Slumgullion

Today was the official release date for Steve Dawson’s new album At The Bottom Of A Canyon In The Branches Of A Tree. It’s available on LP, CD (with two bonus tracks) and on streaming services. He’s having a record release party at 1:00 pm tomorrow (Saturday, July 17) at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn. Dawson, a veteran singer-guitarist who’s performed with Stump The Host, Dolly Varden, and Funeral Bonsai Wedding, as well as a solo act, is already racking up rave reviews for his latest effort. It’s a collection of heartfelt songs that taps into soul, light jazz, and acoustic rock. I’m hoping to post a full review in the near future.

Malcolm C. Searles, the British author who’s already written books about The Beach Boys, Bread, and The Association, announced today that his 600-page biography The Hollies  - Riding The Carousel is now available for sale through his Dojotone Publications website. The book covers the band’s complete history, from the very earliest days in the late 1950s to the current lineup (which still includes founding members Bobby Elliott and Tony Hicks). This will be a limited first run, so fans should act fast if they want a copy. As an added incentive, the first one hundred people who order a copy will also get a set of postcards free. Author-musician Ken Sharp, who interviewed members of The Hollies for his book Play On! Power Pop Heroes Volume No. 1, posted a note of congratulations on Searles’ Facebook page, and that’s solid endorsement. Needless to say, I’ve already ordered my copy.

The Handcuffs will be performing on the Community Stage at 4:00 pm tomorrow (Saturday, July 17) as part of the Belmont/Sheffield Music Fest. The Chicago-based quintet has three albums (with a fourth on the way) filled with energetic glam/indie rock originals to choose from, such as “Dirty Glitter,” “Vinyl Isabella,” and “Gotta’ Problem With Me.”

Record Store Day RSD Drop #2 takes place tomorrow (Saturday, July 17),  with limited edition vinyl offerings from The Allman Brothers Band; The Clash; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; The Cure; Dave Davies; Miles Davis; The Dirty Knobs; Bob Dylan; John Fogerty; Aretha Franklin; The Monkees; Pearl Jam; John Prine; Richard Pryor; Suzi Quatro; Queen; The Ramones; Lou Reed; The Rolling Stones; The Sweet; Ultravox; War; and Amy Winehouse.

Van Go has an afternoon gig at Montrose Saloon this Sunday at 3:00 pm. The band’s energetic power pop often packs a satirical punch, thanks to frontman Davey Sippel’s consistently clever way with words.

Chicago-based ska band Heavy Manners recently released a “Fresh Mix” version of its 1982 hit “Flamin’ First” that’s now streaming on YouTube. Anyone who experienced the north side of Chicago’s vibrant club scene back in the late 1970s and early 1980s likely has fond memories of Heavy Manners and its irresistible exotic beat. Led by Kate Fagan on vocals and keyboards, the quintet channeled the sound of The English Beat and The Selector. In addition to “Flamin’ First,” Heavy Manners was known for it comic song “Taking The Queen To Tea.” Two new books—In Defense Of Ska by Aaron Carnes and Skaboom! An American Ska and Reggae Oral History by Marc Wasserman—take note of the role Heavy Manners played in bringing ska to the United States.

The Millennium Art Festival at Lake Street and Michigan Avenue takes place tomorrow, so if you check out the RSD Drop #2 at Reckless Records, you can then head just a few blocks over to take in some paintings, photographs, and sculptures. The Millennium Art Festival is one of the smaller annual art fairs, so you could even work in a few other activities, like checking out the recently reopened Chicago Cultural Center on Washington Street.

Chicago jazz scene veterans Liquid Soul have a gig at the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights tomorrow night, Saturday, July 17. On July 20, Hey Nonny’s staff gets to put on a show, starting at 7:30 pm. Other upcoming events at Hey Nonny include a Blues Brunch With Li’l Ed on July 24; Steve Dawson and Friends on August 17; and Jason Narducy on August 25.

