One of the great side events during Blues Festival Weekend in Chicago is the Blues
Brunch sponsored by Jazz Record Mart and Delmark Records. Thanks to the efforts of Jazz Record Mart and Bob Koester, blues fans can munch on a continental breakfast with a wide range of choices while listening to a number of Delmark Records recording artists in a more informal and social atmosphere. There is nothing more fun that having a cup of coffee and a nice conversation with some of Chicago's finest blues performers in a relaxed setting.
This year's event was as good as ever with music being performed in two different
parts of the store. In the extensive jazz and blues compact disc area, visitors were
entertained by the keyboard work of Aaron Moore and Ken Saydak in alternating 30-40 minute sets. Later in the morning the music on the CD side of the store included the fine trumpet of jazz man, Malachi Thompson. I became even more excited when I got the opportunity to see and hear the piano of Chicago blues icon, The Big DooWopper. The DooWopper who performs six days a week in a subway tunnel between the Red and Blue Lines in downtown Chicago, is an amazing, blind gentleman who has a great sense of humor and a million stories to tell. I honestly enjoyed talking to The Bog DooWopper almost as much as hearing him play.
In the performance area of the store, next to the jazz record section, blues fans were
able to hear a steady stream of Chicago blues "royalty," hosted by guitarist Dave
Specter. Guest performers on this "stage" included Jimmy Burns, James Wheeler,
Lurrie Bell, Willie Kent, Rockin' Johnny Burgin and the Rockin' Johnny Band, the Dave Specter Band, Zora Young, Bonnie Lee and Big Time Sarah. It was a real treat to see all of these fine performers all in one location; providing lots of music without a lot of hassle.
Jazz Record Mart and Delmark Records put on a fantastic morning event before the
start of the Chicago Blues Festival's Sunday lineup. Along with the great
performances, visitors were able to browse a huge inventory of blues and jazz CDs,
records and tapes that was sure to have something for every blues and jazz
aficionado. Be sure to visit Jazz Record Mart whenever you are in the Chicago area.
If you are lucky, you might even meet a celebrity or two on your visit (I met Ike
Turner on Saturday afternoon before he performed with Pinetop Perkins at the
festival). You can also visit the store online at www.jazzmart.com or via
www.delmark.com.
Other reviews from the festival weekend:
18th Annual Chicago Blues Festival by Dave "Doc" Piltz
Vance Kelly & The Backstreet Blues Band by Dave "Doc" Piltz
Jimmy Johnson by Dave "Doc" Piltz
Big James and the Chicago Playboys w/Nellie "Tiger" Travis and the Men In Black by Dave "Doc" Piltz
Jazz Record Mart/Delmark Records Blues Brunch by Dave "Doc" Piltz
The Rockin' Johnny Band w/Tail Dragger by Dave "Doc" Piltz
This review is copyright © 2001 by Dave "Doc" Piltz, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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