Show Review ~ Chicago Bluegrass & Blues After-Party at Kinetic Playground

Chicago Bluegrass & Blues After-Party at Kinetic Playground
By ChicagoJamScene.com

Somehow the long train ride didn't sap my energy and by the time I got to Kinetic, I was ready to rage again... at least for a little while. I knew I had to see Waldemere Revival but I wasn't confident that I'd make it to 5am to catch all of Sexfist. As soon as Waldemere hit the stage, I was completely locked in. This was easily my favorite sound of the entire day of music.

Obviously, it was more jam-oriented and it completely kicked ass. Rhythm guitar/vocalist Steve Martin was a frantic ball of energy and showed as much emotion on stage as anyone. The low tones coming from Blain Crawford had me impressed all night as well. His basslines were complex & dynamic and had me grinning like a fiend. But my favorite part of the sound is the work on the harps by Corey Flick. He has about a thousand different harmonicas and triple that many distortion effects. His efforts made the overall sound like no other jamband I know and cooked up a psychedelic soup that played perfectly with the guitar arrangements and bass grooves.

When Martin grabbed an electric guitar, the music really shifted gears and approached the area of progressive rock. This switch from acoustic to electric added a dynamic aspect to the show that I really appreciated. When the set ended I was now completely pooped out. Waldemere had me dancing for over an hour straight. I think these guys might be one of my new favorite regional bands-- they seriously put on one hell of a musical display.