Gnocchi

I wasn’t able to prepare last Friday’s serving of Slumgullion because I attended a soft opening for family and friends at the Rose Mary restaurant in Chicago’s Fulton Market area. As I’ve mentioned here before, my nephew Joe—former executive chef at the critically acclaimed Spiaggia restaurant and Season 15 Top Chef champion—now has his own restaurant. It officially opens tomorrow, and as I’ve given full disclosure, let me say I was thoroughly impressed with the place. I’m curious to see how professional food critics will weigh in, since my impression is that Joe Flamm has created a high-class venue that’s also accessible to families and diners who aren’t necessarily big-spending gourmets. The Italian-Croatian food was adventurous as well as delicious, and the professional, friendly staff kept things humming.

The Who will present a free livestream of a documentary about the creation its 1967 The Who Sell Out album on nugs.net on April 22. A post on the band’s official Instagram site promises rare archival footage well as new interviews with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry. The Who have a Super Deluxe Edition of The Who Sell Out arriving this Friday that includes 112 tracks on five CDs and two seven-inch singles. An even more ambitious edition features an 80-page hard cover book, rare posters, inserts, and stickers.

While I was downtown last Friday, I picked up a few of the free publications I’ve been missing out on while working from home. I subscribe to the Chicago Reader, but it was good to find the April issue of Newcity, with its 2021 Breakout Artists cover story. Chicago Social has a feature story called Tidal Shift this month that spotlights “The next wave of innovators . . . bringing a flood of fresh energy to Chicago.”

The Chicago Tribune recently picked up an article George Varga wrote for the San Diego Union-Tribune about the Mick Fleetwood And Friends Celebrate The Music Of Peter Green And The Early Years Of Fleetwood Mac double album and concert film. In addition to Mick Fleetwood, performers included David Gilmour, Noel Gallagher, Bill Wyman, Pete Townshend, Steven Tyler, Zak Starkey, Billy F. Gibbons, Kirk Hammett, John Mayall, Christine McVie, and Neil Finn. The album is due out later this month; the video is available on demand.

The April edition of the Illinois Entertainer is available online, with one of our state’s most endearing bands on the cover. In addition to Tom Lanham’s piece on Cheap Trick, readers will also find his interview with Elle King, who was very productive during the lockdown; along with album reviews of  Evanescene’s The Bitter Truth and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Pendulum 50th Anniversary Mardi Gras LP reissue.

WNUR’s annual fundraiser is underway and will run through April 25. Listeners are being asked to donate so the Chicago-based radio station can continue to broadcast its programs. One of those programs, The Power Pop Shoppe, kicked off the WNUR Phoneathon last Friday by playing new songs from The Handcuffs, Cheap Trick, The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, and others. Support your local music acts.

 

I just received my Illinois Rock And Roll Museum On Route 66 membership card in the mail. The museum is located at 9 West Cass Avenue in Joliet, Illinois, and offers exhibits that celebrate the history, genres and cultures that have shaped the work of local musicians who went on to become world famous. Those looking to lend their support can sign up at the website.

Saturday Slumgullion

Mr. Wood’s Rolling Stones portrait is available for sale on his website.

Congratulations to musician/artist Ronnie Wood on being honored with the Freedom of the City of London, which recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement. Wood also recently posted on Facebook that he’s been performing with The Rolling Stones for 46 years. And he’s got the paintings  to prove it.

It’s about time. WXRT finally extended the list of years it covers for the weekly Saturday Morning Flashback program to include 2000 and 2001. The Chicago radio station had only been going up to 1999 for quite a while. Air personality Johnny Mars did a fine job ushering in both of the new years in a special combo edition this morning. Mars, Richard Milne, and Frank E. Lee take turns hosting Saturday Morning Flashback, and I would be remiss if I did’t mention that Wendy Rice also did a great job running it for several years before they took over.

Tina, a new documentary about Tina Turner directed by Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin, premiered recently on HBO. According Chicago Sun-Times critic Richard Roeper’s three-and-a-half-star review, the film offers a “treasure trove of archival footage, interviews with former backup singers and songwriters and other associates of Tina’s, as well as a series of interviews with Turner.” The documentary will be available on demand via HBO, HBO2, and HBO Latino through May 2.

Morgan Fisher from Mott The Hoople makes a guest appearance as a synthesizer player on the new “She Ain't No Fluffer” single by The Handcuffs. The catchy, ribald tale is one of the two tracks featuring Fisher on the band’s upcoming Burn The Rails album. It will be the Chicago band’s fourth effort.

The 37th Annual Chicago Latino Film Festival opened this past Thursday and will feature a mix of 36 virtual screenings and drive-in screenings at ChiTown Movies at 2348 S. Throop.

Just a heads up to Steve Marriott fans: The April issue of MOJO magazine (with Lana Del Rey on the cover) comes with a free 15-track CD titled Afterglow: Rare! Live! Unreleased! - Steve Marriott - Small Faces - Humble Pie.

Tomorrow, April 11 is the final day to catch a livestream of Sweet Home Chicago Blues - Celebrating 50 Years Of Alligator Records on YouTube. The event features Billy Branch And The Sons Of Blues, along with special guests Shemekia Copeland; Toronzo Cannon; and Lil’ Ed Williams.

It was great to see Miriam Di Nunzio’s article in this past Thursday’s Chicago Sun-Times about the Mercury Theater staging (pun intended) a comeback a year after it announced it had closed for good due to the pandemic. Dancer-choreographer Christopher Chase Carter has been announced as the new Artistic Director. A few years back, my wife Pam and I enjoyed the Mercury Theater’s production of Spamalot so much we came a second time, along with some friends.

Chicago-based, hard-edged power pop band The Viaducts will kick off the month of May with a live gig on Chicago’s north side. More info to come. 

The Illinois Rock And Roll Museum On Route 66 is finally here but will need donations and subscribers to reach its full potential. The museum is housed in a three-story building at 9 West Cass Avenue in Joliet, Illinois, with exhibits that celebrate the history, genres and cultures that have shaped the work of local musicians who went on to become world famous. There will be a stage for live performances, a photo/art gallery, and an educational studio. Those looking to lend their support can sign up at the website.

Garbage is set to release its seventh album—No Gods No Masters—on June 11. A short preview of the song “The Men Who Rule The World” suggests it would be a good segue from Sunshine Boys’ song “Infinity Girl.”

As noted in a recent post on The Second Disc website, several recording artists have joined forces on a tribute album for the late Adam Schlesinger. The Saving For A Custom Van 3-LP set on pink vinyl is due out in September on Vinyl Me Please and will feature cover versions of Schlesinger compositions by Tanya Donelly and Gail Greenwood; Kay Hanley; Nada Surf; Rachel Bloom; Ted Leo; and others. The material showcases Schlesinger’s impressive work with Fountains Of Wayne and Ivy, as well as on motion picture soundtracks. All proceeds from the album will go to MusicCares COVID-19 Relief.

The Who will present a free livestream of a documentary about the creation its 1967 The Who Sell Out album on nugs.net on April 22. A post on the band’s official Instagram site promises rare archival footages well as new interviews with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry. The Who have a Super Deluxe Edition of The Who Sell Out arriving on April 23 that includes 112 tracks on five CDs and two seven-inch singles.

Stevie Van Zandt has added being an author to his list of entertainment-related activities. His book Unrequited Infatuations is now available for preorder from Hachette Books in print, eBook, and audio formats.

Singer-guitarist Steve Dawson from Dolly Varden and Funeral Bonsai Wedding has co-written an emotionally rich, fairy tale type musical with Bob Drucker that’s titled The Plane That Took A Train. It’s going to be released as a six-part podcast in the near future and features 15 songs.

Get Your Kicks

It’s been a while since I first heard about the plan to create an Illinois Rock And Roll Museum honoring the wealth of talent that’s emerged from this state over the decades. So it was a pleasant surprise when Brad Elvis recently posted a video on Facebook promoting the museum’s arrival. Brad Elvis, a founding member of The Handcuffs, as well as a veteran of The Elvis Brothers, Big Hello, and Screams, appears in the 30-second clip, along with Eddie “King” Roeser from Urge Overkill, vocalist Jenny Hall, vocalist Megon McDonough, and Gary Klebe from Shoes. Their collective message is that the Illinois Rock And Roll Museum On Route 66 is finally here but will need donations and subscribers to reach its full potential.

The museum is housed in a three-story building at 9 West Cass Avenue in Joliet, Illinois, with exhibits that celebrate the history, genres and cultures that have shaped the work of local musicians who went on to become world famous. There will be a stage for live performances, a photo/art gallery, and an educational studio. Those looking to lend their support can sign up at the website.

The website is also worth checking out for the t-shirts, mugs, and books at its online store. Cheap Trick is prominently featured in the merchandise, particularly via miniature replicas of Rick Nielsen’s fabulous guitars. Cheap Trick is among the artists chosen for the Illinois Rock And Roll Museum’s first Hall Of Fame induction, but the celebration has been postponed due to COVID-19. The other 2020 inductees are Muddy Waters, Ides Of March, REO Speedwagon, Buddy Guy, Chicago, The Buckinghams, WLS Radio, Larry Lujack, Dick Biondi, Chess Records, and The Thirsty Whale. The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 is a public charity 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Happy Birthday, Agnetha, Allan, Joe and Steve.

Cheers, Mr. Clarke. Welcome Back

Hard to believe I only just noticed that my nephew Joe Flamm was born on the same day as Allan Clarke, a founding member of The Hollies. Not the same year, of course, but both came into the world on an April 5th. You can add ABBA vocalist Agnetha Fältskog and Chicago-based musician Steve Dawson to those celebrating today.

Allan Clarke’s distinctive vocals can be heard on several Top 40 Hits, including “Look Through Any Window,” “I Can’t Let Go,” “Long Cool Woman,” “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” and “The Air The I Breathe.” The gorgeous harmonies he created with Graham Nash and Tony Hicks and the music he co-wrote with them resulted in The Hollies being inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Clarke retired in 2000, but released the impressive comeback solo effort Resurgence in 2019.

Joe Flamm will be opening his Rose Mary restaurant in Chicago’s trendy Fulton Market area on April 20, and it’s not just family pride that has me thinking it’s a big deal. My nephew was previously Executive Chef at the critically acclaimed Spiaggia restaurant on Michigan Avenue, and he won the Season 15 Top Chef competition on the Bravo channel. A recent video he posted to his Instagram page garnered 16,246 views. If I get 10 Likes on one of my Facebook posts, I think it’s a hit. Rose Mary will specialize in Italian and Croatian food, pastries and fine wines.

Singer-guitarist Steve Dawson has drawn critical acclaim for his work with the alt rock/Americana band Dolly Varden he fronts with his wife Diane Christiansen, as well as his other band Funeral Bonsai Wedding. There’s an article by Doug George in today’s Chicago Tribune about an emotionally rich, fairy tale type musical called The Plane That Took A Train that Dawson co-wrote with Bob Drucker for kids. It’s going to be released as a six-part podcast in the near future and features 15 songs. Along with Dawson and Drucker, the cast includes Thatcher Jacobs and Kar Kron.

In addition to sharing the same birthday, Agnetha Fältskog and Allan Clarke were both inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2010. Definitely two good reasons for throwing a joint party. ABBA’s major hits include “Waterloo,” “Fernando,” “S.O.S.,” and “Dancing Queen.” Their songs inspired the Mamma Mia musical. While I’ve seen Allan Clarke, Joe Flamm, and Steve Dawson in person, the closest I’ve come to catching Fältskog in action was when local singer Holly Senchak Dausch and The Webstirs did a top notch ABBA tribute as part of a Halloweekend bash at Martyrs a number of years back. Amazingly, Senchak Dausch was every bit as believable as Courtney Love when her band Metropolly performed as Hole a year earlier.

Slumgullion

As noted in a recent post on The Second Disc website, several recording artists have come together for an Adam Schlesinger tribute album. The Saving For A Custom Van 3-LP set on pink vinyl is due out in September from Vinyl Me Please and will features cover versions of Schlesinger compositions by Tanya Donelly and Gail Greenwood; Kay Hanley; Nada Surf; Rachel Bloom; Ted Leo; and others. The material showcases Schlesinger’s impressive work with Fountains Of Wayne and Ivy, as well as on motion picture soundtracks. All proceeds from the album will go to MusicCares COVID-19 Relief.

It’s so good to see live in-person shows returning to the Early Warnings concert listings in The Chicago Reader. Toward the top of the list, you’ll find a free Amazing Heeby Jeebies gig in the beer garden at Montrose Saloon tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 pm. Other shows listed include Bluesy Tuesday featuring Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials at FitzGerald’s on April 6; Michael Steve Cohen from The Abbeys and The Pop Dollies at Montrose Saloon on April 11, 18, and 25; Waco Brothers at FitzGerald’s on April 10; Clannad at the Irish American Heritage Center on September 20; Alanis Morissette, Garbage, and Liz Phair at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater on September 11; Sinead O’Connor at City Winery on August 18, 19 and 21; and Tame Impala and Perfume Genius at United Center on October 7. The Chicago Reader, Chicago’s long-running free paper is available throughout the downtown and north side Chicago areas.

The Morrison Hotel graphic novel about The Doors from Z2 Comics has finally come out after a lengthy pre-order period. Written by Leah Moore and featuring a number of artists and colorists, it covers various aspects of the band’s career, with plenty of turbulent and free love 1960s atmosphere.

Cheap Trick is having an album release party for its new In Another World album on iHeart Radio stations and on the oHeart YouTube site next Friday, April 9. There will be a picture disc version available exclusively at Target stores.

The Who will present a free livestream of a documentary about the creation its 1967 The Who Sell Out album on nugs.net on April 22. An post on the band’s official Instagram site promises rare archival footages well as new interviews with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry. The Who have a Super Deluxe Edition of The Who Sell Out arriving on April 23 that includes 112 tracks on five CDs and two seven-inch singles, this edition features an 80-page hard cover book, rare posters, inserts, and stickers.

I had never heard of the Strum and Thrum various artists compilation until Mark Caro praised it in an article he wrote about 1980s jangle rock for last Sunday’s Chicago Sun-Times. Caro is a writer I enjoy and respect, so I immediately ordered a copy. The 28-track double CD is as he described it—brimming with energetic guitar playing and catchy melodies reminiscent of R.E.M. Aside from The Reverbs, I hadn’t heard of any of these bands but I quickly got into their music. Caro also likes the new box set by the the 1980s band Pylon, so I might look into that next. 

Things I learned from the March issue of MOJO that came in the mail this week: John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival fame has two sons who have formed a psychedelic blues band named Hearty Har; Barry Gibb was quite a bit taller than his brothers Maurice and Robin when they first started performing together as kids; and the magazine’s staff thinks “A Forest” was the best song The Cure ever recorded.

Sweet Home Chicago Blues - Celebrating 50 Years Of Alligator Records is now streaming on YouTube and will be available to watch through April 11. The event features Billy Branch And The Sons Of Blues, along with special guests Shemekia Copeland; Toronzo Cannon; and Lil’ Ed Williams.

Stevie Van Zandt has added being an author to his list of entertainment-related activities. His book Unrequited Infatuations is now available for pre-order from Hachette Books in print, eBook, and audio formats.

The Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood has been extended through September 6. Organizers have social distancing, along with numerous other health and safety measures in place, so visitors can be surrounded by the world famous artist’s best works for a little over a half hour.