My first time at Buddy Guy's Legends. With my bride off on vacation I needed to keep busy, so I went to see my friends Funky Mojo Daddy!
I have been a fan of Mojo Daddy for many years. They get serious with their music, and have fun, feeding off each other and the crowd. Like any sport, here in music the crowd is always the extra band member.
I left home early so as to not be late (given Chicago rush hour traffic and all). Turned out it was not that bad at all. I had time to eat and catch the first acoustic show of Matt Hendricks. Like all artists/songwriters I come across, their story telling is what makes the show. Matt is no exception. With his electric resonator guitar and Mississippi Blues sound, his style, voice, stories, it just helped you to loose yourself in the moment. A great musician, one to go out of your way to see.
Back to my Mojo Daddy. I alluded to, I have known Kenny Kinsey (base, vocal) and Ryan Frahm (guitar/vocal) of the group for many years now. Not that I am that obvious of a person to go and shake hands. I meet everyone in our local music industry because of my bride Christi. Music is how we met. In fact Kenny and his brothers playing at a benefit concert (along with some other close bands/friends of ours) for Calvin Belt is how I met my bride, and for the second first time. That is another story.
I really want to take this time to give TJ Jenkins on keys a shout. I really enjoy his style and play. He comes across subtle, one smooth cat, yet so strong in his groove and direct with where he goes on those ivory's (okay, maybe not ivory's anymore).
Cannot leave out Jerry Porter on drums. He sets the band with his beat, feels the band, places the emphasis where emphasis is needed. A strong percussionist standing tall at what he does.
I work a day job, photograph after work hours. I had to leave after the first set to get back home for work the next morning. Would have been nice to stay for all of Mojo Daddy. Please make it a point to see them for yourself!
A big thanks to Buddy Guy for Buddy Guy's Legends! "The premier blues club in the world." The focal point to see and listen to Chicago's Blues, supporting our local musicians along the way. Great food. Great staff. This evening it was a full house. About 90% of the audience were from out of the country and around the world, and they really showed their appreciation of Mojo Daddy with some good tips. We need to remember that . . . support music by going. Support musicians by tipping them. Support the great staff with tips as well. We need to do more.
Matt Hendricks
