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MIDWEST BLUES BEAT |
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by Eric Steiner
ERIC’S BLUES BIRTHDAY PARTY
In June, I received an early birthday present: I went to my first Chicago Blues Festival!
It was a privilege to see Pinetop Perkins, Sam Lay, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Hubert Sumlin, Kankakee’s After Midnight Blues Band, Liz Mandville Greeson, the Chicago Blues Harmonica Project, and Toronzo Cannon and the Cannonball Express in the sweltering summer heat.
In the upper left hand corner of the country where I live, temperatures rarely reach 90º, so it was a treat to work on my tan and hang out with singers like Pat Smillie and Debbie Seitz. Check out my blues festival scrapbook above this column and you’ll see why I’m planning to return next year.
Last month, editor Tom Lounges passed another middle age milestone, and like the Beatboss himself, I am not going gently into what Spalding Gray called “the Bermuda Triangle of health.”
July marks the 25th anniversary of my 22nd birthday. I celebrated my 22nd in Chicagoland, and my memory of that night is, to be diplomatic, foggy. Let’s just say that Tom and Freak would certainly understand.
I’m going to celebrate by playing the latest from Nick Moss and the Flip Tops, the Chicago Blues Harmonica Project, and Otis Clay. Let me tell you why these three CDs will help me usher in my 48th year in style.
NICK MOSS AND THE FLIP TOPS: Sadie Mae (Blue Bella)
If I didn’t read Dick Shurman’s liner notes to Sadie Mae, I’d would have sworn that Nick’s 16 cuts were laid down at 2120 South Michigan Avenue and produced by the Chess brothers. Think classic guitar-fueled Chicago blues, circa 1953.
Nick’s never been better, and I hope his CD, Sadie Mae, helps pay his daughter Sadie Mae’s college tuition 17 years down the line.
THE CHICAGO BLUES HARMONICA PROJECT: Diamonds in the Rough (Severn Records)
Take six world-class harmonica men, add the Chicago Bluesmasters as backup, and you’ve got a jewel of a CD. Dusty Brown, Omar Coleman, Russ Green, Larry Cox, Harmonica Khan #1 and Little Addison do harmonica blues proud through 12 strong cuts.
Diamonds in the Rough features blues elders at the top of their game as they mentor a younger generation worthy to walk (and blow some mean harp) in their shadows.
OTIS CLAY: Respect Yourself (Blind Pig)
Otis Clay poured his heart and soul onto wax for the Cotillion, Hi and One-derful labels in the sixties, and this under-appreciated Chicago soul singer is back with a live set from Switzerland’s Lucerne Blues Festival in 2003. Respect Yourself is his third outing for Blind Pig and it is a solid mix of soul and Gospel.
SIZZLING LOCAL BLUES
On July 1st, Magic Slim and the Teardrops play Buddy Guy’s Legends, and look for their live CD and DVD Anything Can Happen, scheduled for release on August 16th on Blind Pig.
I’ve been writing about The Steepwater Band for a long time, and it was a thrill to see them play the Chicago Blues Festival. Celebrate Independence Day with Tom Lounges and Hegewisch Lisa as they host The Steepwater Band, The Highway Band and The Bedlam Brothers on the 4th at the Cedar Lake Summer Festival.
Chicago Heights hosts the 5th Annual Sopro Productions Summer All-Star Blues Revue at Bloom High School, part of a four-day fest with fireworks on the 3rd.
On July 10th, Steve Ditzell and the Blue Lightning Band play the Bud Light stage at Navy Pier on July 10th, and they’re also regulars at Pop’s in Highwood, IL.
Corky Siegel will play the Unity Church Concert in the Garden Series on Thorne Avenue on July 29th – he’s with Ed Tossing and Megan McDonough. Megan’s stunning solo shows at Orphan’s in the 1970’s and recent tours with the Four Bitchin’ Babes are great memories.
One of my newest discoveries is Molly Malone’s in Forest Park. Proprietor Molly Riley features live music, a great bar and great food. Next month, check out Debbie Seitz’ acoustic side on the 6th. When I get back to the Midwest, hanging out at Molly Malone’s is a must, particularly for the awesome Guinness stew and perfect pint of Guinness. More info: www.themollymalones.com
Until next month, let’s play the blues! |
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