my playing is very unorthodox, with my left fretting hand over the
top of the guitar neck instead of underneath. So when asked that
question my usual joking response is, “A year of trying to get my
hands to work together and a lot of swearing.” </span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mine
and everyone else’s technique is built on the backs of past artists. I always admired the late great Michael
Hedges for his innovative approach to fingerstyle guitar.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">He was
doing things on the guitar in the late '80s that are still mind
blowing today. I wasn’t even playing fingerstyle then, but his
influence was sort of baked in.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the late '90s, I was thumbing
through a catalog of guitar instructional videos. The one
that caught my eye was Preston Reed’s, "Expanding the Realm of
Acoustic Playing." </span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That sounded really interesting to me so, I ordered
the VHS tape, watched it and his percussive way of playing really
spoke to me. I learned a lot from him and also watching Flamenco
guitarists and studying their techniques to apply to my music.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This
style of playing started with Hedges and Reed, growing to a small
band of us gigging around to morphing into the creation of a new
genre of music called Math Rock.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Q</b> – You
also recently released the song "Phronesis," which you
have said is one of your best written and recorded solo guitar
songs. In sitting down and writing the song, what goals did you have?</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
normally don’t have any goals or expectations in writing a song.
It’s too much pressure.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What I do have is connected detachment. I
just try to listen and act on a musical idea when it happens, while
wearing two hats, explorer and scientist.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I tend to use a different
guitar tuning for every new song. By retuning the pitch of some or
all the guitar strings changes the musical landscape to something
unfamiliar, something to explore.</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I find a musical idea I like,
I put on my scientist hat and I test, listen, adjust and test again.
The tune will eventually reveal itself and what it’s about. I just
trust the process and build on the results.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Q</b> – Your
music evokes a lot of imagery. And it seems like your love for nature
is just as great as your love for music. I just watched the video for
your song </span></span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">"We Leave at Dawn," which I know you wrote and
recorded a few days before moving from Illinois to Colorado. Is that
love for nature strengthened by the fact that when you aren't making
music, you are hiking or biking?</span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TmgCDeZQVUw" width="320" youtube-src-id="TmgCDeZQVUw"></iframe></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
closer we are to nature, the more we realize there is no separation
from us and it. There’s certainly no lack of inspiration nature
provides musically.</span></span></span><p></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If I’m doing some outdoor activity, I sometimes
hear music in my head. If I’m creating music sometimes I visualize
something like tall grasses, the smell of autumn, or the rustling of
leaves from a cottonwood tree. </span></span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It might be something else for someone
else but, hiking, biking and being outdoors serves my spirit and in
turn serves my artist output.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Q</b> – What
would you like people to get out of your music?</span></span></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.14in;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;">That’s
a simple question but hard for me to answer somehow. Whenever music
is heard by someone, it’s going through their personal filter of
past experiences and how it’s perceived can be so different from
maybe how I felt writing it. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.14in;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;">That’s what makes us all so unique and
it’s a beautiful thing. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.14in;"><span style="font-family: Bahnschrift, serif;">I’ll
answer this with two words – emotional depth.</span></p>
<p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; direction: ltr; line-height: 115%; text-align: left; orphans: 2; widows: 2 }</style> <br /></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-66392210807140874542023-09-04T20:41:00.001-05:002023-09-04T20:45:15.059-05:00Chicago musician Brian Krumm releases first solo album, will perform at Uncommon Ground for CD release party<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODeKTEY4miARmARHZB5JHczIGDbs0bEly1QIkfCcGNyhSQXa00xEejSQB9nY60fRSxPKJ1MSHsn6Q-Faul42uQqAwb2kw3t1AsJIywod2sgkVNKgspmyq5XrARZBnVF2J6BeMG6PSQLA5ZA1pOIKDcumuURRoYOWhN6p12VTQsr6uvVbLiEsAFtx1Is6F/s3088/Barfly%20Friends%20band%20members%20pc%20Brian%20Hunt.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODeKTEY4miARmARHZB5JHczIGDbs0bEly1QIkfCcGNyhSQXa00xEejSQB9nY60fRSxPKJ1MSHsn6Q-Faul42uQqAwb2kw3t1AsJIywod2sgkVNKgspmyq5XrARZBnVF2J6BeMG6PSQLA5ZA1pOIKDcumuURRoYOWhN6p12VTQsr6uvVbLiEsAFtx1Is6F/w400-h300/Barfly%20Friends%20band%20members%20pc%20Brian%20Hunt.jpeg" width="400" /></a></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p>Chicago musician <a href="https://briankrumm.com">Brian Krumm’s </a>first solo album was born out of the pandemic. <br /><br />Krumm fronts the band The Great Crusaders. He wrote the songs on his debut solo album, <a href="https://briankrummandhisbarflyfriends.bandcamp.com/album/just-fade-away">"Just Fade Away,”</a> during the 2020 shutdown. <br /><br />The album was released on June 2 on Chicago independent record label Pravda Records. Krumm and His Barfly Friends will hold an acoustic CD release show at 8 p.m. Sept. 9 at Uncommon Ground, 3800 N. Clark St., Chicago.