Finding the line between creativity and integrity is a daunting challenge when crafting a sound that owes as much to roots-driven music like honky-tonk and low country blues as it does to rock. Leave it to a band out of Chicago to land on just the recipe to offer a little something new while still honoring to the music they love. Drawing from the large pool of talent, and influences, that converge in this metropolis, Strawdaddy demonstrates how unique voices can come together and make music from the heart that can transcend genre.
Granted, vocalist Trevor McSpadden is a San Marcos, Texas native, but he has been suitably adopted by the greater Chicagoland community and is an active contributor to the burgeoning folk and country scene around town. Transplanted to the city to lend his honey-laced vocals to bands such as True Historians and Hoyle Brothers, McSpadden’s role in Strawdaddy requires him to amp up the soul in ways that don’t quite fit with these other projects.
Strawdaddy, "Change My Oil"
Meanwhile, Chicago native, guitarist Pete Hammon, fills the space around those vocals with tasteful licks that complement McSpadden’s country-stylings, although supplying a decided counterpoint. While his on-stage body language is nonchalant, his playing is anything but… he is a player who grew up with blues and rock, but wears his penchant for Zydeco on his sleeve. Talented enough to weave these elements together and respectful enough not overwhelm his bandmates, Hammon can slip into an extended solo as easily as he drops in the perfect Nawlins-flavored hook.
Strawdaddy, "New Orleans Hello"
The rhythm session of Doug Jensen (bass) and Jim Smiley (drums) plays to this side of Hammon’s musical personality perfectly. Adding just hint of funk, and a big city sensibility to tunes that would otherwise feel right at home in juke-joints and roadhouses, they round out Strawdaddy’s sound and make it accessible, while not skimping on the authenticity.
Strawdaddy plays a set February 5th at Brixie’s, opening for Mr. Blotto. Advanced, discount tickets are available now.
