I visited Chicago for the first time last week and I only had two nights in the city.
Monday I checked out the house band at Blue Chicago. The band was great. Big Time Sarah was singing the real stuff.
Tuesday, after the Cubs game, I went to Kingston Mines. Two bands, Joanna Connor Band and Chico Banks were playing. I've seen Joanna Connor several times in Tampa and I think she plays with a lot of heart. Her band was very good and the dance floor was busy from the get-go.
The Kingston Mines has two stages. Chico Banks and his band came on right after Joanna finished her first set. There is something magical about hearing a great artist for the first time. Chico is an amazing player and good singer.
He started the set with Hendrix, R. Ford & SVR. Then he played orgininals. His Hendrix and SRV were very good. His "Revelation" was amazing. I love this song and I've heard the Yellowjackets play it without the guitar part. I've never heard anyone play the guitar part live. Chico was backed by a very fine band including keyboardist Brian James. These guys absolutely nailed this song. It was very close to the recording by Robben, but hearing it live was a lot more powerful.
The rest of Chico's set was raw & funky electric boogie blues.
Something like Bobby Rush meets Lucky Peterson. I picked up his new cd, "Candy Lickin' Man"
Next stop.... Kalamazoo Blues Festival _________________ Travelling by train of thought
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