May 2003 Feature Story
The Legends Of Chicago Blues

Bob Margolin, Willie "Big eyes" Smith, and Carrie Bell photos by Phil Chesnut

Northwest blues fans are in for a very special experience when a bit of real Chicago blues comes to Washington this May. The Legends of Chicago Blues is a collection of veteran musicians from Chicago's Chess Records golden era. The current line up for LCB includes harmonica wizard Carey Bell, Carey toured and recorded with both the Muddy Waters and the Willie Dixon Band and has since never stopped touring. Keeping the beat is master shuffler Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Willie was Muddy's drummer for 15 years, his drums can be heard on virtually every Muddy Waters classic on Chess, he's also a damn fine harp player. Appearing only at Jazz Alley is legendary guitar ace Hubert Sumlin, Sumlin was the Howlin' Wolf's guitarist for an amazing 25 years, his unique guitar stylings have influenced generations of guitar players. After a recent illness, it's good to see Hubert back on the road. Rounding off these four legends is Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin, Bob was Muddy's guitarist for the
last 7 years of his career and is the glue that holds the LCB band together, he also writes a terrific column for Blues Revue Magazine. All four of these legends are also fine vocalists with their own unique stylings, who I'm sure will share vocal duties.

To experience a touch of blues history and some amazing performances the Legends of Chicago Blues will play two shows at Seattle's Jazz Alley May 6 & 7 at 8pm. On May 9th LCB plays Jazzbones in Tacoma at 9pm and on May 10th the LCB will also headline Washington's best one day blues fest, the UnTapped Blues Festival in Kennewick, WA.

by Phil Chesnut

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