Re: [Harp-L] Bill's Blues Bar-Chicago

"G. E. Popenoe" <gpopenoe@xxxxxxxxx> · Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:16:07 -0700

> Just wanted to share a positive open mic experience during a recent
> business trip to Chicago.  I first learned of Bill's Blues Bar in
> Evanston via Harp-L., when Evan Meagher first posted about his
> experience.  (Evan, if you are out there, this was a last minute
> trip for me.  I checked all the harp players on the list last night,
> but I don't think you were there. I definately owe you a beer after
> last night's experience.)
>
> The Jam starts at 8:30 on Tuesdays and was hosted by the "Two for
> Blue" band.  A solid Chicago Blues Band, harp player included, by
> the name of Blake...a  really nice guy.   I got there a little
> before 8:30 to scope out the scene.  The band was still setting up
> and doing sound checks, they were acknowleding anyone walking in the
> door with a friendly hello.  I strolled to the bar, took a stool and
> ordered my usual Sam Adams.   A few other guys come thru the door
> with guitars slung over their shoulders, signed up on the pad at the
> corner of the bar and took their customary seats.  It's obvious
> everyone here are regulars to the jam.  The first set starts to take
> off with the house band and the night has begun.  I find my self
> swaying with the music and my feet are tapping...I'm hooked.  I
> thought, what the hell, no one knows me here...let's sign up.
>
> As I write down my name and craft, I notice I'm about the 10th guy
> on the list and the only harmonica player...cool.  I wander back to
> my seat with my heart pounding in my chest and wonder, why am I so
> nervous, I've done this back home plenty of times.
>
> Two for Blue finished the warm up set and took 5, while the lead
> man, Tom begins to review the sign up list, putting together a make
> shift band of blues brothers.  Thinking I have to be a part of the
> first set I reach into my jacket and pull out the three Oskers I
> have with me, C, A and D, but no, wait, was it Josh he just called
> up to blow harp?  Josh , I saw, wandered into the bar earlier,
> nodded to a few around the place, signed the sheet, proceeded to his
> usual table and began gussing.
>
> Oh, I get it.  The "Old Boys Club".  No worries, I'm settled in for
> the night, it's early, I'll get my chance to play, so I order my
> second Sam Adams.
>
> As the second set begins, Tom takes the stool next to me. "Jeff
> right? You play harp?  Haven't seen you around before.  As I tell
> him it's my first time, I had about the jam and since I was in town,
> thought I would check it out..... I was thinking to myself.... How
> the hell does this guy know who I am?  In hindsight, it was probably
> because I was the only guy not leaning on a guitar.
>
> "Listen" he says, we're doing things a little differently than usual
> tonight.  There is an agent in the crowd tonight, so my band is
> going to take the stage on the next set and play a few, then I'll
> get you up on the following set."
>
> "No worries, Thanks"
>
> Two for Blue take the stage and lay down a cornicopia of blues
> styles, fast and rockin, jumpin boogie, slow grooves and a
> dedication song to a past band member, who must have passed away.
> The band wraps up, they take 5, the sign up sheet is being reviewed
> and at this time my heart starts racing, because I know my turn is
> coming up.
>
> No, wait, he just said Paul on harp and vocals!  The "Old Boys
> Club"  is alive and well.  I had just noticed Paul walk in to the
> bar not 10 minutes ago.  You know a harp player can always spot
> another harp player.
> Oh well, what you're going to do....so I sit back and savor the
> music and atmosphere.
>
> Tom strolls over to my bar stool, "Jeff, look after this set, I'm
> going to team you up with an acoustic guitar player."
>
> "That's cool, no problem."   Damnit, I say to myself, all night harp
> players have been playing thru green bullets, blues blasters, and
> other forms of distortion.....hey I can add some slop and make it
> sound like it belongs just as well as the next guy, but no....I'm
> now the "Wiggins" of a "Cephas and Wiggins" duo......only one
> problem.....I'm certainly no "Wiggins"
>
> So my partner and I make the journey to the stage, for me a long
> journey.  As we are setting up, talking about what keys to play in,
> I see out of the corner of my eye, other guitar players heading to
> the stage, and a drummer!  Hey this might not turn out to be as bad
> as I thought!  The set begins.
>
> We begin with what I remember, as an Allman Brothers tune.....can't
> remember the tunes in between, but know we finished up the set with
> Maybelline.  As we are wrapping up, Tom grabs his guitar steps up on
> stage with us and says there is a local vocal legend in the house
> that's coming up to do one song.  His first name was Freddy, but
> don't recall the last.  At this point, I know it's my cue to exit
> stage right.  I grap my harps and begin to make my way off stage,
> when Tom places a hand on my shoulder and says" Man, you ain't going
> nowhere, blow some harp and make her wail!"   So we start a rip
> roaring version of 21 days.
>
> After my half hour in the limelight, I slowly begin to regain the
> confidence I have lost over the last month regarding my harmonica
> skills.  All the other harmonica players in the house were
> complimentary of my playing. However, I think sometimes this is just
> professional courtesy.  I believe the true test is the guy sitting
> on the bar stool, who doesn't play an instrument, just there for the
> music, looks at you and says, "Man, you play a mean harp!" Now, that
> speaks volumes.
>
> I suddlenly realize, it wasn't the "Old Boys Club" at work, but Tom
> knew how to group his regular players allowing everyone to shine and
> have their moment.  As I was leaving, he invited me back on my next
> time in town.  Blake caught me outside, letting me know he also
> hosts another jam in North Chicago and invited me to drop in.
>
> All in All, it was a great open mic experience.  The crowd was
> supportive, the music was great, the beer
> was cold, the jam was very well organized and fair.  At the end of
> the night, I felt like a part of the "Old Boys Club."  My hat is off
> to Tom, Blake and the other members of the Two for Blue band and to
> Bill's Blues Bar for hosting the jam and giving us blues wanna be's
> a place to grow our craft.  I highly recommend this joint for anyone
> passing thru Chicago.
>
> Evan, maybe our paths will cross and I can make good on that beer.
>
> To my friends and fellow harp players back home, in order to prove I
> actually played this place, I asked Gus to take a few photos with my
> cell...which he did, but neglected to hit the save button....so once
> again, you'll have to take my word this night actually happened.
>
> Jeff
> "Harpin Homer"
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