The Chicago Blues Scene
In 1998, I began taking blues lessons at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. I learned a great deal about the blues form, improvisation, and relaxing on stage. I began performing with Becki Hendricks and the Blue Hounds (a band comprised of other students and an instructor). We had a great time, and I was given the opportunity to perform "for real" in some great Chicago venues. This was an invaluable networking experience for me. I was given jobs with wedding bands, blues bands, and jazz ensembles following this. It was extremely rewarding.
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In July of 1999, I met blues legend Barkin' Bill Smith during a Tuesday Night jam at Buddy Guy's Legends. Barkin' Bill brought me immediately into his band, Cold Sweat. The very next week, I joined him and the guys playing shows at Buddy Guy's and House of Blues. This was an amazing opportunity for me. |
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I continued to play with Barkin' Bill until his health declined and he was forced to retire from the stage. Bill died less than a year after I met him.
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During the time I was a part of Cold Sweat, we played at many other fabulous venues. Among these were: Famous Dave's |
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