by Jason Koransky
In the late '60s and early '70s, blues flowed through the streets of Chicago, and this was the blues performed by the likes of Willie Dixon, Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and the Siegel-Schwall Band. The Siegel-Schwall band? Fronted by composer/harmonica player/pianist/songwriter Corky Siegel and guitarist Jim Schwall, this Chicago band's performances included a steady gig at the legendary blues club Peppers and international tours including dates opening for Sly and the Family Stone. Vital Stats Who: Corky Siegel's Chamber Blues Where: Fitzgeralds When: Saturday, July 12 @ 9:30 p.m. Cost: $15
The Siegel-Schwall band is long disbanded, but Siegel continues to produce music. But now he produces a progressive, influential blues/classical hybrid with the ensemble Chamber Blues. Combining his talents with percussionist Frank Donaldson and the West End String Quartet (cellist Jill Kaeding, violist Richard Halajian, violinist Guillaume Combet and violinist Rebecca Scott-Dittmer) Siegel has garnered critical acclaim for blending blues and classical in a chamber setting. Chicago Tribune critic has called the ensemble's recording (on Alligator Records) "A resounding triumph."
Unfortunately for us here in Chicago, because Chamber Blues is an expensive act to book, they can only play in Chicago every six months. So most of the year the ensemble travels across the country, playing in California, Colorado, Wisconsin, New York, the Virgin Islands, Canada and Texas to enthusiastic audiences. But this Saturday, June 12, Chamber Blues is set to perform at Fitzgerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road in Berwyn. The unadvertised, smoke-free show starts at 9:30 p.m. and cost $15. It will provide a wonderful opportunity to see the group in the small, intimate setting this venue provides.
Why see Siegel perform? Well, he has recorded 16 albums on labels such as Vanguard, Alligator and Deutsche Grammophon (a German classical label). He has written and performed works for Authur Fielder and the San Francisco Symphony, the Grant Park Symphony and the National Symphony Orchestra (for a Kennedy Center performance). He has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Doc Severinsen. In addition, the members of Chamber Blues are world-class classical artists who have performed with the best orchestras in the best concert halls--to list all of their accolades here would be far too lengthy. The Los Angeles Times gave the group "Jazz Critic's Choice" and "Classical Critic's Choice" awards twice. The group plays beyond classification, exploring musical frontiers (almost like Star Trek).
To read more about Chamber Blues, visit their Web site. And for more information on their show this Saturday, call 708/788-2118.
Centerstage Will Feed You
