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Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Mar 26, 2019
Video
Blues bassist Calvin ‘Fuzz’ Jones made Muddy Waters sound his best

Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, who spent most of his five-decade career in Chicago, was one of the most prominent sidemen in electric blues.
- By Steve Krakow
- Tags: The Secret History of Chicago Music, Winter Blues, blues, Calvin Jones, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, bass, Muddy Waters, Greenwood, Inverness, Senatobia, Southaven, Clarksdale, Mississippi, lung cancer, Howlin' Wolf, Elmore James, Little Walter, Pinetop Perkins, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Carey Bell, King Bee, Mississippi Heat, Barrelhouse Chuck, Jelly Roll All-Stars, Cassandra Wilson, Legendary Blues Band, The Blues Brothers, John Lee Hooker, Eye to Eye, Vietnam Blues, Glamoured, Must Be Jelly, Video

Music, Music Feature Aug 27, 2018
Bassist Eric Revis works at the conflux of the mainstream and its far-out tributaries

The quartet he brings to Jazz Fest is packed with inside-outside explorers: pianist Kris Davis, reedist Ken Vandermark, and drummer Chad Taylor.
- By John Corbett
- Tags: Music Feature, Chicago Jazz Festival, Jazz Festival, jazz, Eric Revis, bass, Eric Revis Quartet, Kris Davis, Ken Vandermark, Chad Taylor, Sing Me Some Cry, Branford Marsalis Quartet, Tales of the Stuttering Mime, Laughter’s Necklace of Tears, Betty Carter, Peter Brötzmann, Nasheet Waits, Kurt Rosenwinkel, J.D. Allen, Steve Coleman, Green Mill

Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Mar 14, 2018
Video
Bluesman Benny Turner has spent decades as a sideman—including to his brother, guitar god Freddie King

Benny Turner has often seemed content to stay 20 feet from stardom, but 60 years into his career he's finally making a name for himself.
- By Steve Krakow
- Tags: The Secret History of Chicago Music, Benny Turner, Freddie King, blues, Winter Blues, Ella Mae King Turner, Kindly Shepherds, gospel, R&B, Squeeze Club, Walton's Corner, Dee Clark, Hide Away, Soul Stirrers, bass, guitar, One-derful, M-Pac!, Mighty Joe Young, Marva Wright, New Orleans, Survivor, Bill Dahl, Chicago Blues Hall of Fame, Video

Music, In Rotation Jul 25, 2017
Video
Karissa Talanian of Eye Vybe Records on a new online mecca for Chicago underground music

Plus: Singer-songwriter Drea Smith on her Bad Brains time machine, the Reader’s Kevin Warwick on the wild card from this year’s Pitchfork, and more
- By Kevin Warwick
- Tags: In Rotation, Larry Graham, Sly & the Family Stone, Graham Central Station, bass, slap bass, funk, tutorial, Cherry Glazerr, Pitchfork Music Festival, Blue Stage, Clementine Creevy, Jim DeRogatis, R. Kelly, Buzzfeed News, Sound Opinions, Sun-Times, Karissa Talanian, Eye Vybe Records, Kikagaku Moyo, Guruguru Brain, Moss Folk, Velcro Lewis Group, Amnesia Haze, Patriarchal Reptile, Safety Meeting Records, Looking Glass Projects, Drea Smith, Red, Akoustik (Cellophane), Highness Collective, Bad Brains, CBGB, Big Take Over, Dr. Know, H.R., Just Like a Baby, Childish Gambino, Video

Blogs, Bleader Mar 16, 2017
Ruido Fest announces its 2017 lineup

This year's Ruido Fest spans genres and generations, with Intocable, Bomba Estéreo, Molotov, Julieta Venegas, Titán, El Guincho, Ruido Rosa, and many more.
- By Austin Brown
- Tags: Ruido Fest, Intocable, Cultura Profetica, Molotov, Julieta Venegas, Bomba Estereo, Fobia, Duncan Dhu, Titán, Mon Laferte, Lucybell, Los Amigos Invisibles, A Band of Bitches, El Guincho, Javiera Mena, Alex Anwandter, Adan Jodorowsky, Buscabulla, Ruido Rosa, Pedrina y Rio, Sotomayor, Wookies, King Lil G, Rostros Ocultos, Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas, Las Pinas, Disco las Palmeras!, Clubz, Silver Rose, Extraperlo, Wet Baes, Los Nastys, Camilo Septimo, Simpson Ahuevo, Mylko, Acido Pantera, norteño, reggae, alt-rock, psychedelia, bass, garage-pop, surf rock, Alejandro Jodorowsky, techno, punk, shoegaze

Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Feb 14, 2017
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.
- By Steve Krakow
- Tags: The Secret History of Chicago Music, Queen Sylvia Embry, Sylvia Lee Burton, Blues Queen Sylvia, blues, gospel, piano, bass, Wabbaseka, Arkansas, Chuck Berry, Southern Echoes, Memphis, Pepper's Lounge, Pepper's, Johnny Embry, Z.Z. Hill, Don't Make Me Pay for His Mistakes, Lefty Dizz, Shock Treatment, Checkerboard Lounge, Kingston Mines, Jimmy Dawkins, Midnight Baby, Living Chicago Blues, Alligator Records, After Work, Blues Kings

Blogs, Bleader Mar 11, 2016
'There's no one sadder than someone who's sat on their own violin,' says a Chicago luthier

Ryan McLaughlin makes and repairs stringed instruments.
- By Anne Ford
- Tags: Chicagoans, Luthier, Chicagoans, Anne Ford, Ryan McLaughlin, violin, bass, instrument repair

Blogs, Bleader Jun 26, 2015
Tinkerbelles return home from their Guinness world-record attempt on Sunday

Their flawless jam "Rotten Tanx" is today's 12 O'Clock Track.
- By Luca Cimarusti
- Tags: 12 O'Clock Track, Music, 12 O'Clock Track, Tinkerbelles, Fine Asses, The Guinness Book of World Records, punk, postpunk, tour, drums, bass, Rotten Tanx, Adam Mohundro, Christian Dawson

Music, In Rotation Mar 10, 2014
In Rotation: The Owl's Aaron Dexter on his soundtrack to endless winter

Plus: The Sueves' Joe Schorgl on the essence of rock 'n' roll, the Reader's Luca Cimarusti on justice for Jason Newsted, and more
- By Luca Cimarusti
- Tags: In Rotation, Royal Trux, Coloured Balls, Bric-a-Brac Records, The Sweet, Wayne's World, Crescent, Blackest Ever Black, records, Melkbelly, Joe Schorgl, The Sueves, cartoonists, Bart Winters, Liam Winters, Miranda Stokes, Cooper Crain, Metallica, Jason Newsted, bass, remixes, Nothing, Domenic "Nicky Money" Palermo, shoegaze, bass, Dayal Patterson, books, black metal, Metal Hammer, Luca Cimarusti, The Owl, Aaron Dexter

Music, In Rotation Nov 4, 2013
In Rotation: Saxophonist Nick Mazzarella on John Coltrane in his own words

Plus: Drummer Frank Rosaly on three hours of Deathprod, the Reader's Peter Margasak on vintage dance music from northern Greece, and more
- By Peter Margasak
- Tags: In Rotation, Christopher King, compilations, Greek music, violin, clarinet, R. Crumb, Sons of Kemet, Shabaka Hutchings, Oren Marshall, Tom Skinner, Seb Rochford, Unni Løvlid, Naim Jazz, Angry Mom, Heilo, folk music, jazz, reggae, funk, Håkon Thelin, Peter Magasak, Nick Mazzarella, Nick Mazzarella Trio, Cicada Music, Green and Gold, Frank Rosaly, Cameron Pfiffner, Cameron PFiffner's Debut in Blues, Chicago Review Press, John Coltrane, books, Chris DeVito, Eddie Gale, Blue Note, Elvin Jones, horns, guitar, bass, percussion, Deathprod, Rune Grammofon, Helge Sten, Roscoe Mitchell, Tyshawn Sorey, Skopje Jazz Festival, Toru Takemitsu, Virgin Classics

Best of Chicago, Music & Nightlife Jun 19, 2013
Critics' Picks
Best Fallout From a Breakup

The many bands involving members of Coughs
- By Philip Montoro
- Tags: Music & Nightlife, Best of Chicago 2013, noise, Coughs, Lozenge, bands, Carrie Vinarsky, Anya Davidson, bass, guitar, Cacaw, percussionists, Jon Ziemba, no wave, Bomb Banks, keyboards, saxophone, Jail Flanagan, Learned Helplessness, Vanessa Harris, Gula Gila, Box, Forced Into Femininity, Gossip Wolf, Oakland, California, Sisterfucker, Stillsuit, Mind Cemetery, Kate Gronner, Providence, Rhode Island, Teenage Waistband, Seth Sher, Ga'an, Akhkhazu, Psychic Steel, Oakeater, Aaron Turner, Faith Coloccia, Sige, Zath, Ty Segall, Drag City, Critics' Picks