<br /><br />Tickets are available at Uncommon Ground’s website, <a href="http://uncommonground.com">uncommonground.com</a>.<br /><br />I had the chance to talk to Krumm about his new project, <a href="https://briankrumm.com">Brian Krumm and His Barfly Friends</a>.<br /><br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Great to talk to you. Are you happy that “Just Fade Away” is being released on <a href="http://pravdamusic.com/home">Pravda Records</a>, which is one of Chicago’s longest running independent record labels?<br /><br />Yeah, absolutely. I’ve known Kenn Goodman for years and he actually has helped out The Great Crusades, my other band, in the past. <br /><br />He got us placed on some very high profile TV shows, including the season finale of “True Blood,” which was amazing. And I think Pravda is just on to something these days.<br /><br />The artists that they’re putting out are all putting out amazing records. I know that they just signed <a href="http://nathangrahammusic.com">Nathan Graham</a> who is a great singer/songwriter and is based in Chicago. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jr1BdJ9YIk0" width="320" youtube-src-id="jr1BdJ9YIk0"></iframe></div><p> </p><p>They are really paying attention to people who are making great music. I have been admiring Pravda for quite some time.</p><p><br /><b>Q </b>– Of course, the album is called “Just Fade Away.” I know you started writing songs for the album during the pandemic shutdown. Does the album’s title refer to you wishing the pandemic would just fade away?<br /><br />It probably has a bunch of different meanings. During the lockdown, I gave myself an hour to try to write a song at 5 p.m. every day along with a shot of whiskey, truth be told.<br /><br />Like everybody else, we were all confused about whether we could go inside or if we could see other people. My wife actually came up with the idea. She suggested that rather than me moping and pacing around, that I should try to write a batch of songs.<br /><br />And after 25 days, I had 25 songs.<br /><br />Some people thought the album’s title was a nod to Buddy Holly’s song “Not Fade Away.” I just thought “Just Fade Away” fit for that collection of songs and it also worked with the artwork my friend came up with.<br /><br />It didn’t really having anything to do with wanting the pandemic to go away. But that’s what we were all feeling and hoping for.<br /><br />It took a lot longer than anybody thought it was going to take. And it’s still not completely gone.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – How did you go about choosing the 11 songs that are on “Just Fade Away?”</p><p>I just started sending Christian Moder, who’s my lifelong friend, the tunes, which I just recorded on my iPhone.<br /><br />I just sent him these recordings pretty much every day after I finished one and we just worked on the ones that started naturally coming together. There’s still another batch of songs that are waiting to be worked on, but these were the first ones that we got to and these were the ones that felt most natural to work on.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – But you said the rest of them might be released at some time?<br /><br />Yeah. It’s going to be a similar process for what we did for this initial first record. <br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Were you surprised that you actually wrote 25 songs in 25 days?<br /><br />Yeah, I was very surprised. The Great Crusades have been putting out records since 1997, so I’ve been doing that for more than 20 years.<br /><br />This process, where there was no preconceived notions about what the end result was going to be, was super refreshing to me, to just have that blank slate.<br /><br />I did surprise myself. After I wrote the first five, I said to myself, ‘Wow, I guess I do have some more things to say, some more stories to tell, some more memories to sort of mine and make them into songs.’<br /><br />So it was pretty cool. I was happy with the end result and still want to write more.<br /><br />That was the one positive thing that came out of the pandemic. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-73105947119679302492023-08-24T11:42:00.014-05:002023-08-24T11:48:15.077-05:00Tu-Ner to bring its adventurous sound to Reggies in Chicago<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJsBFSZjviB3RciQcYo2YHf3ds5yETw6XXUnry7dZrVV-jY8CuuF5ZAUjW5Q3Afx90aIpl1WM6Nr_3Rlf7EOyDzJsEYP6YNQDzfje9W0bNMak8OxXzntshXOSiMrwjvDE-D1Ip2zKItky0xDVEGM16dv31FCYWTX8XBBvOVJGX6PwOGhRRLeAjO2ophvM/s600/Tu-Ner%20Photo%20med%20res.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJsBFSZjviB3RciQcYo2YHf3ds5yETw6XXUnry7dZrVV-jY8CuuF5ZAUjW5Q3Afx90aIpl1WM6Nr_3Rlf7EOyDzJsEYP6YNQDzfje9W0bNMak8OxXzntshXOSiMrwjvDE-D1Ip2zKItky0xDVEGM16dv31FCYWTX8XBBvOVJGX6PwOGhRRLeAjO2ophvM/w400-h400/Tu-Ner%20Photo%20med%20res.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif; font-size: medium;"> Band photo by Julia Hensley</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times new roman, serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p><br /></p><p>Trey Gunn is the type of musician who is always up for a new challenge.</p><p>Gunn and Pat Mastelotto, known for their work in King Crimson, are members of the band <a href="https://tu-ner.com">Tu-Ner</a> alongside touch guitarist Markus Reuter. The band will perform at 8 p.m. Aug. 26 at <a href="http://reggieslive.com">Reggies</a>, 2105 S. State St., Chicago.</p><p>Sammy Boller and Greg Howe are also on the bill. Tickets range from $25 to $35, available at <a href="http://ticketweb.com.">ticketweb.com.</a></p><p>Tu-Ner is touring in support of its debut double album, "T-1 Contact Information," which was released on Aug. 14 on Gunn's record label, <a href="http://7dmedia.com">7D Media</a>. I had the chance to talk to Gunn about the project and tour.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Q</b> – “T-1 Contact Information” came out on Aug. 14, the same day the tour began. How has the tour been going?