After I got off the train from Texas, I met up with the Voo Davis Band at the House of Blues Chicago. It was good to see the fellas in the band. We had parted ways after a sizzling show at The Julep Room in Ocean Springs, Mississippi a few weeks prior. I had been playing my songs solo in Texas so it was great to feel the power of a full band playing together. The band backed me on Like A King that night (check out the phone video).  Over the next month, I set about recording songs in Chicago, getting by and living lean. Then the time came to make a move.

Green was scarce so I took a seasonal job working with plants and flowers at a gardening center. I needed money and wasn’t afraid to get my hands dirty. Being physical, working outdoors and meeting new people would help to justify the wage. Before I knew it, I was working so many hours that I hadn’t recorded any songs in a while – that had to change.

So I backed off the schedule, found a balance, got a smokin’ band to back me up (check out this link), listened to the songs gel with the new lineup, and picked up work as a sideman on the road for Voo Davis (check out the new album) and others.

Here’s a quick recap of this summer:

Summer Solstice Festival, Yorkville, IL

I returned to Yorkville, IL for good reason, other than the sweet corn. Rogue Barrister Records and Three Angels Brewing were putting on another indie music and craft beer festival. It would stand to be the debut show for my new band. It was great to open up the throttle on the songs a bit. It was hot as hell that day. I sat in on harp with a few friends that weekend:

• Cory Chisel and I played a couple of songs. Here’s a link to a nice video on the side stage.
• Colin Lake – a deep soul singer who plays guitar and a mean lap steel – was in town and I had the good fortune to sit in with him and his band on Highway 49.
• Rachel Hanson (Back Alley Blossoms) and I traded songs back and forth at the after party at the artist campground nearby. Once again, music brought the night to another level. Sweet Mary backed me up on my tunes. A few others shared their songs. We all sampled great beer, played inspired music, passed the guitar, sang delicious harmonies, watched the sun come up, and set the bar for living well.

The New Outfit

In August, the band struck again at a private party on Clark Street. It was pretty celebratory – we had a great time. Check out the video from that extravaganza. It’s a blast and everybody in the outfit enjoys playing with each other. I look forward to playing with them again soon.

Sitting In With Cool Friends, Laying It Down

In early August, The Wild Rovers Tour was rolling through the area. The tour featured Cory Chisel, Adriel Denae, The Candles, Spacewoman and some special guests. All of the players were lights out and it was a pleasure for me to sit in next to Bucky Baxter on the pedal steel. They played at City Winery Chicago and the next night, they were in downtown Yorkville again by the Fox River. Cory had me sit in on a long version of House Over Jordan.

The after party was in a barn and a great night unfolded. After the dust settled, I played a few songs upstairs in the loft with Sweet Mary to a small group ready to keep the night going a little longer. The acoustics were great in the loft with all of the rough, old wood and odd angles – I hope to play music in there again sometime soon.

My Next Move

I’m getting together with the band and I plan on heading back into the studio this month to record more tracks for my album.

I got my hands on some sweet sounding vintage gear from an old pal to help me fill the air with inspiring tone. I look forward to recording more songs with my friends at The Workshop Jones.

 

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy the music,

Calvin Conway