Review: Glenn Noble
Photos: Jennifer Noble
Harrell Davenport
Ramova Blues Masters series:
Blue Sunday at the Ramova Loft:
Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport, Matthew Skoller and Chicago Wind
The Ramova Loft, 3520 S. Halsted, Chicago IL
February 2, 2025
By Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble
Sunday afternoon -- a great time for a relaxing chillout at the end of a busy weekend? Not this Sunday, with the opening of a new series of events in the historic Ramova Theater. Curated by the indefatigable Matthew Skoller, the series will be featuring “young lions” and “blues masters,” thus creating a live and living link between different generations of blues performers. The series is presented in the Loft space of the Ramova and formatted as a combined music set and interview/Q&A segment.
Introducing the debut show, Matthew Skoller had behind him a solid lineup of Chicago talent with the genial Tom Holland on guitar, and the flawless rhythm section of drummer Pooky Styx and bassist Felton Crews, all playing under the “Chicago Wind” banner. After a short selection of his own material, Matthew paused to introduce the featured artist of the day, Harrell “Young Rell” Davenport. This young man from Vicksburg, Mississippi, only recently turned 18 years old but already building a superior reputation.
Young Rell is not only already an accomplished guitarist, harmonica player and singer, he has also developed a confident and engaging stage presence. Some are using the phrase “old soul,” which I hesitate to apply to someone demonstrating such youthful energy and enthusiasm, but it is undeniable that he has a real feel for the traditional blues vernacular, both in his influences/mentors and also in his own songwriting.
We were treated to a varied set showcasing Young Rell’s multiple instrumental talents, on guitar and blues harp, both solo and with the stalwart Chicago Wind backing him up. The set was punctuated by an interview conducted by Matthew, who it emerges, was an early supporter (along with Billy Branch) and is currently managing the young man. A short Q&A session gave the audience a chance to express their approval and indeed, delight at what they had heard.
It has to be said that by the end of the show, there was a whole room full of new Young Rell fans. Among those present were a number of Chicago blues luminaries, the aforementioned Billy Branch, Nick Moss, Johnny Iguana, Freddie Dixon, Rodrigo Mantovani, and elder statesman Jimmy Burns. I’m sure these folks were equally impressed and happy to see the up and coming talent securing the future of the music for which they all work so hard. The intention is to make this a twice a month event, so let’s support it and help keep this thing going and growing.
For more info on shows:
Harrell Davenport's website w/ tour dates:
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