</p><p></p><p>Yeah, that's correct. We had a couple of kind of warm up gigs. We participated in this King Crimson "Three of a Perfect Pair" camp up in Woodstock the week before that. </p><p>We were up there with 120 musicians doing workshops and stuff. And then we do kind of an informal concert there and joined Adrian Belew and Tony Levin to do a big show at Bearsville two days earlier.</p><p><b>Q</b> – How did that go this year?</p><p>It was great. This is my third year and it was completely sold out. There were 120 people playing and singing and doing all sorts of stuff all day and all night long.</p><p>These are all musicians and actually they spend the good part of the year rehearsing for it. </p><p><b>Q</b> – This is the most recent incarnation of Tu-Ner. What do you enjoy about working with Pat and Markus?</p><p>Well, I've been playing with Pat for 30 some years now. It's just a very playful experience playing with Pat.</p><p>We're constantly teasing each other and trying to throw each other off and having fun on stage. I've known Marcus almost that long, but we haven't played together as much.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SS8fVRxE4CE" width="320" youtube-src-id="SS8fVRxE4CE"></iframe></div> <p></p><p>We did some duo concerts out in Seattle a couple of years ago and have done a lot of recording together. <br /></p><p><b>Q</b> – The album was recently released on <a href="https://7dmedia.com">7D Media</a>, a record label that you founded in 2006. In starting the label, what were your goals and do you think you accomplished them?</p><p>I've been running that label for a long time. I kind of started it with just my own releases and it has grown and grown.</p><p>It's not easy being a small label, but it works. And I'm seeing now the Tu-Ner record has been number one on the prog and experimental charts on Bandcamp for like a month now.</p><p><b>Q</b> – Obviously that shows that people are interested in hearing this album. Does that make you happy that it is doing so well?</p><p>Yeah, it makes us very happy. And the record is very strange and unusual, so that makes us even more happy.</p><p><b>Q</b> – So obviously there are people that want to listen to that type of music. There's a lot of artists out there that kind of copy each other, so I guess people appreciate something that's kind of different.</p><p>Yeah, this is not copying anything. It's very, very weird music.</p><p>And it's like that live too. We keep surprising each other. </p><p>Last night, we were in Buffalo. About half the show is improvised and Pat surprised us by going in a completely different direction last night.</p><p><b>Q</b> – Is that kind of a thrill to go off in your own direction, so much that you're even surprising your fellow band members?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sJHP-kfe9ao" width="320" youtube-src-id="sJHP-kfe9ao"></iframe></div> <p></p><p>Absolutely, absolutely. I mean, that's real creative play when something happens that no one planned.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – I understand you first met Robert Fripp when he was teaching guitar in the 1980s. Did you ever imagine at that time that you would someday work with him?</p><p>No, no at all. I had no idea what to expect.</p><p>I was surprised when he asked me to work with him the first time and every time he's asked me to do a project with him, I've always been surprised.</p><p><b>Q</b> – I'm sure there's a long list, but what kinds of things has he taught you?</p><p>Basically how to work as a musician. I'm not talking about professionally, but how to practice and how to play and how to pour your work into it.</p><p></p><p>No matter how much you prep, when you go on stage, it's completely different than practicing or prepping. It's a completely different experience.</p><p>Robert is very, very good about being open to what happens on stage.<br /><br /><b>Q </b>– I know your primary instrument these days is a Warr guitar. What do you like about the instrument?</p><p>It's a tapped guitar, so it's completely all fingers of both hands tapping on the strings on the fretboard.</p><p>And it has five bass strings and five guitar strings. So it's kind of like playing the inside of a piano.</p><p>It lets me do pretty much anything you can do with any stringed instrument. I can do it all, so that's why I love it.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Besides working with Robert Fripp, you’ve worked with many other musicians over the years, including John Paul Jones, Vernon Reid and Eric Johnson. Is it flattering to be such an in-demand musician? </p><p>Well, I guess I would say it's flattering to have been able to play with those guys. I feel like I played at their level, so that was great.</p><p><b>Q</b> – Do you learn new things by playing with different musicians?</p><p>Everyone you play with is completely unique. You have to be on your toes and be ready to learn how you're going to blend with that particular musician. Every relationship is unique.</p><p>If there is a different guitar player that night, everything changes. And you have to adapt.<br /></p><p><br /></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-71907063506625076832023-08-16T08:53:00.000-05:002023-08-16T08:53:49.525-05:00Chicago singer-songwriter Nathan Graham returning to The Venue in Aurora<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBzq_ET2nRo22wJ_O9lCqwrDAPnr0sttHuYdgI9rWaUKMxgP0jQpmasUkpXe2GMtf9mEuHKq955DXNUFFfQX-Lgf0zknFX_yMLPa7LOZOv0UPBnoRf4vL9oR1xosgjVt69bgL0NTc4Z6DsENVwp_EisKzV7-98GL1boWyAi0JuKreNzefiDZSEt61eYpq/s1500/Nathan+Graham+Album+Artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBzq_ET2nRo22wJ_O9lCqwrDAPnr0sttHuYdgI9rWaUKMxgP0jQpmasUkpXe2GMtf9mEuHKq955DXNUFFfQX-Lgf0zknFX_yMLPa7LOZOv0UPBnoRf4vL9oR1xosgjVt69bgL0NTc4Z6DsENVwp_EisKzV7-98GL1boWyAi0JuKreNzefiDZSEt61eYpq/s320/Nathan+Graham+Album+Artwork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p><br /></p><p>His soulful vocals and introspective lyrics grab your attention right away.</p><p>After playing last August at The Venue's Americana Music Fest, Chicago singer-songwriter <a href="http://nathangrahammusic.com">Nathan Graham </a>will return to The Venue on Aug. 19 as part of a show with <a href="http://alicewallacemusic.com">Alice Wallace</a>, who in 2017 was named the female vocalist of the year at the California Country Awards.