Blogs, Bleader Jun 14, 2013
Audio
Bassist Jason Roebke in musical conversation

Ubiquitous Chicago bassist Jason Roebke makes himself heard on a strong new duo album with reedist Tobias Delius.
- By Peter Margasak
- Tags: Jazz, Music, Post No Bills, Jason Roebke, bass, jazz, Tobias Delius, ICP Orchestra, Panoramic, Cuttlefish, Hideout, Audio

Music, The Secret History of Chicago Music Jun 13, 2013
The Secret History of Chicago Music: Athanor

This obscure psych-pop duo split the difference between the British Invasion and Amon Duul II on three mid-70s singles.
- Tags: The Secret History of Chicago Music, Athanor, The Secret History of Chicago Music, psychadelic pop, Glencoe, Greg Herriges, Rick Vittenson, 4 to Go, The Voyagers, The Domain, University of Oklahoma, Brevity, rock critics, Crawdaddy!, Encyclopedia of Occultism, Paragon Studios, Mike Miranda, John Bunkelman, bass, guitar, drums, David Winogrond, Bananafish, power pop, lawyers, writers, Guerssen

Music, Record Roundup Apr 1, 2013
Wire's gooey-sweet Change Becomes Us and 15 more record reviews

Eight Reader writers range all over the musical map, from Milk Music's revivalist take on early-90s "alternative" to Jace Clayton's irreverent tribute to minimalist composer Julius Eastman.
- By Peter Margasak, Miles Raymer, Kevin Warwick, Leor Galil, Monica Kendrick, Tal Rosenberg, Philip Montoro, and Luca Cimarusti
- Tags: Record Roundup, Wire, Pink Flag, Sheriffs of Nothingness, Sofa, Kari Ronnekleiv, Ole-Henrik Moe, viola, Sax G, Cloud Nice, Seattle rap, Seattle hip-hop, Planningtorock, Human Level, Janine Rostrom, Pink & Brown, Castle Face, noise punk, John Dwyer, Thee Oh Sees, Mudhoney, Sub Pop, Milk Music, Aosoth, Agonia, black metal, Fat Possum, Ora Cogan, Hairy Spider Legs, Spires That in the Sunset Rise, drone, alt-folk, Maddy Prior, Steeleye Span, Jace Clayton, New Amsterdam, DJ/Rupture, Julius Eastman, SUNY Buffalo, David Friend, Emily Manzo, Dinosaur Jr., Ensemble Pearl, Drag City, Sunn O))), Stephen O'Malley, Michio Kurihara, Ghost, Boris, Atsuo, William Herzog, guitar, drums, bass, Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter, Pedrito Martinez, Calle 54, Sony Masterworks, conguero, Camaron de la Isla, flamenco, rumba, Niño Josele, jazz piano, Bill Evans, Latin jazz, salsa, son, Lapalux, Brainfeeder, Stuart Howard, post-hip-hop, Flying Lotus, beat, G-funk, Roger Troutman, Pharcyde, Arabian Prince, DJ Koze, Pampa, Stefan Kozalla, microhouse, Kompakt, Battles, Hildegard Knef, Caribou, Julia Kent, Leaf Label, Rasputina, cello, Anthony & the Johnsons, Boris Hegenbart, Boris Hegenbart and 19 Artists, Monotype, sound art, Jan Thoben, Stephan Mathieu, Lee "Scratch" Perry, David Grubbs, banjo, Fred Frith, Martin Brandlmayer, Radian, Michael Vorfeld, Oren Ambarchi, Felix Kubin, Bernhard Günther, Boris Hauf, Ulrich Krieger

Film, Artist on Artist Feb 4, 2013
Video
Artist on Artist: Buke & Gase talk to Ian Schneller of Specimen Products

"How do you come up with a new guitar, without it being too nerdy or geeky? It's such a well-worn path."
- By Kevin Warwick
- Tags: Artist on Artist, Buke & Gase, Buke & Gass, Ian Schneller, Specimen Products, Arone Dyer, Aron Sanchez, guitar, digital effects, bass, ukulele, effects pedals, effects processorrs, Brassland, original instruments, Lincoln Hall, Video

