Saturday night Keita performed a 75 minute set of infectious dance music. The rhythms combined with intricate, melodic, trance-like instrumental grooves wove this complex sound that had the crowd in motion from beginning to end. Prominent to the ensemble was ever present kora, a 21 string, bridge harp west African instrument played by Mamadou Diabate. The plucking rhythms make this sound distinct, organic, tribal and a counterpoint to Djessou Mory Kante’s electric guitar. For a… Continue reading Salif Keita at The Chicago World Music Festival
Kevin Morby rose to prominence as bassist in Woods, with who he recorded seven albums on Woodsist Records (Kurt Vile, The Oh Sees, Real Estate) while also forming The Babies with Cassie Ramone of Vivian Girls. Full of listless wanderlust, Morby’s new album, City Music is a collection inspired by and devoted to the metropolitan experience across America.… Continue reading Kevin Morby | Lincoln Hall | Chicago, IL
Rebirth Brass Band brings their New Orleans second line street jazz to close The 37th annual Chicago Jazz Festival to a roaring crowd. A musical tradition having been around nearly as long as the festival itself starting back in 1983, This eight piece brass ensemble blasts out New Orleans jazz that is unbeatable. Starting at 8:30 they packed in… Continue reading Rebirth Brass Band
Founding members Elliot and Natalie Bergman led their Chicago-based ensemble through their unique blend of psychedelic pop, ska/reggae, funk and rock fueled arrangements. On lead vocals, Natalie Berman has a hint of Amy Winehouse in her voice and is playful, confident and the center focus on stage. Riding on their 2015 release Dreamland, their… Continue reading Wild Belle
Unique to the video is that it was produced by Ashley Huicochea, an aspiring student videographer who won a Chicago Public School’s district-wide competition to produce the video. The event benefited Chance the Rapper’s art fund, SocialWorks, that empowers Chicago’s youth through the arts, education and civic engagement. After an opening set by local Chicago… Continue reading Jamila Woods Charity Performace
Singer, songwriter, composer, politician and activist Yousou N’Dour is likely the most internationally famous Afropop superstar known in western culture. With an impressive catalogue of thirty three releases (excluding collaborations and compliations) dating back to 1984, he is prolific to say the least. His 1990 collaborations “Shaking the Trees” and “Mercy Street” with Peter Gabriel brought his name to the forefront… Continue reading Yousou N’Dour
Consisting of guitarist and producer Eddie Roberts, drummer Simon Allen, bassist Pete Shand and Joe Tatton on organ and piano, The New Mastersounds get down to business. No frills, no stage antics, just infectious dance music that is incredibly tight. Their rhythmic nuance reveals years playing together. Melodies are accessible yet not simple. The music… Continue reading The New Mastersounds Live
Loud, energized and passionate, Mike Cooley, Patterson Hood and crew delivered a moving 90 minute set of politically charged rockin’ music. Progressive and outspoken they do not hesitate to let their position be known beginning with the opening song “Surrender Under Protest”. “Compelled Yet Not Defeated, Surrender under protest if your must.” Their 2016 release ‘American Band’ sums them up… Continue reading Drive-by Truckers
Divided between three color-coded stages, Pitchfork Music Festival’s line up has constant acts performing largely avoiding complete overlap. Timed so that fans can catch nearly all sets with the exception of a few head-to-head afternoon time slots one can take in much of what is offered. Factoring in easy access, and short distances between stages Union Park is a… Continue reading Pitchfork Music Festival 2017
Friday, July 7th, Harper hit The Taste of Chicago stage sporting a Chicago Cub’s world champion tee-shirt and was quick to share his love for the city speaking to his past experiences that deeply influenced him; music and food. Clearly Harper has an affinity for Chicago, and Chicago for him. Touring with his original entourage of The Innocent Criminals,… Continue reading Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals
