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 30 weeks into the year and I have seen 70 shows.
Secret Bad Boy. Wow. I had no idea what to expect when I walked into this show, but they got me groovin’ and totally into the music without knowing any of it. Their sound travelled between pop rock to smooth soul with thoughtful, catchy lyrics. I loved the happy vibes of all the musicians as they performed. They really grabbed the audience when frontman, Ben, took his voice from a high falsetto to a rumbling deep baritone and laid down a dance beat with a wicked bass line. It is a song they haven’t released a recording of yet, but Ben promises they will be rolling out new tracks starting in the fall. In the meantime, catch Secret Bad Boy around town if you get a chance, and be prepared to shake your thang.
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for “A Lighter Suitcase.”
Up next was Ezra Furman, writer of pop songs that tell stories. They flowed from angry to fun to cathartic, sometimes all at the same time. The audience was there to catch every word, singing along and dancing with passion. It’s so amazing to see someone who has something real to say about life find an audience for that authentic story. If you’ve ever felt alienated, fallen in love, or wanted to risk everything to feel alive, you’ll find something in Ezra’s music.
Throughout the set, it was clear that Ezra was able to let loose and literally throw himself into the music because all the musicians in his backing band, the Visions, are at the top of their game. The drummer pulled out all sorts of instruments to compliment the kit. The bassist doubled as a cellist. The keys player also played guitar (and is front-man of Secret Bad Boy). All of these rotate into all sorts of combinations. The audience was incredibly into the saxophone–during his solos the energy in the room crackled.
For the encore, Ezra came back to the stage alone and played a couple songs stripped back to just him and his guitar. He was so vulnerable and laid bare, especially during a cover of Brian Wilson’s “Love and Mercy.” Being in that space, listening to Ezra sing that song with raw authenticity, felt like we were all bestowing a little peace and comfort onto each other.
Secret Bad Boy Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Ezra Furman Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
You must be logged in to post a comment.