Chicago Acoustic Underground Podcast

Kris Nichols with Marlon St. John joined me in the studio for some wonderful picking and singing. Great lyrics and harmonies from both. It was a fun night that I am sure you will enjoy.

Jeff Brown Extra Large Trio OK, Jeff has become a personal friend and perhaps I am a bit biased but I think Jeff Brown is one of the best singer/songwriters in Chicago! Jeff and the Extra Large Trio joined Theresa Carter and myself for an evening of music and laughter. I am certain that you will enjoy this band. On a couple of songs a hint of Black Crowes sound, but Jeff owns his sound...

Athens Now, hereand#39;s a taste of a very creative Chicago based band. We pretended that we were sitting around a campfire in the Mountains of New Mexico. We had a lot of fun and tons of laughs. We had some technical issues that required effort to repair, but the show must go on and I am sure you will enjoy this show. We will be bringing Athens back for another show this summer.

Alan Bailey brought his happy self, his great lyrics, excellent piano style along with the beautiful cello work of Katalin Von Walterskirchen. It was a magical afternoon.

Ballistic Edna Blending Western with Middle Eastern music into a "Pop Rock/World Band" this 5 year plus professional band with a song on "Dawsonand#39;s Creek" joined myself, Michael Vez, and guest co-host Nashville performer Donna Frost for a magical evening of exotic songs and even a bit of dancing! This is a wonderful example of what Chicago has to offer. Enjoy this great band. Hereand#39;s som...

Andrew Francis In the tradition of Woody and his son Arlo Guthrie Andrew writes this generationand#39;s songs of the people. The Wizard and I had a great time watching and listening to this young manand#39;s pickinand#39; singinand#39; and harmonica playinand#39;.You can find Andrew at the Old Town School of Folk Music on Wednesday nights in the music-resource center. and he will be playing at The...

Blind Willy Representing Benton Harbor, Michigan and the featured artists for the celebration of our 100th Episode. Lance Downs songwriter/guitarist, Brandon Dinges on Bass, Danny "Diamond" on Lead Guitar, Tommy T on Sax, and Joe Bradley on Drums make up this excellent band.

Phylis Renee Marconi the middle child of a family of seven came in and took over the show. She has a wonderful strong voice and great lyrics. You can find her at Fitzgeraldand#39;s and The Uncommon Ground. Check her site for dates and times. She will be hosting "Singer Spotlight Unplugged" at 7:30 PM on Thursday, February 28, Uncommon Ground 3800 N. Clark in Chicago. $6.00 donation. Featuring CAU...

Athens came into the studio and we pretended we were in the mountains of New Mexico. We had a fun night of songs and laughter. On January 18th Athens and fellow CAU Alumni, Arwin are playing at The Note 1516 N. Milwaukee Ave. This is a double bill not to be missed. I will most definately be there. Come see these guys, they are a blast....Check out some pics from the show.

Elisabeth Bliar and Ryan Gunzel brought an era gone by and music of our history. Her beautiful voice came to me at a concert with The Giving Tree Band in Portage Park in Chicago. The two of them bring early Illinois history to life and bring a smile to our faces at the same time. Enjoiy the purity of their music. Check out some pics from the show.

Istvan His Imaginary Band And now for something completely different! This Trio is composed of Istvan on guitar and magic, Diane on Keys from an alternate reality, and Kendall the Korg Univox Drum Machine. They came into the studio and took me forward and backward in the time. I heard hints of David Byrne, Frank Zappa, and Pink Floyd wrapped up in this new and refreshing sound. Listen more than on...

Jessica Sonner with her heart in Colorado and blessing us with her new home Chicago, came into the studio and captured the hearts of "The Wizard of the Mix" and myself. With her trusty guitar "Sexy" in hand and the voice of an angel she won us over on the first song "Rescue Me".

Peter Budd This gentleman of my age brings his marvolous guitar stylings honed by years of experience in the London scene of the 50s and 60s playing with the likes of Bill Haley and the Comets, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Gene Vincent into the studio for an evening of great music and wonderful stories. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show.check out some pics from the show.

