Barrelhouse Chuck at Harlem Avenue Lounge

Yes, I was back to the Harlem Avenue Lounge last night (it's becoming a second home!), this time to see blues pianist Barrelhouse Chuck. It was the first time I'd seen Chuck's solo show since last fall's release party at Rosa's for his newest CD, Got My Eyes on You on Sirens Records. (I have seen him play with other bands since then.)

Looking slim and trim, and once again mustachioed, Barrelhouse Chuck played to a small crowd of enthusiastic fans (including me), accompanied by his longtime friend, bass player Frank Bandy, along with guitarist Jim St. Marie and drummer Steve Bass. Here's the band pictured below.

What I love about Barrelhouse Chuck, besides his talent on the keys, is that he performs songs that a real gems, recalling the rich history of Chicago Blues. Last night's sets included Pinetop Smith's "Boogie-Boogie" and "Pinetop's Blues"; Floyd Jones' "School Days"; Detroit Junior's "Call My Job"; Little Brother Montgomery's "Keep on Drinkin'"; and one of my favorites, Memphis Slim's "Mother Earth."

The cool thing about Barrelhouse Chuck is that he actually knew, played with, and learned from so many great blues musicians. He told a story about Otis "Big Smokey" Smothers, and performed his song, "Got My Eyes on You" (the title song of Chuck's latest CD). And, he related an anecdote about Clarence "Frogman" Henry before performing "I Ain't Got No Home," complete with the "Frogman" voice.

And, while he played the familiar Muddy Waters standard of "Hoochie Coochie Man," he also brought out a less-covered Muddy song, "Walking through the Park." Another highlight for me was the slow mourning blues, "Sad Day in Texas," a song by Otis Spann. It was the first time I had ever heard this song, which commemorates the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Oh, and here's a fresh one: When Barrelhouse Chuck signed off the first set, he reminded people that he had CDs, audiotapes and 8-tracks for sale. I thought he was joking about the 8-tracks. No way! He actually made an 8-track of Got My Eyes on You. He said it sounds great.

If you'd like to hear samples of Barrelhouse Chuck's music or to plan to see his show, check out his MySpace page. Highly recommended.