Exploring the Blues in Chicago Tilting Windmill Studios

In this final episode of Exploring the Blues in Chicago, Brett David Stewart assembles a panel of fellow podcasters with an admiration for Chicago blues. Joined by Phil Rood and Peter Fisher, Stewart discusses helms a discussion about what makes the blues so special. How does it find its way into our lives? What makes it stay? At the end of the day, fans’ love of the blues keeps it alive. They buy records, go to shows, and share the music with friends and family. This finale offers a round table perspective of the importance of the blues in the lives of those impacted by its infectious spirit. Phil Rood is a podcaster and a talented artist. Peter Fisher is a podcaster often found on Galactic Netcasts and his current project is a weekly video stream, The Joy of Image Manipulation.

In this episode of Exploring the Blues in Chicago, Brett David Stewart sits down with music journalist, author, and liner note writer, Bill Dahl. He has written liner notes for hundreds of albums, even receiving a Grammy nomination for his work on Rhino’s fiftieth anniversary collection of Ray Charles’ music. Dahl has worked as a music journalist for a variety of publications, including the Chicago Tribune and Living Blues, and his most recent endeavor was a book release, The Art of the Blues. Stewart and Dahl discuss a wide spectrum of topics that span compelling anecdotes to historical analysis and much more.

In this episode of Exploring the Blues in Chicago, Brett David Stewart learns what the life of a Chicago blues artist is like through two fascinating interviews. Frank Bang and Derrick Procell both discuss their trajectories through the blues community, the triumphs and tribulations that followed, the future of their genre, and much more. Frank Bang is a long-time member of the Chicago blues scene. From touring with Buddy Guy to recording his most recent album, The Blues Don’t Care, Bang has cemented himself as an integral voice in the community. Derrick Procell, another music veteran, has had his music used in some of television’s most popular shows, and more recently, he teamed up with some of Chicago’s finest blues artists to record a new record, Why I Sing The Blues.

In this episode of Exploring the Blues in Chicago, Brett David Stewart sits down briefly with Keith Dixon of the Blues Heaven Foundation to discuss the important role independent record labels played in the formative years of Chicago blues. Dixon’s grandfather was Willie Dixon, and the foundation is located at the old Chess Records building and studio. Furthermore, Stewart discusses the blues with Bruce Iglauer, the founder of Alligator Records in the city of Chicago. With a catalog of over 300 releases, Alligator is responsible for some of the most legendary blues recordings in history. Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, Johnny Winter, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, amongst countless others, have had their music released on Alligator.

In the debut episode of Exploring the Blues in Chicago, host Brett David Stewart introduces the program and its overarching endeavor: to shine a spotlight on the Windy City’s most beloved music genre. This podcast will feature a series of interviews from industry professionals, artists, and fans to craft an understanding of the past, present, and future of Chicago blues. Before delving into those interviews, however, Stewart provides some brief historical context to lay a foundation for what is to come! Four full-length episodes will follow this debut, available immediately on this podcast feed.