ISSUE #70 / August 1, 2019

Resavoir / all 📷 : NBL

Lake James started at the Sleeping Village stage with just a microphone and guitar in hand.  The singer/songwriter strummed his guitar playing a sweet and slow melody while humming a tone so low, audience members had to pay close attention to the artist. Stripping away his band members of Twin Peaks, Lake James came barefoot to the intimate setting, honestly admitting to the audience he was just “playing a bunch of shit” and started strumming away while the crowd cheered. He played a couple off of his new record. It was amazing seeing the audience quiet down and give their full ears and eyes to the single artist on stage.  While he was surrounded by a mess of instruments in the background, the focus was set on him. After he promoted his new album and played his last song, he admitted to the audience for messing up a chord and forgetting the props for the stage. They cheered him on in embrace as he finished. Lake James gave a very romantic setting in his time playing for us, letting the audience in to the beauty of his musical talent. 

Yadda Yadda took the stage with her bass in hand surrounded by her bandmates to the left and right; she was ready to start and give audiences a taste of contemporary jazz.  A little bit fuller than the last artist, the Sleeping Village venue had a lot more fans in the front of the stage ready to jam out. During the set, Yadda’s guitarist switched instruments with her, and she tuned the guitar, admitting to the audience how long it had been since she’s played. Yadda takes a deep breath and starts playing another fun and energetic song with her long-awaited talent, and the audience applauded with joy. Yadda Yadda was a great set, full of jazzy bass guitar and funky drums followed by the two harmonizing backup singers. The audience was pumped for the final set. 

Resavoir, made up of an orchestra ensemble of strings, wind, and percussion mixed together playing song after song of entangled harmonies and tones working well together to create contemporary jazz. Sleeping Village became packed with limited space where I could move and take pictures, but I loved it- it gives me a challenge and appreciation that a local band can bring such a huge crowd when it’s as full as it was.  While I saw some fans dancing to the flute and sax, I peeked to the back of the stage and saw the bass player dancing to the music as well. Jazz players beat to their own drum, and while the dummer and congo players where beating to their own melody, at times I would see trumpet player and front man Will Miller, playing the keyboard then pick up his trumpet to join in with the wind group. The band stopped mid-set as MIller introduced new and old members to the ensemble, giving everyone their time to shine.  They all played an important piece to create the music, and it was a great appreciation hearing all of them work separately yet together. Resarvoir played new music from their LP, such as “Taking Flight.” The band received an ovation for their hard work and artistic view. It was great to see all three Chicago bands receive love from their home city, packing Sleeping Village form bar to stage with fans near and far.  

-NBL