The Copernicus Center, which is within walking distance of the Jefferson Park bus and Blue Line hub, has started a new outdoor concert series that will run on Saturday nights through July and August. (The exception will be July 31, due to Jeff Fest taking place that night. The scheduled acts include festival regulars 7th Heaven; Wedding Banned, and Breakfast Club; as well as Think Floyd; Tributosaurus Becomes The Rolling Stones; Heroes David Bowie Tribute Band; Trippin Billies. Tickets are $10 for each event, the full schedule at the Copernicus Center website. https://copernicuscenter.org/summer-concert-series-july-17/ Keep in mind that the Copernicus Center also offers indoor concert events; including Gordon Lightfoot on July 24, Air Supply on October 15, Sparks on March 19, 2022, and Robin Trower on April 9, 2022.

There will be a Fox Fest Benefit Concert for Chicago bass player Tim Fox at Martyrs’ on July 25. The entertainment will be Tributosaurus Becomes Steely Steely Dan, as well as Chris Siebold and Psycles. 

Incoming

The Handcuffs, one of the more fun bands you can see outdoors on a summer afternoon, will be performing on the Community Stage at 4:00 pm next Saturday (July 17) at the Belmont/Sheffield Music Fest. The Chicago-based quintet has three albums (with a fourth on the way) filled with energetic glam/indie rock originals to choose from, such as “Dirty Glitter,” “Vinyl Isabella,” and “Gotta’ Problem With Me.” Sometimes their songs flow naturally into an impeccable cover version of The Kinks or Mott The Hoople. A week later, The Handcuffs have a 7:00 pm gig as part of the new Sundays On State series.

The very first Sundays On State event was held yesterday, and according to an article by Talia Soglin in today’s Chicago Tribune, it was a complete success. Local vendors and businesses were on hand to sell books, crafts and food, and the performers included the Trinity Academy Of Irish Dancers and the Joffrey Academy Of Dance. Soglin noted the vibe was very festive.

There will be a Let’s Active 40th Anniversary Event + Concert at The Ramkat venue in Winston-Salem, NC on November 4. Founding member Mitch Easter will perform with special guest musicians who will also discuss the legacy of the band. The evening will include a tribute to Let’s Active original members the late Faye Hunter and Sara Romweber. Tickets go on sale on July 14. I saw Let’s Active as the opening act for R.E.M. at Park West, and was immediately hooked. I bought all their records, as well as the 2003 tribute album Every Word, which included Let’s Active covers by Bill Lloyd; Don Dixon and Jamie Hoover; Marti Jones; The Trolleyvox; Paul Chastain; and Bobby Sutliff.

The recent road trip my wife Pam and I took included a few days in Asheville, NC. On the day I checked out the Harvest Records Store, I wore the dB’s t-shirt I bought when they performed at The Hideout several years ago. Like Let’s Active, they’re NC natives. When the guy behind the counter complimented me on the shirt, I told him I knew I had to wear it while I was in North Carolina. “Absolutely,” he agreed. He said he had heard of The Hideout and was glad it survived the pandemic.

If the Let’s Active 40th Anniversary celebration has t-shirts and they’re available online, I’ll definitely buy one.

Go Time! - Eight Ball

Over the past 10 years, Go Time! has shown a knack for creating inventive arrangements, and that tradition continues on its appropriately titled eighth release, Eight Ball. The Chicago-based band works on the rougher edge of power pop by fueling lead vocalist-guitarist Scott Niekelski’s melodic songs with high-powered instrumentation. With its steady lineup of Niekelski, drummer Steve Grzenia, bassist Mark Marketti, and guitarist Paul Schmidt, Go Time! keeps fresh musical ideas flowing throughout an ambitious collection of 20 tracks.

Niekelski has never been one for sentimental love songs, so it’s no surprise most of his lyrics here concern people behind the eight ball rather than about to run the table. “Moments Of Compassion,” an energetic track augmented with keyboards, describes a man with no hope under a microscope. “Little By Little,” “All Or Nothing,” and “Still Life” feature rampaging guitars, while “Carrying The Load” finds Go Time! opting for a mid-tempo approach. The atmospheric “Critical Task” stands out as one of the album’s best songs about trying to navigate the challenges of modern living.