</p><p>The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are available at The Venue's website, <a href="http://themusicvenue.org">themusicvenue.org</a>. The Venue is located at <span class="LrzXr">21 S. Broadway Ave. in downtown Aurora.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">Graham's debut album, "Saint of Second Chances," is set for release on Oct. 20 on Chicago-based Pravda Records. He performed several of the songs off the album during his show last August.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">I had the chance to talk to him about the new album.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr"><b>Q</b> – Of course, your debut album is being released on Pravda Records, which is one of Chicago's longest running independent record labels. Are you pretty happy about that?</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">I am, yeah. We tried to do everything in Chicago.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">Everything was kind of done with Chicago artists, photographers, and the people who did the mixing and mastering and all that stuff. You don't see a lot of Americana records or even records period being made in Chicago any more, let alone being promoted by a Chicago-based label.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">We can still make records here in Chicago. You don't have to outsource to Nashville or Austin.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr"><b>Q</b> – It does seem like everyone likes to assign a genre to an artist. Is it hard for you to describe your music to people? It's not like totally blues, it's not totally soul and it's not totally Americana. It's kind of like a combination of all three.</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">Yeah, that's the thing. When I listen to Joe Cocker or </span><span>Nathaniel Rateliff, I think that's kind of the true Americana. Because I think it's a blending of all that music.</span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4U0cqAkZh1w" width="320" youtube-src-id="4U0cqAkZh1w"></iframe></div> <p></p><p><span>My opinion of Americana music is that it connects blues, gospel, rock and country. I think that this album does that in kind of a really cool way. </span></p><p><span>And I'm proud of that. I think I would describe it as Americana and soul music. That's really what it is.</span></p><p><span><b>Q</b> – And it seems like there is a meaning behind the album's title. Is there?</span></p><p><span>It's really about those times in your life when you kind of screwed up. And your friends still ride with you.</span></p><p><span>They tell you that it's alright, that you're going to bump your head a lot of times in life and do things that you aren't necessarily proud of, but that there's a way back. There's a way back to yourself, there's a way back to loving yourself and other people and allow people to love you.</span></p><p><span>That's kind of what it's about.</span></p><p><span><b>Q</b> – It seems like you really want to connect with people through your songs and through shared experiences. Is that what you're hoping your music does, to show people that you're not in this alone?</span></p><p><span>I think that's why people listen to music and consume art and go see movies and plays and things like that.</span></p><p><span>We all have happy joyous times and we all have really low times. And it's nice to know that you're not the only person going through this. </span></p><p><span>All the music that I've ever listened to has definitely made me feel less alone.</span></p><p><span><b>Q</b> – What was you vision for the album and did the finished product fulfill your vision?</span></p><p><span>Yeah, it did actually. One of my favorite albums is Joe Cocker's </span><span>"Mad Dogs & Englishmen." </span></p><p><span>I love that album so much. It's kind of like that whole album tells a story. </span></p><p><span>You can hear all the instruments and everything has its place. And all the voices have their place and nothing really gets lost.</span></p><p><span>It kind of exceeded my expectations. I thought it was going to sound one way and it came out sounding way better than I ever imagined.</span></p><p><span><b>Q</b> – I was reading a little about your background and I understand you started out backing blues singers at Buddy Guy’s Legends and Kingston Mines. Who did you you perform with and what did the experience teach you?</span></p><p><span>It taught me that less is more a lot of times. When I first started playing music, I loved pedals and effects.</span></p><p><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BfEaHuzBArE" width="320" youtube-src-id="BfEaHuzBArE"></iframe></div><br /> I had this giant pedal board. And I remember being at a club and I'm watching these legends of blues music and they're expressing so much more out of so little.<p></p><p><span>They have their guitar and their voice. Sometimes they would just have an acoustic guitar and their voice.</span></p><p><span>Same thing with songwriting. They would take a simple concept and they would make you feel so good or connect you to them with their story.</span></p><p><span>And it showed me how to perform and hold a crowd's attention. They pulled the audience into the performance.</span></p><p><b>Q</b> – Who are some of the people you performed with?</p><p>Carl Weathersby and Fernando Jones. I did a small set with Buddy Guy.</p><p>In college, I got to play some songs with Koko Taylor, which was amazing. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span class="LrzXr"></span></p><p> </p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-86310881167463294842023-08-06T21:52:00.000-05:002023-08-06T21:52:35.411-05:00Talented musicians team up as part of second annual Rita's Roast fundraiser<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PFHg3wMVDDqnnvjDFfH_RmYlHuCyIyuOJjB54fXlEDUgZiSTHxiyq-254DFMspNY6xEogtSAyeE2-9XV9HVsUoVNkAGJ0uNdVh4uMkExqo7bbrDQXLQenxrKADARyBMGikspf4w2AAIvSIP9pllwFQQhMHsdnsGwFeA1cAf-dInax1sV1ZbJG4AirKf1/s1920/363384050_10229745907208208_3450993402649599304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1920" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PFHg3wMVDDqnnvjDFfH_RmYlHuCyIyuOJjB54fXlEDUgZiSTHxiyq-254DFMspNY6xEogtSAyeE2-9XV9HVsUoVNkAGJ0uNdVh4uMkExqo7bbrDQXLQenxrKADARyBMGikspf4w2AAIvSIP9pllwFQQhMHsdnsGwFeA1cAf-dInax1sV1ZbJG4AirKf1/w400-h188/363384050_10229745907208208_3450993402649599304_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p>Those who would like to hear some incredibly talented musicians and support a great cause at the same time would do well to attend Rita's Roast second annual family fun festival fundraiser.