My goal is to see one show per week. Yes, I might be that annoying friend that just has to tell you about the thing you missed, but I’m also catching every great show in the city of Chicago–with plenty more ahead of me. Welcome to the Chicago Concert Dispatch.
At the time of this show, it is 45 weeks into the year and I have seen 108 shows.
The lead singer of DeYoung & Jones had the in-your-face attitude of a hype man. DeYoung called out for the audience to give him more energy, he pointed, kicked, and shook his bootie. By contrast the band delivered expertly, without frills. I loved the horn section–especially the baritone sax break–they added depth and texture. The sound was wide ranging. Every song revolved around a city, and it seemed like the style of the music changed to fit the character of the city and story they were telling.
Weird Bananas filled the stage with seven band members, Their very presence seems to be making a statement. Like a sousaphone decorated with lights. They filled the space with a vibe that was subtle, serious, yet decidedly weird. They used sound clips, noise, melody, complicated instrumentation, and simple/minimal lyrics to create a unique sound and experience. Impossible to describe. You have to see them perform to understand their unique sound. It was fun to see what they pulled out of their box of tricks for the next song. My favorite song was “Chewy Motherfucker” the music was so happy, but the lyrics so harshly crass. I loved the contrast.
“My name is Jake and we are going to shout at you for a bit.” A great way to introduce your band, especially when you deliver. Jake Simmons and the Little Ghosts came on strong and didn’t let up. Powerful and tight. I loved the grumbling undertones of Jake’s voice and his muscular playing style. He made excellent use of the stage, putting his weight into the music. The whole band had a subtle, confident, rocking attitude. The music had a grunge/garage rock sound, with just a hint of a twang. They had a great attitude, even playing to a small Wednesday crowd, Jake said they had nothing but good feelings coming at them. I was thrilled when they played a kick-ass cover of Men At Work’s “Overkill” which they followed very strongly with their song “All My Friends Are Dead.”
Badwater Sound was just one guy and a guitar. One of those performances that make you marvel at how much depth, rhythm, and noise can be created with just an acoustic guitar. Ok, so there were a couple songs he added a harmonica, or a bit of whistling, but otherwise, really, no looping, no recorded tracks, nothing but his voice and guitar. He wailed on that thing and used the full dynamic range of his voice to express his music. After starting the night with a full to bursting stage, it was really quite beautiful. Loved his tune “Dam the Night.” His live acoustic performance had that undefinable something the recording can’t capture.
DeYoung & Jones Facebook | Bandcamp
Weird Bananas Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Jake Simmons and the Little Ghosts Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Badwater Sound Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
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