Friday, March 31, 2017

Featured Live Music Artist of the Week - 95TH STREET BAND



This is a Throwback Thursday or Flashback Friday post. This was one of the very first bands that we reviewed back in 2014 as part of this weekly feature. Since then I have seen them multiple times, and even got to know several of the band members. I'd like to add to this "rerun" review that this band is highly professional, extremely easy to work with, care deeply about putting on a great show, are dedicated musici...ans, and are fun people to be around!!!

(the following was originally posted in 2014)

95th Street Band - A true Chicago Southside name if there ever was one!! And the fact that "band" is part of the band's name really helps describe this band. This is a band, not a four-piece, not a three-piece, and certainly not a solo act!

This band is true to the Chicago Horn sound, covering selections from Ides Of March, Chicago, Tower of Power and the Blues Brothers Band, and all of the famous Chicago R&B artists of the past (James Brown, Blood, Sweat, & Tears, etc). However, their setlist is not limited to just these bands, they also throw in some Peter Gabriel and other "non-horn bands". I admit, I don't remember all of the different artists they covered, because I was too busy enjoying the shows to actually write down a set list.

The band consists of approximately 11 people (if I counted right) which enables them to deliver that full horn sound. The horn section consists of 6 or so players on instruments like trumpet, bari sax, sax, and trombone. The band also has drums (obviously), bass guitar, guitar, and keyboards (and of course various hand-held percussion instruments) and at least 3 band members who handle lead vocals.

Their on-stage presence is exactly what you'd hope to see from a Chicago Horn Band - an active horn section playing AND MOVING in-sync, along with an active frontman. When they play the horn songs, it is a full, room filling sound (but not loud or overbearing) - and when they play the R&B - they bring out the soul in the songs.

Visually and musically the band is exactly what you want to see and hear when going to check out a Chicago Horn band - they fit the roll perfectly and play the songs with utmost respect and tribute to the original artists. Close your eyes, and you might think you are actually listening to Chicago or Ides Of March - open your eyes and you are seeing a truthful tribute to that style of music.

In addition, a great bunch of guys who show up early and support the opening bands as well as stay late and support following bands (when they are not the headliners).

As mentioned above, but worth highlighting, you can tell these guys care about the music and about that style of music - and their reproduction of it is truthful and respectful and brings out the natural magnificence of that sound.

If you like R&B and/or Chicago Horns - this is a must-see band!!!


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