Oh that great Chicago Blues sound, it’s a wonderful thing. So is this album. With his gravelly voice ala Howlin’ Wolf or Muddy Waters, knock ‘em dead guitar licks, excellent backing horns and bad band, Son Seals comes out jamming from track one and never stops on this 1980 release. Although he is originally from Arkansas his career didn’t take off until he moved to Chicago, hence the title of the album. These are the Blues the way they should be played and listened to: fun, snazzy and entertaining, along with those down on your luck lyrics. This album has a little bit of everything, from up-tempo quasi jump-blues to the standard melancholy, slow-tempo blues lament. My favorites on this album are Watching Every Move You Make and Gentleman from the Windy City, but if you like Blues there really isn't a bad track on this CD.A sample couple of lines from Gentleman from the Windy City.
“Now don’t you worry about no way to get around,
‘Cause I got a ride or two
And if I can’t get my old hog to run
My Volkswagon will have to do.”
Incidentally, Frank “Son” Seals had a very rough life and was uniquely qualified to sing and play the Blues which may be part of the reason why he sounded so genuine. His music is great and this post doesn't do him or his sound justice.
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