The Pickinand#39; Bubs are the "Most Fun Band" so far. Maura, Peggy, Simon, Ted, and Louie came in and joined myself, The Wizard of the Mix, Michael Vez, his wife Cathy "The Mistress" with the ever beautiful Co-Host Theresa Carter for a night of pure pleasure. Maura and Peggyand#39;s harmonies are to die for. Simon, who has already been on CAU with Maura providing backup vocals, played an extremel...

Big Sky Stringband is our way of saying HAPPY NEW YEAR! This show is one full hour of musical pleasure for your listening enjoyment, and one hell of a way to bring in 2008!!!So, pop some libation of your choice, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to party!!!Go see these guys LIVE on Jan 11th at the Red Line Tap, Chicago, IL, Jan 19th at the Onion Pub and Brewery, Barrington, IL, or see Jay St...

Alison Lewis is my Christmas present to you all! Alison brought her beautiful voice and wonderful lyrics to the studio with her partner Chad Krueger , music director for Second Cityand#39;s e.t.c. stage and blessed us with such an emotional performance. This is a woman to look for and see live. Enjoy the show! Check out some pics from the show.

Seth Bradley Originally from Peoria, Illinois and now Chicago based, brings a clarity of voice and and strong emotions to every single song. Sethand#39;s vocals and guitar work are excellent! His Lead guitarist Justin created some smokinand#39; leads, while Ryne provided bass and backup vocals and Bree kept it all together with his kick ass performance on drums. This group is about an inch away fr...

Kevin Mileski Kevin and his percussionist Herman Winkler came into the studio and absolutley took over the show. Kevin is a brilliant songwriter/performer and the addition of Herman was also brilliant. They have so much fun and transmit that energy to their performance. I am proud to present this wonderful performer from Chicago.....Here are some pics from the show.

Lucid Ground in a rare "Unplugged" show at CAU brought down the House. My guest Co-Host Theresa Carter from The Local Tourist, Michael Vez, "The Wizard of the Mix" and I had a great time with these guys. I have known these guys for years now and I was so pleased to get them into the studio. This is all the power and energy of their electric sets in an acoustic format.

The Phil Circle Project Ok, there are times when I canand#39;t believe what is happening during a show. Well, this is one of those times. Just Listen and you will see what I mean....Check out some pics from the show

Robert E. Levy, Rogers Park born Chicago Troubadour brought his unique form of expression. His music is kind of almost punk rock to beautiful Indian Raga inspired songs. He has performed pretty much everywhere in the Chicago area. Please enjoy his unique blend of old and new! You can see Robert live Jan 15, 2008 at the Elbo Room and on Jan 30, 2008 at Phyllisand#39; Musical Inn here in Chicago. Ch...

Clifton Roy The Folkstringers filled the studio with their "Heartfelt music" and we had so much fun, we kept recording for another hour after the show. Clifton and The Folkstringers all grew up together in Naperville, IL and you will hear the synergy of their music. You will also notice that we all had a really great time recording this show! Check out some pics from the show.

The Mother Zand#39;s Andy and Becca Palmer and their Dad stopped by to record their show and I was in store for a very interesting Duo. They describe their sound as "Acoustic, Pop, Soul" and I have to agree with them. It was a lot of fun and if you get the chance to see them live, you will see what I mean. Fun Music for sure!!!!Check out some pics from the show.

Julia Lucafo, the pride of New Lenox, Illinois is destined to be a Star. She is sixteen years young with a very old soul. Just listen to her lyrics. There is no way I could express the emotions that she does when I was her age, hell Iand#39;m not sure I can now. She came into the studio and took over my heart as I am sure she well yours.

Diana Rein from Romania to Chicago via California and a part on Home Alone and Home Alone 2, Diana and her husband to be Steve came to the studio and we just plain had a blast! Diana has that wonderful blend of a natural voice with excellent rhythms from her guitar. She takes you right into her World and you are so glad to be there with her.