WEEK OF 10/18/2019

Jimmy Whispers / all 📷 : Kyle Land

The Hideout’s backroom venue is one of the most magical rooms in Chicago, filled to the brim with the type of energy that only comes from countless years of creative endeavor. What an evening was in store for those lucky enough to spend last Sunday taking in the acts to grace the storied stage at one of the cities most iconic venues. As a version of the classic Tiffany tune “I Think We’re Along Now” blared from the speakers, thanks to Lillie West of Lala Lala and Grapetooth’s Chris Bailoni, who supplied an eclectic mix of tunes between bands; the early arrivers milled about the christmas light illuminated space, finding friends and eagerly awaiting the nights entertainment.

One of Chicago’s finest up and coming singer/songwriters was up first, and Claude put on a stirring set, backed by her band and a few special guests, including her father on acoustic guitar for several tunes. New single “Turn,” which  debuted over the summer, was a particular highlight; and she shared a few new tunes set for her next record; which she said was due out in the near future. Picturesque, with her face framed by blonde bangs and blue eyeshadow accentuating her gaze, Claude looked every bit the rock star, but it was the substantive music that took the crowds breath away. From the coming of age tune “Twenty Something” to the solo closer “Enactor,” Claudia Ferme is the real deal and should be garnering more attention than she has for the quality songwriting and sensitive performances she consistently delivers. 

Jungle Green is not just any live band, they are an experience. The six member ensemble of Alex Heaney, Adam Obermeier, Viv McCall, Emma Collins and Adam Miller, and vocalist/band leader Andrew Smith crafts a show that is just as much performance art as a concert experience. Every member of the band plays every single instrument on stage, rotating between them as Smith’s heartfelt and hilariously goofy banter fills the gaps between numbers. Smith never really joins the rotating band on stage, prefering to wander the crowd; hugging and interacting with the audience; dropping to the floor one second and leaping onto a stool the next. His propensity for boundless energy and love for the the music is an inspiration for every second Jungle Green takes the stage, and the party atmosphere the band exudes through the seemingly very planned disorder of the instrument shifts is unique unto itself. But Jungle Green’s music shines through it all, as their distinct genre blend of fifties and sixties rock with post-rock elements sets them apart from anyone else in Chicago’s deep scene. Their excellent new record Runaway With Jungle Green, will serve as a fitting introduction to this unique act, but to truly experience the wizardry of Jungle Green, they must be experienced live.

Unfortunately, Jimmy Whispers set began with a few sound set backs, which understandably frustrated the once Chicago artist, who relocated to L.A. after years in the local scene. However, once the jitters subsided and the enigmatic singer/songwriter settled into the show his talents showed through. Whether crooning through new single “Your Car” or getting the crowd going with hit “I Get Lost in You in the Summertime,” Whispers’ compellingly earnest and raw performance drew the crowd ever closer, until the artist decided it was the right time to trust fall into them: a kind of sweet reverse stage dive that broke the artist/crowd fourth wall and prompted several trips out into the audience to connect. His live band, a first for Whispers on tour, was dead on and followed his normal i-phone played backing tracks with smooth feels all around. While some might find his on stage antics over done, they come across as genuine, making you fall for the slightly awkward and self proclaimed “loser” who bares his raw soul for our enjoyment. It’s an enthralling dichotomy that makes for one engrossing performance.            

-Kyle Land