Ari Brown hasn’t often sought the spotlight, but his blend of bebop rigor and avant-garde daring puts him on par with the likes of Fred Anderson and Von Freeman.
Tag: Chuck Berry
Posted inMusic
Ron Haydock was a Renaissance man of trash culture
In his tragically short life, Ron Haydock careened through rockabilly, monster magazines, pulp novels, and exploitation films.
Posted inMusic
The Aces helped invent the sound of electric Chicago blues
The Aces are best known as a backing band, but they took the lead when it came to the future of the blues.
Posted inMusic
Thirty-five moments that brought Chicago music to the world
The Year of Chicago Music has had less music in it than anybody anticipated, but we still have plenty to celebrate.
Posted inMusic
David Dann on his new biography of blues-rock guitarist Michael Bloomfield
From Glencoe to Monterey Pop to oblivion: Michael Bloomfield’s huge talent and unique style changed rock guitar forever, but while Clapton and Hendrix entered the canon, he faded away.
Posted inMusic
Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy did much more than join the Blues Brothers
By the time Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi recruited him, Murphy had worked as a sideman for the likes of Howlin’ Wolf, Memphis Slim, and James Cotton.
Posted inBlogs
Bob Seger’s conspicuous online absence, The Voice, lo-fi house: the week in music writing
The Reader‘s weekly best in music writing across the web
Posted inMusic
The Chicago blues pantheon needs more women—and Queen Sylvia Embry deserves a spot
Queen Sylvia Embry’s bass playing and warm, soulful singing made her a hit in local clubs and on transatlantic tours.
Posted inMusic
The Trouble Boys brought dumb punk fun to the U. of C. in the late 70s
The Trouble Boys never made a record, but guitarist and singer Don Hedeker went on to play in Algebra Suicide and the Polkaholics.
Posted inMusic
The Secret History of Chicago Music: Lafayette Leake
Brilliant pianist Lafayette Leake played countless sessions with blues giants but released little music of his own.
Posted inMusic
Gear Up, Emo Kid
The Smoking Popes announce a concept album and Gauge plays with Haymarket Riot. Plus: Chrissy Murderbot signs to Planet Mu, James Chance likes Snapple, and more
Posted inBlogs
Early Warnings Roundup
This week’s Early Warnings include Chuck Berry, Big Freedia, Gang of Four, Girl Talk, Rob Halford, My Brightest Diamond, Rick Ross, and the Wu-Tang Clan.