Local Concert Preview for Chicago:
January 24-31, 2009
First Appeared in The Music Box, January 2009, Volume 16, #1
Written by John Metzger
Thu January 22, 2009, 06:30 AM CST
1/24 - Disco Biscuits - Congress Theater - Chicago - 8:00 p
When
it first emerged on the jam band scene in the mid-’90s, Disco Biscuits didn’t
appear to be a group that would be around for very long. Its sophomore set
Uncivilized Area was an indistinct blend of
Phish-fed grooves and
progressive rock posturing that seemed to seal its fate. Nevertheless, more than
a decade after its release, Disco Biscuits is still going strong, having carved
out a niche for itself by embracing the space where jazz, electronica, and
classic rock converge. Not surprisingly, the outfit’s most recent endeavor
The Wind at Four to Fly is a concert set that is stuffed full of elongated
improvisational excursions. To support the effort, Disco Biscuits, which hits
the Congress Theater on January 24, will be touring around the country through
mid-April, though its other goal is to build anticipation for its forthcoming
studio set.
1/24 - Kings of Leon / The Whigs - House of Blues - Chicago - 7:00 p
Thanks
to Kings of Leon, the world has one more example of how a little success can be
a dangerous thing. On Because of the Times, its third effort, the group
pushed its music in an array of directions all at once, building layers upon
layers of sound that crested in towering waves of sonic bliss. The album had
been fueled by Kings of Leon’s need to grab the attention of the apathetic
concert-goers who, night after night, were milling around inside the country’s
oversized arenas, oblivious to the collective’s performances and waiting for the
main act to take the stage. The songs on Because of the Times did the
trick, and they subsequently (and rightfully) were heralded by fans and critics
alike. Nearly 18 months later, Kings of Leon returned with Only by the Night,
a collection that has been viewed by many as a disappointment. Throughout the
set, Kings of Leon attempts to ring even more from its newfound love of
stadium-filling rock, but the results largely dilute the spirited edginess that
once made the band’s work so thrilling. There is hope, however: The intimate
confines of venues like House of Blues, where Kings of Leon will perform on
January 24, may be just the cure that the ailing outfit needs. As an added
bonus, The Whigs will open the show, which also serves as a benefit for the Lisa
Klitzky Foundation.
1/24, 31 - Buddy Guy - Legends - Chicago - 9:30 p
1/25 - Buddy Guy - Legends - Chicago - 7:30 p
1/28-30 - Buddy Guy - Legends - Chicago - 9:00 p
With
these six concerts, Buddy Guy will conclude this year’s extended run at Legends,
the blues club he owns on the near-south side of Chicago. This is the final
chance for Chicagoans to see Guy for a while, as he is about to hit the road
with B.B. King for a month-long tour in February.
1/29 - Jonny Lang - House of Blues - Chicago - 9:00 p
Improbable
as it may be, Jonny Lang garnered national attention at the age of 16 when his
solo debut Lie to Me broke into the mainstream. Twelve years later, he
now is considered something of an industry veteran. Always one to take his time
between outings, Lang’s most recent set Turn Around was issued more than
two years ago. Therefore, fans are hoping that his latest tour is an indication
that he has a few new tricks tucked up his blues-baked sleeve. At the very
least, his devotees can help him celebrate his 28th birthday when he
performs at the House of Blues on January 29.
Of Further Interest...
Local Concert Watch for Chicago: February 19-22, 2009
Local Concert Watch for Chicago: February 12-18, 2009
Local Concert Watch for Chicago: February 1-7, 2009
Local Concert Watch for Chicago: January 8-23, 2009
Local Concert Watch for Chicago and Milwaukee: December 19-31, 2008
Copyright © 2009 The Music Box