</p><p>The event will take place from 1 to 8 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Aurora Athletic Club, 550 Clearwater Drive, North Aurora. Tickets are $15 for those ages 5 to 11 and $25 for those 12 years old and older.</p><p>Those 4 years old and under are free. The day will feature the duo of Noah Gabriel and Ryan Carney from 1 to 2 p.m., Dave Glynn from 2 to 3 p.m. and Double Shot from 5 to 8 p.m.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lk-ehkZJ18s" width="320" youtube-src-id="lk-ehkZJ18s"></iframe></div> <p></p><p>Having personally heard most of these musicians in a live setting, trust me when I tell you that the day will offer plenty of musical treats.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9mXc2ROhNds" width="320" youtube-src-id="9mXc2ROhNds"></iframe></div> <p></p><p>And the cause is a worthy one as well. RITAS stands for Restoring Inmates to America's Society.</p><p>The mission of the Aurora-based nonprofit organization is to help ex convicts reintegrate back into society as productive citizens as well as offer support to their families.</p><p>The event will also feature food provided by Bearded BBQ, a beanbag tournament, kids games, balloon animals and a cash bar. To purchase tickets, go to<a href=" ritasministry.org"> ritasministry.org</a> or call RITAS Ministry at (630) 966-0252.</p><p><br /><br /><br /></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-72692103248367909532023-07-11T22:18:00.000-05:002023-07-11T22:18:53.684-05:00Yellowcard violinist talks about tour, new EP ahead of July 16 Chicago show<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYR-gWM-Hu1lhkKnGMmM5npOvzMBeBfy3sDsgrx4hrNxO2yRltrTl6LIvckta8XziFCJR56NL-esnvr7HcARXkb5A3lZXKZZwhTNkLQTzJqVX1zFQm8wtW5G-EOCnWR9V6-lHdSVpum8QT7Q_BGVHMYkyta56t7OI7fjPO-RrmuVmsnJUUdh2F5bbnF8t/s2400/Yellowcard_2023_2_credit_Jason-Hackett_design_Mara-Bearcat.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2134" data-original-width="2400" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYR-gWM-Hu1lhkKnGMmM5npOvzMBeBfy3sDsgrx4hrNxO2yRltrTl6LIvckta8XziFCJR56NL-esnvr7HcARXkb5A3lZXKZZwhTNkLQTzJqVX1zFQm8wtW5G-EOCnWR9V6-lHdSVpum8QT7Q_BGVHMYkyta56t7OI7fjPO-RrmuVmsnJUUdh2F5bbnF8t/w400-h356/Yellowcard_2023_2_credit_Jason-Hackett_design_Mara-Bearcat.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Photo credit: Jason Hackett / design: Mara Bearcat</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p>After not playing together since 2017, beloved pop-punk band <a href="http://yellowcardband.com">Yellowcard </a>reunited during last year's Riot Fest in Chicago.</p><p>Yellowcard is headed back to Chicago to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its album "Ocean Avenue" along with this month's release of the band new's EP, "Childhood Eyes."<b></b></p><p>The band will play at <a href="https://concerts.livenation.com/event/04005E49A157294F?f_ras_manifest_attributes=true&REFERRAL_ID=tmfeedbuyat219208&utm_medium=affiliate&clickid=RmYRoe2xkxyPWyCVAnRwNQcwUkFzkXXhu25O2w0&ircid=4272&camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_219208&impradid=219208&impradname=Bandsintown&f_tmol_prefix=true&irgwc=1&wt.mc_id=aff_BUYAT_219208&utm_source=219208-Bandsintown">7 p.m. July 16</a> at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. </p><p>I had the chance to talk to Yellowcard violinist Sean Mackin about the upcoming show and the new EP.<br /></p><p><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></p><p><b>Q</b> – Great talking to you. Of course, Yellowcard
headlined last year’s Riot Fest in Chicago and it was the first time you
guys had played together since 2017. What was that experience like? Did
the experience lead you to decide to go on tour this year?<br clear="none" /><b><br clear="none" /></b>Yellowcard’s return and performance at Riot Fest was unbelievable. "Ocean Avenue"
is a collection of songs that forever changed my life. And to be able
to play them again was something I never thought I'd get to do. </p><p>It
definitely was the fuel to the fire for a full return. I'd actually give
most credit to our fans for showing us so much love. <br clear="none" /><b><br clear="none" />Q</b> – During your appearance at Riot Fest, you played "Ocean Avenue"
in its entirety along with other songs. This is the 20th anniversary of
the album. Do you have any favorite songs off the album and why do you
think the album has stood the test of time?<br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />There
definitely are a couple stand outs for me. "Believe" has always been a
favorite for me, with so much meaning behind it. But a sleeper pick off
this record was "Inside Out."</p><p>It's fun revisiting some of these songs
and thinking, “Oh that's neat, can't believe I wrote that 20 years
ago.” <br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />Our fans are the reason this album is getting a second life. They embraced it then, as they are now. <br clear="none" /><br clear="none" /><b>Q</b> – The band’s new EP, "Childhood Eyes," will be released on July 21. In sitting down to make the EP, what were your goals and do you think you exceeded them?<br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />"Childhood Eyes"
was a fun concept because we discussed, for the first time ever in a YC
release, “Hey, we will probably never get to play these songs live,
what do you want to do?" Which is great fun.</p><p>It was a great way to write
YC songs for the first time in seven years. <br clear="none" /><br clear="none" /><b>Q </b>– The
EP features appearances by Vic Fuentes from Pierce The Veil and
Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba. What do you think they bring to
the table?<br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />Anytime you get a
