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 41 weeks into the year, and I have seen 175 shows.
The Edwards had a decidedly chill sound, characterized by the trio of guitars weaving deceptively simple layers like a landscape of rolling hills. As they picked up the pace, they leaned into the journey, letting themselves be moved by the groove.
Bass player Stuart McGadyen nodded his head, and guitarist Emma McCall shook hers. “Thought” brought a little something different with some asymmetrical drum work by Chris DePorter. He had many stellar moments, knowing exactly how to sprinkle in some interest or drive the music as needed.
My favorite song of the set was the one they closed with, “Wicker Park.” It evolved into a psych jam that really got the juices flowing. The throbbing music was matched by throbbing lights, and the song left me breathless. The Edwards are definitely a Chicago band worth seeking out.
Emily Blue had the pipes and the showmanship of a powerhouse stadium performance. While her recordings are glossy pop, her live show has transitioned to a more rock-based sound. Over these past three years, she has reinvented and evolved, so it’s hard to say if she will continue in this direction–or shift again. Change is the only constant in life, and it certainly keeps things interesting for her fans.
But, if she stuck with the rock star thing, I’d be down for that.
You should definitely try to catch her while she has this band backing her. They were truly killer, and she held the reins of the show with ease. “Waterfalls” felt like a completely different song in their hands. The bass player, Nick Soria, brought a funk that made me sway my hips. It was the first of many moments when his playing would make me look to my neighbors in mutual appreciation. When the band left the stage for a backing tracked song, “Addicted to my Phone,” the tension left the performance. Well, at least it did until the dancers Elijah and Cameron graced us with their presence. Even the straight boys in the audience had weak knees. The band came back with a vengeance for a cover of Blondie’s “Call Me” and continued to rock us for the rest of the set. Max Perenchio’s guitar brought a wild shredding style, while Evan Opitzother added finesse. “Blackberries” had an aggressive jazz groove courtesy of drummer, Justin Peters.
They closed with my favorite track, “Cellophane.” Emily ended strong, running her voice all over her register. I am sure that if anyone there hadn’t heard of Emily Blue before, they weren’t likely to forget her after that performance.
Michigander played the biggest show of his headlining Midwest tour (“Midwest rules!” was declared by one audience member) here at Lincoln Hall. Since the first time I saw Jason Singer play, I was drawn to his emotionally vulnerable music. Every time I listen to “Fears,” the lyrics “If you find me, don’t ever leave me alone” still feel like a dagger to my heart. A longing for and the importance of genuine human connection pervades his music. In “Reds,” he sings: “I won’t let you go …you don’t have to figure it out.”
During the mantra-like refrain of “come on back to me” in “East Chicago, Indiana,” it is unclear if he is talking to the listener, a best friend, himself, or some unrequited love. But, that is part of the appeal and makes it easy to sing out and think about whoever and whatever is laying heavy on your heart.
As he played “Nineties,” the sliding guitar notes and the undercurrent of trumpet made for a layered sound I couldn’t get enough of. As Singer adds more band members and elements to the performance, the scale of the sound begins to match the big feelings he sings about. Jake Lemond had a guitar solo so epic during the rocker “Alice” the audience yelled out his praises and Jason suggested that Jake should solo for the next two hours.
The love Jason had for his bandmates was clear. As he said back at SWSX, “Playing music is a lot more fun with friends.”
This was demonstrated with their rendition of “Misery” which started with Jason solo on guitar strumming thoughtfully. As they broke into the chorus and the band joined, it was like a wave of emotion crashing on the audience. This was only surpassed by the closing song, an epic rendition of “Fears.” We had to go, but the memory of that show will never leave me.
The Edwards Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Emily Blue Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Michigander Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
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