Go Time! will likely be playing these songs tonight during its gig at The Brauer House in Lombard.

Slumgullion

The Smithereens have a long history of performing in the Chicago area. I’ve seen them at street fests alongside Wrigley Field and in Lincoln Park; at City Winery in the West Loop; at theaters in Schaumburg and St. Charles; and in my hometown of Palatine, where guitarist Jim Babjak gave me a Smithereens 30th Anniversary guitar pick. The band is known for greeting fans as if they were best friends after its shows. Sadly, we lost lead vocalist-guitarist Pat DiNizio a while back, but The Smithereens have continued to perform, using a rotating corps of veteran singers. Marshal Crenshaw, who’s released a number of worthy albums in his career, will be on hand when The Smithereens return to City Winery Chicago on Saturday, July 31. That’s not exactly my birthday, but it’s close enough to be part of the celebration.

That will be a busy weekend for bands that specialize in highly melodic rock, because The BoDeans have a gig on July 30 at The North Shore Center For The Performing Arts in Skokie.

Musician/artist Ronnie Wood has a pop-up store at 56-57 Carnaby Street in London. It’s  open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday – Saturday through July 31. He’ll be selling original artwork, limited editions, illustrated Rolling Stones setlists, and box sets.

The Spindles, Go Time!, and Crown Vic Royal will share a triple bill tomorrow night at the Brauer House in Lombard.

Director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s documentary Summer Of Soul opened in theaters, and is also now available to watch on Hulu. The film combines vintage footage of Sly And The Family Stone, Gladys Knight and The Pips, Stevie Wonder, The Fifth Dimension, and other acts from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival with commentary from current musicians as well as those who performed at the event.

It looks like Yes frontman Jon Anderson will have the honor of being the first act to perform at The DesPlaines Theatre in suburban Des Plaines. Onesti Entertainment, which also runs The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, has done some extensive renovations at the former movie house, and has eight events lined up for August and September. Anderson performs on August 19; followed by Firefall and Pablo Cruise on September 3; Stryper and KIX on September 11; Tower Of Power on September 17; Geoff Tate on September 18; Violin Femmes/Femmes Of Rock on September 19; Freddy Jones Band on September 24; and Dokken with Hoodlum Johnny on September 25.

The people behind Record Store Day continue their 2021 altered schedule with RSD Drop #2 next Saturday, July 17. The 45th Anniversary Edition of Jon Anderson’s Olias Of Sunhillow LP will be among the limited-edition vinyl offerings; so if you buy a copy you could see if he’ll sign it at his DesPlaines Theatre gig. RSD Drop #2 will also include releases by The Allman Brothers Band; Beastie Boys; Canned Heat; The Clash; Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young; The Cure; Dave Davies; Miles Davis; The Dirty Knobs; Bob Dylan; John Fogerty; Aretha Franklin; Rory Gallagher; Peggy Lee; Love; The Monkees; Randy Newman; Sinead O’Connor; Pearl Jam; John Prine; Richard Pryor; Suzi Quatro; Queen; The Ramones; Lou Reed; The Rolling Stones; St. Vincent; The Selector; Small Faces; Chris Stamey And The Fellow Travelers; The Sweet; Ultravox; War; and Amy Winehouse.

The Millennium Art Festival at Lake Street and Michigan Avenue also takes place next weekend, so if you check out the RSD Drop #2 at Reckless Records, you can then head just a few blocks over to take in some paintings, photographs, and sculptures. The Millennium Art Festival is one of the smaller annual art fairs, so you could even work in a few other activities, like checking out the recently reopened Chicago Cultural Center on Washington Street.

Chicago jazz scene veterans Liquid Soul have a gig at the Hey Nonny venue in Arlington Heights next Saturday, July 17. On July 20, Hey Nonny’s staff gets to put on a show, starting at 7:30 pm. Other upcoming events at Hey Nonny include a Blues Brunch With Li’l Ed on July 24; Steve Dawson and Friends on August 17; and Jason Narducy on August 25.