chance to have talents like Vic and Christ to lend over some vocals, you
do it. We are so lucky that they agreed to jump on our little project,
and really transformed these songs. Thanks men!!<br clear="none" /><br clear="none" /><b>Q </b>– What
made you want to pick Jordan Phoenix to direct the music video for
“Childhood Eyes”? What was your vision for the video and how do you
think it turned out? </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oraYIHNYcz8" width="320" youtube-src-id="oraYIHNYcz8"></iframe></div><p><br />His
relationship and work with "Story of the Year." Jordan is a powerhouse
with an imagination as big as ours.</p><p>When we came to him with the idea of
search and rescue, he ran with it. We are so happy with how it came out
and ranks among the top for YC cinematic releases. <br clear="none" /><br clear="none" /><b>Q </b>– After the tour wraps up later this year, what is next for the band?<br clear="none" /><br clear="none" />We are so focused on this moment of celebration for "Ocean Avenue,"
I think just some rest and relaxation. Time to reflect on how wonderful
this has all been.</p><p>We have the When We Were Young Festival ready in
October, and might be working on some more shows in 2024, but right now
we are soaking in this moment.<br clear="none" /></p><p></p><div><br clear="none" /></div><div><br clear="none" /></div><div><br clear="none" /><br /></div>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-62147991740584759702023-07-08T20:29:00.002-05:002023-07-09T08:58:28.962-05:00Precious Taylor – niece of blues legend Koko Taylor – to perform with top Chicago musician Matthew Skoller at The Venue in Aurora<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW71zSaQ9kBhuC826yazTQDJ1RWkr9gC2Bn9tTN2ZPBycfxVc_vbCnR_uZXegNsFSy29GGr8EIiYihYC0u2Yw8MFqbE-wlE7CPFJ8GTq90I6yS4Vslb6OriRzsQP7PqL091gsBgoCsS2oK8z4oL1l_Czf1e13zC8kzV9dy-yybyQQg2ysz1dF44dpBpLbz/s1000/355636631_10160767737197767_5448402863282638208_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1000" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW71zSaQ9kBhuC826yazTQDJ1RWkr9gC2Bn9tTN2ZPBycfxVc_vbCnR_uZXegNsFSy29GGr8EIiYihYC0u2Yw8MFqbE-wlE7CPFJ8GTq90I6yS4Vslb6OriRzsQP7PqL091gsBgoCsS2oK8z4oL1l_Czf1e13zC8kzV9dy-yybyQQg2ysz1dF44dpBpLbz/w400-h230/355636631_10160767737197767_5448402863282638208_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p>Her raw energy and powerful vocals helped earn Koko Taylor the title "Queen of the Blues."<br /><br />The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as Chicago musician <a href="http://precioustaylorproductions.com">Precious Taylor</a> – Koko’s niece – proved during her riveting show with Matthew Skoller at last month’s Chicago Blues Festival.<br /><br />Taylor will be performing with Skoller again on July 14 at <a href="http://themusicvenue.org">The Venue</a>, 21 S. Broadway Ave. in downtown Aurora.<br /><br />The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $15-$20, available at The Venue’s website,<a href="http://themusicvenue.org"> themusicvenue.org</a>.<br /><br />I had the honor of interviewing Taylor about the upcoming show.<br /><br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Of course you performed recently with Matthew Skoller at the Chicago Blues Festival. How did you connect with him?<br /><br />Well, I've known Matthew for many years. We go way back to the early ‘90s.<br /><br />He did some shows with my aunt Koko and he played on some of her CDs. We’re working on a CD and a project.<br /><br />I’m excited about the show at The Venue. I know a lot of great people have come through there and I just feel honored to appear there.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – I know you’ve performed with him several times. What do you like about performing with him?<br /><br />Well, for one thing, he has a good grasp on the true roots of the blues. He has a true sound that makes it authentic. I like that.<br /><br />And he sings as well. Our voices kind of match.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Did your aunt introduce you to the blues?<br /><br />Well, she had a big part in that. My granddad, Andrew, played slide guitar and my dad played piano. And my mom sang.<br /><br />I would go to my aunt Koko’s shows and just admire her from afar.<b> </b></p><p><b>Q</b> – What things struck you as you watched her perform?<br /><br />It was her stage presence. She just had a good way to get the audience involved.<br /><br />I liked how she worked the stage and also her unique vocal ability, which I never tried to imitate because I never could in a million years. She had her own sound.<br /><br />Right until she passed, she was still performing and she still put on a great show. I pray to have that type of stamina.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Yeah, Buddy Guy says he’s on his last tour, but I doubt that. I think in a couple of years, he’ll be back out on the road.<br /><br />If you’ve been doing it your whole life, it’s like having your arm cut off, to me. One time, I had a vocal problem where I couldn’t sing for almost six months. And I almost lost my mind.<br /><br />Music is uplifting, it’s motivating, it’s universal. If you are able to continue to perform, why wouldn’t you want to share that for others and for yourself?<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Yes, people like John Primer and Lil’ Ed Williams, they’re not spring chickens either and they are still performing.<br /><br />That’s a good example. But they still get up there with the same fire. They are still doing it.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Given that Koko Taylor is your aunt, do you feel pressure to live up to her name? When you step on stage, do people expect you to sound just like your aunt? And do they start yelling out, “Wang Dang Doodle”?<br /><br />Yeah, all of the above. I have been singing since I was eight years old. <br /><br />I majored in opera and was going to be an opera singer. Instead of that, I wound up doing a lot of jazz, which is my first specialty.<br /><br />For a long time, I didn’t want to perform on the blues circuit because I knew that I could never be her. But then people were telling me that I was just as good in my own right.