Bluegrass is booming, with new fans discovering fresh groups every day, and Wheels North ranks among the finest of Chicago’s contributions. I recently had the pleasure of watching this progressive quartet light up the night.
They announced their arrival with a rousing bluegrass re-imagining of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Momma I’m Coming Home.” Thrilling strings, crystal-clear lyrics, and tight harmonies made the rock anthem feel born for the back porch. Bassist Jesse Fuller proved a masterful anchor, seasoning every groove with jazzy and bluesy riffs the way a chef spices jambalaya.
Originals followed—“Nothing More” and “Lucky in Love” showed the band’s stylistic range—before Jesse lent his silky voice to Bruce Cockburn’s “Lovers in a Dangerous Time.” The tender original “Ain’t Gone for You” revealed the group’s softer side.
During soundcheck I zeroed in on guitarist Mark Frystak, a perfectionist whose melodic lines and fearless solos suggest he needn’t worry. His sweet, tight harmonies and expressive flat-picking draw warm, happy tones from his instrument.
Banjo player and lead vocalist Hayley Skreens is Wheels North’s de facto emcee. Her easygoing banter, honest humor, and disarming smile make every venue feel like Hayley’s living room—bluegrass as a family affair.
Rounding out the lineup is fiddler Chris Grant. Forget “hot”—Chris is on fire. As the first set neared its break, the band unleashed him on the Hungarian showpiece “Csárdás.” I’ve heard virtuoso violinists tackle the piece in concert halls; Chris nailed every note, while the band’s bluegrass twist lifted the tune beyond its folk roots. Simply amazing.
The set closed with the heart-warming original “Jonah’s Town,” after which the musicians mingled with the crowd like old neighbors. That wholesomeness epitomizes both bluegrass and Wheels North.
Set two opened with another curveball: a jaunty take on Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me” that the audience devoured. More originals—“Fly on the Wall,” “New Love,” “Time Stands Still”—kept the momentum soaring. All too soon Hayley announced one last number: a bluegrass medley of Pink Floyd classics that sent everyone home grinning.
Wheels North plays widely across the Midwest and should be on every roots-music radar. Their new album Arrival is streaming everywhere and has already earned praise here on Grateful Web. Seek them out—you won’t be disappointed.
