Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
"The quintessential, guitar-sliding, wah peddlin' blues band." - Illinois Entertainer
"Energetic rockin'blues with good attitude." - Alligator Records
I've only heard the music of guitarist Ron Smith on cd - I've never seen him play live - but I'm guessing that one of the most entertaining aspects of his show will be watching his fingers skedaddle across the strings of his guitar. If the deft playing on his cd is any indication, those fingers do some fast work.
Smith leads two different Chicago-area bands: a jazz group known as The Lamplighters and a blues band he calls The Southsiders. He brings the blues to a new level, along with long time co-frontman & harp player Jake Ames, bassist Tony Melnick and drummer Anthony Smith. Together, the band should blast more than a few fans off their seats, at least if they stick to the hard-driving sound that can be heard on The Southsiders' cd.
Of all the great tracks on the cd, "Southside Man" an anthem of grinding guitars and Chicago pride, best represents the band's sensibility. Written by Smith & Melnick, and sung by Smith with a gruff, Joe Cocker-like growl, the song chugs along on a guttural groove: "I'm your Southside Man" he howls. "See what my love can do."
Despite these roaring vocals, it's Smith's guitar that dominates the song, peeling off into extended solos and popping in and out of the melody with spirited squeals. Like a mischievous kid who just won't behave, the giddy instrument darts this way and that throughout the song, constantly refusing to be corralled.
If you can make it to a Southsider's performance, be sure to move in close so you can keep your eyes pinned on that dazzling guitar. - Star News
"The Debut of 'The Southsiders' is very, very good indeed." - A&R Rykodisc
Live spirit, feel for the blues is unmistakable. Vocal emotion, soulful phrasing,'Set your spirit free"..good line & no doubt this one goes over well at your live gigs.. Roadhouse appeal, "rockin blues".. good description. Classic bands like Fabulous Thunderbirds to Black Crowes, come to mind. - A & R at TAXI
Discography
Get your Southsider music at cdbaby.com
Speeding Down the Highway (CD)
One More Shot (CD)
Radio & TV air play: WDCB and WBEZ Radio. Ch. 53 PBT, The City of Chicago & Ch. 38 RBTV, Chicago's SW suburbs.
Recorded videos for Columbia College (Chicago),
Live recording from The Metropolis Music Complex,
ABC news coverage of The Chicago Blues Festival
hosted by 93 XRT Radio Station, Best Buy & Gibson Guitars.
On ABC news, from The Chicago Blues Fest (VHS)
Live at The Metropolis (VHS)
Live at Columbia College (VHS)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
The Southsiders are one of Chicagolands best kept secret's, but not for long. AAA-Rockin' Blues band that has opened shows for Lonnie Brooks, Mighty Joe Young, Enuff Znuff, Off Broadway and many other well known blues and rock artist's.
They have played all over the city and surrounding suburbs of Chicago as well as many city's throughout the Midwest. Some of the Club's include Buddy Guy's Legend's, Fitzgeralds, Harlem Ave Lounge, Dell Rhea's, Tattlers and Penny Road Pub just to name a few. You may have seen them at one of over 2 dozen Borders book stores around this great city. Other engagements include: Schools such as Purdue U., Fund raisers, Private Party, Block parties & Holiday events. They have also played the Chicago Blues Fest as well as many other fests throughout the Midwest.
They have promoted themselves using print media, via; ads, band features & weekly club listings. 'The Southsiders' have been featured on the Columbia College program "Music Alive" as well as ABC news coverage of the 16th Annual Chicago Blues Festival (Yea the Big-Daddy of all Blues fest) hosted by XRT Radio station, Best Buy & Gibson Guitars.
The Southsider's hope you enjoy this EPK (Electronic Press Kit) and look forward to showing you what they do live, and letting you and your customers see why "The Southsiders' are a hit every time.
Links