There will be a Fox Fest Benefit Concert for Chicago bass player Tim Fox at Martyrs’ on July 25. The entertainment will be Tributosaurus Becomes Steely Steely Dan, as well as Chris Siebold and Psycles. Looking further into the future, Phil Angotti and Friends will perform an 81 Songs For 81 Years John Lennon Birthday Bash at Martyrs on October 8.

Incoming

Happy Birthday to Ringo Starr, who turned 81 but seems to have the energy of an 18-year-old. Maybe some day, his mission of universal peace and love will become a reality. I’m so glad I had a chance to see him in person a few years back when he and his All-Star Band performed at the Chicago Theater. He sounded great and was gracious in sharing the spotlight with the talented rock and roll veterans on stage with him.

I’ve had the philosophy for some time that once the 4th of July is over, the summer zips past in the blink of an eye. If you’ve had that sensation too, the best way to remedy it is to go out and (safely) enjoy as many summer events as you can. I’ll try to keep posting suggestions here, but it’s a good idea to check the websites for all your traditional entertainment and arts events. You might be surprised which ones are back to normal.

Here are a few things to look forward to this month alone: a triple bill of The Spindles, Go Time!, and Crown Vic Royal this Saturday at the Brauer House in Lombard; The Record Store Day RSD Drop #2 on Saturday, July 17; The Millennium Art Festival at Lake Street and Michigan Avenue on the weekend of July 16, 17, and 18; The Smithereens with Marshal Crenshaw on lead vocals at City Winery Chicago on July 31; and Lollapalooza, which kicks off on July 29.

Reason number 5,725 why I wish I could hop on a supersonic jet and visit England any time I wanted: Musician/artist Ronnie Wood has a pop-up store at 56-57 Carnaby Street in London. It’s open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday – Saturday through July 31. He’ll be selling original artwork, limited editions, illustrated setlists from Rolling Stones shows, and box sets.

Finally, Happy Birthday to Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd and Jim Rodford of The Zombies, who left us on this day in 2006 and 2018, respectively. Rock In Paradise, guys.

Welcome To The Club

Live, indoor music returned to Durty Nellie’s in Palatine a few weeks back with a splendid double bill of The Nielsen Trust and Nick Perri and The Underground Thieves. I had hoped to post a review before leaving on a two-week road trip, but I’m only getting around to writing it now. An exuberant atmosphere filled Durty Nellie’s that night as both acts clearly understood the importance of the occasion after such an extended pandemic lockdown.

The Nielsen Trust is a side project for Cheap Trick members guitarist-vocalist Rick Nielsen and drummer Daxx Nielsen, and also includes another of Rick’s sons—vocalist-guitarist Miles Nielsen. I got the impression there were other Nielsens onstage but it wasn’t clear where all of them fit on the family tree. Miles fronts a band called Miles Nielsen And The Rusted Hearts, and is married to vocalist Kelly Steward. They handle most of the singing for The Nielsen Trust, and the Durty Nellie’s gig featured a mix of their songs and Cheap Trick favorites.

 

Fans of Cheap Trick vintage classics were treated to renditions of “Downed,” “Southern Girls,” “So Good To See You,” and “He’s A Whore.” Miles Nielsen and Steward led an acoustic version of “Surrender” that was somewhere between Crosby, Stills and Nash and a lullaby, if you can imagine a parent tucking in a child while crooning, “Mommy’s all right, Daddy’s all right, they just seem a little weird.” More modern Trick material included “Voices” and “Tonight, It’s You.”

 

Opening act Nick Perri and The Underground Thieves embraced its role of being the first live act many patrons were seeing after a year and a half wait. A mix of cover songs and originals from the Philadelphia-based band’s debut album Sun Via highlighted Perri’s powerful vocals and even more impressive guitar playing. While covering Neil Young’s “My My Hey Hey (Out Of The Blue),” he asked the crowd to join in on the line, “Rock and roll must never die” and received an enthusiastic response. Perri was invited back onstage later to join The Nielsen Trust for a rollicking (and funny) take on “I Want You To Want Me.” The band went on to cover The Move’s “California Man” and offered Cheap Trick's traditional finale “Good Night Now.”

