CHICAGO BLUES REUNION
Chicago Blues Reunion is a collaboration of Chicago music legends who defined the sound of their generation in the 1960s. In that time, they helped create the historic transition in popular music from acoustic folk to electric blues influenced rock. For four decades they have continued to be an inspiration to younger generations that followed their trail blazing path.
The band is a who's who of blues lovers household names:
Barry Goldberg, performs on a Hammond B-3 organ, performed with Bob Dylan, and founded the Barry Goldberg/Steve Miller Band. Barry also wrote the hit, Got to Use My Imagination for Gladys Night and the Pips, which was featured in the Oscar winning movie, Forest Gump. He is the co-producer of Shining Through The Rain, the recently released, critically lauded album by Percy Sledge that includes a duet with Jakob Dylan for whom Barry was once a baby sitter! He's the centerpiece of The Chicago Blues Reunion and the musical glue that holds this band of veterans together.
Harvey Mandel is considered by many critics to be one of the best electric guitarists in the country. He's recorded with the Rolling Stones, toured with British blues icon John Mayall, and was a founding member of Canned Heat, who were featured in the landmark music film, Woodstock. As a soloist and as a band member, his musical pedigree is legend.
Nick Gravenites, vocalist and guitarist, wrote the stand-out classic blues anthems: Born in Chicago for Paul Butterfield and Buried in the Blues for Janis Joplin. He founded the Electric Flag with late blues guitar legend Mike Bloomfield and that band, of course, included Barry Goldberg on organ. As a songwriter, vocalist and sheer presence, Nick The Greek is a larger than life character who imbues his work with the spirit of his Chicago roots.
Tracy Nelson is one of the world's great blues vocalists. She's an excellent keyboard player and founder of the popular group Mother Earth. She has also toured and recorded with country star Willie Nelson as well as many other luminaries and is one of the premier lyric interpreters of all time. Her vocal prowess is the stuff of legends. Her latest album, Live From Cell Block D, was recorded in a prison in Tennessee.
Corky Siegel has earned an international reputation as one of the top blues harp masters with 18 recordings - one of which sold over one million copies. He is the founder of the Siegel-Schwall Band which features Blues icon Sam Lay, and creator of the national award-winning Chamber Blues project. He's a dedicated musician who identifies with the blues ethos but whose own music transcends genres and categorization.
If it happened in Chicago, Sam Lay (drums/vocals) was there. This Zelig-like icon of electric blues has played with Little Walter, Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band and was there with Barry Goldberg backing up Bob Dylan at Newport as well as appearing on his Highway 61 Revisited album.
Gary Mallaber is the music industry's quintessential percussionist who's just completed his 9th recording project with Bruce Springsteen. He's toured with and recorded on releases of Van Morrison, the Steve Miller Band, Eddie Money, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt. He's the go to guy for many top flight artists in need of a drummer who they know will bring more soul to their recording sessions.
Rick Reed is one of the most sought after bass players, who began performing with Paul Butterfield, and has continued to perform and record with countless legends. His recent international tours have been with Fabulous Thunderbirds alumnus Kim Wilson.
Austin Crow is one of the most gifted sons of the sons we've ever found. His guitar work has been described as dynamic and energetic by All Access Magazine, and we're glad to have him touring with us this summer.
In 2004, these legends joined forces once again and the result is a two disc set, Buried Alive In The Blues, (audio CD + 60 minute DVD) from Out The Box Records that is a lasting document of their musical and cultural legacy showcased in a kick ass performance recorded live.
The Buried Alive In The Blues package contains 14 great live audio tracks along with a 60 minute DVD featuring 30 minutes from the live show and 30 minutes of interviews with the band plus recollections and commentary from Steve Miller, BB King, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana and others telling the North Side Chicago blues story of the 60s. The package also includes a collectors photo gallery that offers many never before seen photographs of the band members with their friends and influences including Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Dylan, Santana, Janis Joplin, John Mayall, Canned Heat and others.
CLICK HERE to check out some video clips from the DVD!
CLICK HERE to purchase the CD/DVD/Collectors Photo Album.
