Dec 15, 2015
By Alex Wood | Images: andrewbirdmusic InstagramThe fourth and final night of Andrew Birds Gezelligheid run at Fourth Presbyterian Church found the Chicago violinist in an especially comfortable form, leading to a number of rarities and live debuts.Though about half of the songs played were also performed at Mondays show, there are never two identical...
Dec 8, 2015
By: Alex WoodBird followed with another potential live-debut, a song from the upcoming album that was initially intended to be a love song but became a clever song about writing love songs and their often formulaic and banal lyrical choices. Perhaps most importantly, Bird announced that the song would appear on the album as a...
Dec 2, 2015
Public Image Ltd. Rises To The OccasionBy: Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioPublic Image Ltd.released its10th studio albumWhat the World Needs Nowin September, and justwrapped up its North American tour. John Lydon and company played sold-out shows on both coasts, in Montreal, and even in Lincoln, Nebraska.The band played to a smaller...
Nov 30, 2015
By: Carmel O'Farrell | Photos: Michael Welter | Video: Charles IzenstarkThe Umphreys community in the Chicagoland area contains some of the most devout fans in the jam world.After all, this prog-heavy powerhouse rock sextet once called the Windy City their home and cut their teeth in many of the local venues like Martyrs and Schubas....
Nov 30, 2015
Photos: Jon RosenbergerThe scene: the lights go down for the second set, after a drum-set and keyboard are inconspicuously set up stage right.With guitarist Dave Bruzza manning the kit, Greensky Bluegrass divesheadlong into the newish reggae-tinged original, "For Sure, Uh-Huh", this time with a rock-steady beat oozing from the bass drum.Dobro man Anders...
Nov 11, 2015
By: Judith Barahal | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioMidwest stalwarts The BoDeans took an adoring audiencethrough a 30-year strongsongbook this past Saturday night at Chicago Symphony Center. Taking the stage as a trio,lead singer/guitarist Kurt Neumannexplained that when the band saw the grandpiano on the stage, they wanted to take full advantage of thesetting.Neumann, guitarist/...
Nov 8, 2015
By Alex WoodIts easy to see why the jam-band scene has embraced The Wood Brothers with such passion.Their performance at The Vic featured everything fans could want, from stylistic variation to expert musicianship to a fervent stage show that found the musicians perfectly comfortable in a larger setting.The show was the most tickets...
Nov 2, 2015
Gang of Four ConnectsWith Fans in Chicagoby Joann D. Ball | Photos: Philamonjaro StudioU.K. post-punk upstarts Gang of Four formed in Leeds, England in 1977. Original Gang member and lead guitarist Andy Gill keeps the insurgent spirit alive with a solid line-up featuring current comrades John Gaoler Sterry on vocals, bassist Thomas McNeice, and drummer Johnny...
Oct 29, 2015
By: Heidi Peters | Additional Reporting: Sam PetersOver twenty years into a career, Old 97s are making music with integrity rootedin great songs, masterful musicianship, engaging vocals and a broad range of styles.Introduced by WXRT's Johnny Mars, the bandoccupies a space where that station serves our market well. Where 20 years ago, they may have threatened...
Oct 23, 2015
Shapeshifting In Chicago - ALO @ Double Door 10/14/15By @312mrgA Wednesday morphed into a Saturday last week inChicago, with ALO playing a smoking hot, extended set at the Double Door.A week into a tour supporting Tangle of Time, their latest release, the band took their party to Bucktownwith an undeniableswagger. The band broughtpolished new tunes...