Gee, But It’s Great To Be Back Home

My wife Pam and I recently returned from a two-week road trip that included visits to Olney, IL; Cave City, KY; Gatlinburg, TN; Asheville, NC; and Nashville, TN. We arrived home late last Sunday after a 12-hour drive that included three delays and a detour due to traffic accidents (not ours) and torrential rain. It’s taken a few days to navigate a full-time work-at-home schedule; unpack luggage; and catch up on laundry and grocery shopping. I also came up with some bits and pieces of blog material. 

Hollies drummer Bobby Elliott dropped by the Pendle Heritage Centre in Burnley in the UK recently to sign copies of his autobiography It Ain’t Heavy, It’s My Story. I purchased an autographed copy from the official Hollies website and have found it to be a fascinating read.

Karl Ferris, the famed English rock and roll photographer who crafted the eye-catching, psychedelic cover for The Hollies’ 1967 Evolution LP, has a high-end coffee table book titled The Karl Ferris Experience coming out on July 16. Ferris also worked with The Beatles, Cream, Donovan and Jimi Hendrix on various projects. Check out his Facebook page for more info.

A few months ago, I wrote about an upcoming book by Malcolm C. Searles titled The Hollies - Riding The Carousel. I just checked his Dojotone Publications website, and it looks like it’s coming out this summer. Searles has also written books about The Beach Boys, The Association, and Bread. 

Congratulations to my nephew Joe Flamm and his wife Hillary Delich on the birth of their daughter Sydney Josephine. She’s their second child; their son Luka having arrived a few years back. He’s going to be a great big brother. Joe, who was the Season 15 winner for the TV show Top Chef, recently opened his own restaurant in Chicago’s trendy Fulton Market area. It’s called Rose Mary, and is off to an extremely successful start. In related news, Joe was a special guest/mentor on Top Chef Amateurs recently.

Director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s documentary Summer Of Soul opened yesterday in theaters, and is also now available to watch on Hulu. The film combines vintage footage of Sly And The Family Stone, Gladys Knight and The Pips, Stevie Wonder, The Fifth Dimension, and other acts from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival with commentary from current musicians as well as those who performed at the event.

In addition to doing the usual touristy things on our road trip, like filming the white squirrels in Olney, Illinois; traveling into the depths of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky; touring The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina; and taking extended woodland hikes every chance we got, I also visited some record stores, thanks to Pam’s extraordinary GPS skills. Those establishments included Harvest Records in Asheville, NC; Disk-Go-Joe’s in Goodlettsville, TN; The Rhythm Section in Gatlinburg, TN; Third Man Records in Nashville, TN; and JTB’s Groovy Record Room in Cottontown, TN. I had interesting conversations with employees or owners in each of them. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see Jack White at Third Man Records.

The indie label American Laundromat has released a remastered version of its tribute album Cinnamon Girl on CD , with plans to put out a vinyl edition later this year. Subtitled Women Artists Covering Neil Young for Charity, it includes tracks by Tanya Donnelly, Kristin Hersh, Josie Cotton, Britta Phillips, Veruca Salt, Jill Sobule (with John Doe), Euro Trash Girl, and Lori Mckenna. All proceeds will be donated to Casting For Recovery, which offers outdoor retreats for women with breast cancer.

While I was away, I missed a show by the Chicago-based power pop band The Spindles and their special guest Rob Elvis at Montrose Saloon on Chicago’s north side. Rob was a founding member of the thoroughly enjoyable trio The Elvis Brothers and continues to perform on the local club scene. The Montrose Saloon show included a spirited version of “Santa Fe” with a guest appearance by another former Elvis Brother,  Brad Elvis. Brad now co-leads The Handcuffs with vocalist-guitarist Chloe F. Orwell.

Vacations are also give me an opportunity to scout local publications, particularly ones focused on entertainment. I have a collection that dates back to the mid-1970s. This time around, I picked up The East Nashvillian; Mountain Xpress; Nashville Scene; and The Biltmore Beacon. I found others, but these are the ones that turned out to be keepers.

Have an enjoyable holiday weekend, party responsibly, and keep safe.