Musical styles come and go, but occasional the good ones come back sounding fresh and new. Bluegrass is just one of those genres that are sprouting through the cracks of our concrete jungle and it feels great! In this proud new progressive blend, there is an excitability that is extremely refreshing. Leading the pack in our very own city is the Leadfoot String Band.
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Leadfoot String Band
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 Entertainment
Art
Kinetic Playground
Chicago, Ill.
February 16, 2008
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I first saw this band by accident last fall when I walked in the wrong door at the Abbey Pub looking for the Dinosaur Jr. show. Back then they had a slightly different line-up, yet I was immediately awestruck. The band has since been retooled without losing a step. With Steve Haberichter still at the helm, his calm vocals, laid over raw mandolin fury, is alone something to be seen. But accompany that, with a cast of astounding musicians, is why this band should be put on everyone's list.
"I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" starts with an up tempo reassurance, by the lovely Bridget Cavanaugh and turns suddenly down for a verse just to throttle back in to blazing banjo wonder, played by Eric Howell. Ms. Cavanaugh's voice has an almost gospel feel, with soulful strength that pairs nicely with Pat Otto's acoustic and lyrical styling’s.
LFSB continued to shake the county out of this bristled Chicago crowd, with "Throwin' Stones," a melody of triumph over a nasty love. The crowd of all ages, delightfully engaged in the spirit of the groups harmonies by stompin' and hollerrin', which is par for the course in any true bluegrass show.
The instrumental "Sly", fills the room with the warmth of a Kentucky night and the pale moon dangling overhead. Jake Cullen on upright bass plucks out some terrific lines, all the while making some of the most entertaining facial contortions I've seen on any musician. "Other Side of Town" along with "Diesel," played seamlessly, are true ballad's that exemplify the story telling aspect of this genre. It is of note that the difficulty of achieving such a sound in harmonic rhythm, requires a genuine talent that this band proves in live performance and equally on recording.
The positive rhythms, along with fullness of the band on all fronts, creates a beautiful dynamic that will have a lengthy impact in the local music scene and hopefully far beyond. Leadfoot String Band is a one of the many bands worth checking out in Chicago. They are always playing in the city or in the suburbs, so do yourself a favor, fight the snow and all of the elements and get yourself to see one of their shows.
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