Film, Artist on Artist Mar 27, 2012
Artist on Artist: Kool & the Gang's Robert 'Kool' Bell talks to the Eternals' Wayne Montana

"They were the rock party band of the 80s and we were the rock funk band of the 80s"
- Tags: Artist on Artist, Kool & the gang, Wayne Montana, funk, Van Halen, Robert "Kool" Bell, Eumir Deodato, James "J.T." Taylor, bass, The Eternals, Manu Dibango, Will Smith, Motwon

News & Politics, Mudville May 18, 2011
Waiting for the fish to bite in the Jackson Park Lagoon
- By Mick Dumke
- Tags: Mudville, fishing, Lake Michigan, bass, crappie, Jackson Park lagoon, perch, smelt

Blogs, Bleader Mar 17, 2011
Video
Image X Sound

Tatsu Aoki and Jonathan Chen perform live accompaniment to Aoki's films, Friday 3/18 at Chicago Filmmakers.
- By Ed M. Koziarski
- Tags: Film, Music, Japan, jazz, traditional, bass, violin, electronics, composition, improvisation, experimental, Tatsu Aoki, Jonathan Chen, image x sound, Chicago Filmmakers, Adebukola Bodunrin, traditional, Video

Blogs, Bleader Sep 7, 2010
Jason Roebke Alone

Bassist Jason Roebke celebrates the release of his first solo recording on Wednesday night at the Hideout; the Extraordinary Popular Delusions begin a new free weekly gig at the Beat Kitchen on Monday, September 20.
- By Peter Margasak
- Tags: Music, Post No Bills, Jason Roebke, In the Interval, Hideout, Chicago jazz, bass, solo, Extraordinary Popular Delusions, Beat Kitchen

Music, Critic's Choice Jul 3, 2003
Abdullah Ibrahim
- By Kevin Whitehead
- Tags: Critic's Choice, Duke Ellington, Jazz, Gospel, Bass, South Africa, African Percussion

Music, Critic's Choice Feb 2, 1995
Abdullah Ibrahim Trio
- By Neil Tesser
- Tags: Critic's Choice, Duke Ellington, Jazz, Gospel, South Africa, African Percussion, Bass

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Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, who spent most of his five-decade career in Chicago, was one of the most prominent sidemen in electric blues.

The quartet he brings to Jazz Fest is packed with inside-outside explorers: pianist Kris Davis, reedist Ken Vandermark, and drummer Chad Taylor.

Benny Turner has often seemed content to stay 20 feet from stardom, but 60 years into his career he's finally making a name for himself.

Plus: Singer-songwriter Drea Smith on her Bad Brains time machine, the Reader’s Kevin Warwick on the wild card from this year’s Pitchfork, and more

This year's Ruido Fest spans genres and generations, with Intocable, Bomba Estéreo, Molotov, Julieta Venegas, Titán, El Guincho, Ruido Rosa, and many more.

Queen Sylvia Embry's bass playing and warm, soulful singing made her a hit in local clubs and on transatlantic tours.

Ryan McLaughlin makes and repairs stringed instruments.

Their flawless jam "Rotten Tanx" is today's 12 O'Clock Track.

Plus: The Sueves' Joe Schorgl on the essence of rock 'n' roll, the Reader's Luca Cimarusti on justice for Jason Newsted, and more

Plus: Drummer Frank Rosaly on three hours of Deathprod, the Reader's Peter Margasak on vintage dance music from northern Greece, and more

The many bands involving members of Coughs

Ubiquitous Chicago bassist Jason Roebke makes himself heard on a strong new duo album with reedist Tobias Delius.

This obscure psych-pop duo split the difference between the British Invasion and Amon Duul II on three mid-70s singles.

Eight Reader writers range all over the musical map, from Milk Music's revivalist take on early-90s "alternative" to Jace Clayton's irreverent tribute to minimalist composer Julius Eastman.

"How do you come up with a new guitar, without it being too nerdy or geeky? It's such a well-worn path."

"They were the rock party band of the 80s and we were the rock funk band of the 80s"

Tatsu Aoki and Jonathan Chen perform live accompaniment to Aoki's films, Friday 3/18 at Chicago Filmmakers.

Bassist Jason Roebke celebrates the release of his first solo recording on Wednesday night at the Hideout; the Extraordinary Popular Delusions begin a new free weekly gig at the Beat Kitchen on Monday, September 20.

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