<br /><br />And that kind of encouraged me just to do it my way and not try to be like her. <br /><br />I’ve done some shows in Spanish. I’m not fluent, but I can pull it off. I just finished a CD in Swahili. It’s a jazz CD.<br /><br />I amazed myself with that one.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – I understand that you began performing in a band with your brothers when you were eight years old. It seems like that music has been a family affair for your whole life.<br /><br />Yes, absolutely. My mom would be singing while she was cooking. It was just a good atmosphere.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Will you perform “Wang Dang Doodle” at The Venue if asked?<br /><br />Oh yeah. I’ll be doing a couple of her songs.<br /><br />We’re also going to do some of her more obscure songs. They are some really good songs that people aren’t up on.<br /><br />You’ll get to hear some of that stuff too. <br /><br /><br /></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-84896526286818222982023-06-17T17:40:00.000-05:002023-06-17T17:40:00.668-05:00Chicago-based Surabhi Ensemble will premiere new work during upcoming show at City Winery in Chicago<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jtU0rvOnJkKUpYvfTNmQiXnuo79BLTo5xH4UlZ3LbvAlT53k70CqmDZtsNeOeJy_T3g62p781EhUA2n-2UvpMTlgY8b2LXn3PdipgJX9KlFEc9PNvIWSzq9qR0rMV01OCQkL4OpZI0tvF51Ka8-CoVWhWpeTABHVydH8ltNApRY3J4AhvWxIxzRLUA/s900/CHI-Surabhi-Ensemble-06-23-23-TP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8jtU0rvOnJkKUpYvfTNmQiXnuo79BLTo5xH4UlZ3LbvAlT53k70CqmDZtsNeOeJy_T3g62p781EhUA2n-2UvpMTlgY8b2LXn3PdipgJX9KlFEc9PNvIWSzq9qR0rMV01OCQkL4OpZI0tvF51Ka8-CoVWhWpeTABHVydH8ltNApRY3J4AhvWxIxzRLUA/w400-h266/CHI-Surabhi-Ensemble-06-23-23-TP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p>The Chicago-based <a href="https://www.surabhiensemble.org">Surabhi Ensemble</a> wants to use its music to show how we are all connected.<br /><br />Surabhi Ensemble will perform at 8 p.m. June 26 at <a href="https://citywinery.com/CHICAGO/Online/default.asp">City Winery,</a> 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Joining the ensemble will be members of Sones de Mexico, Las Guitarras de España, Intercultural Music Production, the Ishti Collective, and Massamba Diop, the Senegalese talking drummer from the 2018 Marvel Studios film "Black Panther."</p><p>For tickets and more information, go to Surabhi Ensemble’s website at <a href="http://surabhiensemble.org">surabhiensemble.org</a>.<br /><br />I had the chance to talk to bandleader and Spanish guitarist <a href="https://www.carlobasilespanishguitar.com">Carlo Basile </a>about the show.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Q</b> – I know the June 26 show at City Winery is a tribute to talking drum master Mamadou Tama (Modou Sarr), who passed away recently. Did you ever work with him and if you did, what did you value the most about him? <br /> <br />Yes, I worked with Modou personally and with him via Surabhi Ensemble. Modou came alive whenever and wherever he performed. </p><p>He always brought his A game and I loved that about him. If you listen to the Surabhi tracks ”Raga Blues,” “Malifarka,” and “Swan Song” you will hear his drum, his voice, and his skill on the talking drum. <br /> <br /><b>Q </b>– During the show, I know Surabhi Ensemble will be premiering new work and previewing material for a 2024 tour of India. What are you looking forward to on that tour? <br /> <br />We are currently discussing many options and fortunately we have already received many invitations to perform in Gujarat, Pune, Bangalore, Goa, and Chennai. We will see how the logistics allow us to make as many quality performances in India as possible.</p><p>But this will happen in late 2024 and early 2025. I am most looking forward to really getting a more in-depth knowledge of the regions in India.</p><p>We have so many people in our group and on the ground helping us, I feel like it will be memorable and very special. <br /> <br /><b>Q</b> – I know you were part of <a href="https://soundcloud.com/surabhiensemble">Surabhi Ensemble</a>'s 2019 tour of Vietnam, Spain, Portugal and Senegal. What was it like being part of that tour and what were the highlights for you?</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6roI9DoUFSQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="6roI9DoUFSQ"></iframe></div> <p></p><p>That 2019 Tour was pre-COVID of course and totally magical in many ways. We made a very convoluted itinerary happen and really connected with each culture we visited.</p><p>Just one highlight was visiting and performing in a small Portuguese town. As we ended our performance, the entire audience stood up and sang a local folk song in our honor. </p><p>It was an emotional moment and unforgettable moment for all of us. <br /> <br /><b>Q</b> – You yourself have traveled to more than 30 countries to perform, teach and study Spanish and ethnic guitar styles. It seems like you have used your music to show people that we are all connected to each other. <br /> <br />I used to be a social worker and I’ve realized that, either consciously or unconsciously, I continue to do social work with my music. For sure, the music and dance provides opportunity to make connections. </p><p>Those connections continue when we put our instruments down as well. <br /> <br /><b>Q</b> – Last year, Surabhi Ensemble debuted "Scenes From the Pandemic" at the Chicago World Music Festival. What would you like for people to take away from that particular piece of work? <br /> <br />Globally, we all experienced the pandemic in many ways. We got together as a family in the Surabhi Ensemble and wrote down some of the emotions we experienced in the last three years.</p><p>Then we created music and dance pieces to depict those emotions. We added video and multimedia elements, as well. </p><p>We hope that folks can see this work and relate. We hope that it inspires thought and healing as well. This work will continue to evolve. