WEEK OF 11/15/2019

Lawrence Peters Outfit / 📷 : Tina Mead

Three Chicago bands that traverse honky tonk, country, and bluegrass at The Hideout was a good weekend warmup. Especially when my plans included the Bloodshot 25th Anniversary shindig for the following night. The first band, The Family Gold, even had a single on the Bloodshot anniversary album, Too Late to Pray: Defiant Chicago Roots. The Family Gold performed “The Sun is Going Down” and it was a fun, irreverent look at drinking a relationship into oblivion. Whether it was the alcoholism that ruined the relationship, or the relationship that drove them to drink was unclear. But the declaration that they “are putting down the bottle” is clearly not to be believed. Lead vocalist Benjamin Miles had an old school rock voice and the backup vocals by Michelle Morales cut through with a sharp edge that really could be straight out of a 40s radio. Seth Bohn’s marching bass drum might seem like a gimmick, but gave the music a heavy bottom beat that was distinctive. 

It’s always nice when the parents get a shout out, Miles dedicated “Ain’t Nothin’ Matter” to his. Following the theme of drinking songs, the lyric goes something like, "Ain't nothing else matters at all, ‘cept my wife and dog, my ma and pa and my alcohol." That’s one of a number of unrecorded and new songs that caught my attention. I have to call out the first time performance of “Hold Me Down.” It had a bit of a blues rock feel that stood out from the rest of the set, in a good way. I look forward to hearing it again. 

This show was celebrating Cox's Army album release, New Richmond Town. They showed off their old school chops with a Bill Monroe tune, "Bluegrass Breakdown" to start their set. But they took things up a notch when they sang in three part harmony, huddling around the mic in classic style. Chuck Cox’s voice was made lush and velvety by the addition of mandolin and bass. I was also taken with the ongoing intermingled banjo and mandolin. They would trade off solos, but even more enchanting was the way they would play simultaneous melody and counter melody and harmony. Intricate and a great compliment to the vocal harmonies. Especially evident on the title track of the new album. Also from the new album, "No One Steps Out on Sarah Jane" became an instant favorite for the way it makes the woman the murderer, instead of victim. The subject of the song is in fear for his life because he cheated on Sarah Jane and now she is after blood. The song was one of many they played from their new album. "I Don't Care Anymore" was dedicated to one of the dancers in the audience, who has a fondness for waltzes. Said dancer, Red, obliged. The relationship between a country band and the people that dance at their shows is special. Who wouldn’t want to watch people spin around the floor. 

Back to a honky tonk sound characterized by the namesake of Lawrence Peters Outfit’s picture perfect vocal twang and the pride of the south side guitar playing by Matt Gandurski. He was a craftsman as he drew sounds from his instrument with precision and an artist when he let loose and felt it out. Either way, it was a joy to watch and listen. “Texas” showed off his chops to great effect. I also loved “Walking the Floor.” Whenever Dave Sisson joined Peters to sing harmonies (as he did on almost every song) it was beautiful, but this song was truly shiver inducing. And it was one of many songs that will be on their next album. They are hoping to get it pressed in 2020, but have started a Kickstarter campaign to help make it happen. Another song to be anticipated is one written in memoriam of a friend that died in an accident, “Didn’t Mean to Go.” It was a thoughtful and poignant song that will touch even the coldest heart. They ended the set strong with a number of upbeat tunes. A good choice on a late friday night when so many are tired at the end of a long work week. Nothing like a honky tonk party to kick off a weekend right. 

-Tina Mead

The Family Gold will be at Dorians on November 22

Cox’s Army has a slew of upcoming shows including Cole’s Bar on November 14