Description
Rockwell Avenue Blues Band have released a straight-ahead Chicago Blues album that feels as timely as it does timeless. Taking their name from the location of the legendary Delmark Records studio, where this album was recorded and where they’ve laid down tracks regularly in the past, the band is composed of guitarist/vocalist Steve Freund and harp player/vocalist Tab Robinson, Chicago-born keyboard player/vocalist Ken Saydak, and the Windy City-based rhythm section of bassist Harlan Terson and drummer Marty Binder. ‘Back to Chicago’ was taken from a three-day session recorded back at the end of 2017 by Dick Shurman. The results are spectacular, as this is a truly experienced band of real blues pros who have been around the block more than a few times. Their command of the blues language is apparent from start to finish and the musicianship is first rate. Freund’s guitar, Robinson’s harp playing and Saydak’s keyboards share the spotlight and the first-rate rhythm section holds everything together to make a tightly wound ensemble sound. An instant classic for lovers of modern, but traditional blues delivered by artists who know the medium best.