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wP0r3f2-MvQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="wP0r3f2-MvQ"></iframe></div> <br /><b>Q</b> – You have worked with so many people over the years. Do you have any dream collaborations or projects? <br /> <br />I really enjoy working with the Surabhi family. I would say that I look forward to other collaborations as they happen naturally through our travels and curiosity. <p></p><p>I don’t consider myself to be virtuoso or perfectionist by any means. But I have just enough skills to find common ground with other artists whom I've met along the way. </p><p>I like that feeling. I try to find artists who have a common world view…to me that’s more important than working with any famous artist or virtuoso. But it might be fun to do something with Peter Gabriel. <br /><br /><br /></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5051158397345185983.post-4919592844581805142023-06-11T15:27:00.000-05:002023-06-11T15:27:19.335-05:00Aurora native Nick Wiesner to celebrate release of new album with CD release party at The Venue in Aurora<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RWkVi5iZw1ZqXKp8FUGe-xSxmJiq25YhzLWDXpXFYFWOHG_wfZvnnPWYiwXavbAqrgH4p0A5PnXHcLEPRO248k55d9k39uxTB5CkQwk7fQsvfalX3dqFN-XIA3gdNyJ_ZzqF9Ho_NZAvWO7A8Ldlt39Ao7h0zi1TSs9M-Rye1SDVrwtbmM0A0LDJbA/s1080/thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1080" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RWkVi5iZw1ZqXKp8FUGe-xSxmJiq25YhzLWDXpXFYFWOHG_wfZvnnPWYiwXavbAqrgH4p0A5PnXHcLEPRO248k55d9k39uxTB5CkQwk7fQsvfalX3dqFN-XIA3gdNyJ_ZzqF9Ho_NZAvWO7A8Ldlt39Ao7h0zi1TSs9M-Rye1SDVrwtbmM0A0LDJbA/w400-h385/thumbnail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>By ERIC SCHELKOPF</p><p><br /></p><p>Singer-songwriter <a href="http://facebook.com/nickwiesnermusic">Nick Wiesner</a> hopes that his music helps people through their struggles.<br /><br />The 21-year-old Aurora native is set to release his debut studio album, “Valerie Blaine,” on June 23. To celebrate the release of the album, Wiesner will perform at 8 p.m. June 23 at <a href="https://www.themusicvenue.org">The Venue</a>, 21 S. Broadway Ave. in downtown Aurora.<br /><br />Also on the bill is <a href="http://mirabelleskipworth.com/home">Mirabelle Skipworth </a>and The Brink Of. General admission tickets are $10, available at The Venue’s website, <a href="http://themusicvenue.org">themusicvenue.org</a>.<br /><br />I had the chance to Wiesner about the new album.<br /><br /><br /> </p><p><b>Q</b> – Great talking to you. I understand this is your debut studio album. What was it like to make an album in a studio this time around?<br /><br />It was so surreal. I just got to work with so many people who were just so professional and so committed to putting their all into this project.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Where did you make your debut album, “Flight”?<br /><br />That was made in a spare room/garage of one of my friends. It was just one mike and no drums.</p><p><b>Q</b> – And your EP, “Growing Up,” where was that made?<br /><br />That was made in my bedroom. <br /><br /><b>Q</b> – And that was released in May 2020 and comprised of songs that you wrote during the COVID-19 quarantine. So I guess it made sense that you made the album in your bedroom.<br /><br />Yeah, that was kind of intentional. I wanted to share the quarantine experience that I was having. I was in high school at the time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8a_U_WMeXbQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="8a_U_WMeXbQ"></iframe></div><br /><b>Q</b> – Does your debut studio album, “Valerie Blaine,” have guest musicians on it?<br /><br />Yes. I think there are close to 15 people who ended up contributing in some way. <br /><br /><b>Q</b> – So I understand the album is named for a person who you never met before that person unfortunately passed away.<br /><br />It’s a very unfortunate story, but it is what inspired the whole album, really. About two years ago, when I was finishing high school, I was also going through some very challenging mental illness struggles.<br /><br />It’s a pretty big focus on the album. That’s essentially what this album is for, suicide prevention. <br /><br />Because I struggled with that near the end of my high school experience. That’s actually why I started writing the song “Valerie Blaine,” because I made it through an attempt. The first verse is about me and my experiences.<br /><br />I learned about a fellow high school student who had committed suicide like the day after I started writing that song. So the rest of that song after that first verse is dedicated to him.<br /><br />I chose the name Valerie Blaine because I didn’t want to share his name. That’s not my information to share.<br /><br />But I wanted it to be a specific name because it’s a very personal issue. Everybody deals with it differently and nobody can truly know how anybody else is feeling.<br /><br />I made it a fictional person so it can apply to everybody who deals with it, but in a broad spectrum.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – I understand that you consider “Valerie Blaine” to be the most personal album you have released.<br /><br />Yes, which says a lot, because I don’t really write music that doesn’t have at least some sort of personal connection.<br /><br /><b>Q</b> – And of course Mirabelle Skipworth is on the bill with you at The Venue. I know she is originally from the area.<br /><br />She is like the reason I am a musician today, actually. They used to run an open mike night at Tredwell Coffee in downtown Aurora, which unfortunately, is now closed.<br /><br />Mirabelle heard me perform at Tredwell and she told me she thought I was really good and that she thought she could get me some gigs. <br /><br /><b>Q </b>– That’s nice when musicians can come together like that.<br /><br />Yeah, and she’s all about that. <br /><br /><b>Q</b> – Ultimately, what would you like your music to do for people?<br /><br />If people are struggling, they can listen to the songs and feel heard. They might not necessarily feel all better right away, but just feel justified in their sadness or justified in their struggles.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>Eric Schelkopfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14492820827335291845noreply@blogger.com0