Low Down Dirty Blues

By Randal Myler and Dan Wheetman

When you think of the blues, you think of music with a purpose, a story; some heart wrenching deeply spiritual soul searching tome that tears at your heart strings, like a bass players fingers frenetically playing his instrument.  Well, The Low Down Dirty Blues at the Northlight Theatre in Skokie doesn’t disappoint.  This quartet of talented singers and trio of accomplished musicians delight the audience with their vocal and musical arsenal and engaging entertainment style.

The repertoire of songs ranged from what you would expect; some with a little sass and in your face bravado; some with “put all our business out in the street” storytelling.  The themes are so common to our existence that we can anticipate that the next selection will be about some cheatin’, no good man or how some forlorn vixen is fixin' to love her man better than any other woman can.  And although these themes may reverberate like a bad head cold, the soulfulness and playfulness that the cast bestows upon us is like an early Christmas gift.

The cast was - well, simply entertaining.  You will feel like a part of the storyline.  Big Momma, played by Sandra Reaves-Phillips, invokes such a deep soulful spirit that she reminded me of Della Reese, Coco Taylor or Mavis Staples.  From the opening number, Big Momma sets the stage for the rest of the show with thoughtfulness and care.  But one thing is for sure: Big Momma is large and in charge and the depth of her experience comes shining through brilliantly.

There is a good complement of voices by all members of the cast that inspires each musical selection.  Take for example the song, “Grapes of Wrath” performed by Mississippi Charles Bevel, who delights with his melodious and rich tenor.  Then add the booming tenor and bass voice of Gregory Porter who will fascinate you with a well-constructed range and perfected pitch and tone.  Although these three cast members can surely carry their own and the play along with them, a real treat emerges when you have the pleasure of hearing Felicia P. Fields fill the theatre with her extraordinary presence.  She radiates brightly and her voice is pure and clear, especially with a great standard like, “Good Morning Heartache”.

I must confess that I’m not particularly a fan of the blues; but this 1 hour and 20 minutes is rousing, and fun.   By the end of the night I was converted, wishing that the show didn’t have to end and I didn’t have to go home so soon.  Lastly, the set was very authentic resembling a juke joint tucked deep in the backwoods of the Mississippi delta, Tennessee, or anyplace the blues is respected and enjoyed.

If you like The Blues then you’ll like this collection of down and dirty songs, and when you  leave Northlight Theatre it will appear that your clothes are a little smoky and you are a little sweaty because you have just experienced a blues explosion at a true to life juke joint on the Northshore.

Larry D. Wayne

Low Down Dirty Blues continues through July 3, 2010 at Northlight Theatre.