Review: Glenn Noble
Photos: Jennifer Noble
L to R -- Joe Barr, Theo Huff, Nellie Travis, Billy Branch, Matthew Skoller
University of Chicago Presents: Southern Soul Celebration: Blues for the Soul
Joe Barr, Theo Huff, Nellie “Tiger” Travis, The Platinum Band
Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago, Chicago IL
January 25, 2025
By Glenn Noble/ Photos: Jennifer Noble
A significant and special event kicked off Black History Month at the University of Chicago’s Logan Center in Hyde Park -- not just because there were three excellent performers on the bill -- with the opening show of a new series “Blues@Logan” to be held there. Emcee Matthew Skoller, a figure well-known for his harmonica artistry, is also handling the programming for the upcoming blues events at the Blues@Logan Series. Supported by the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation, the series will celebrate Chicago's rich blues heritage with performances by both emerging talents and acclaimed artists.
Also while introducing the show, Matt paid tribute to the recently departed guitarist Kenneth “Hollywood” Scott, a key part of the Platinum Band, the backing band for the show, and a much-loved figure judging by the reaction of the audience. The Platinum Band members on stage were: drummer T.Y. Mitchell, bassist Mike Sterling, percussionist Robert Willis, on keys Carlos Patterson and Alvin Carter, lead guitarist James Gordon, plus backup vocalists Kalea Payton, Toni Marie Adams, and Jolene Barr.
On to the opening performance of the evening in the glittering shape of singer Joe Barr, who strode on resplendent in a sparkling tuxedo and bow tie outfit. With a long standing residency at Koko Taylor’s long gone club, Joe and the “Soul Purpose” band became a fixture of the soul blues scene. Joe is gifted with a powerful, yet warm, voice that delivers an emotional punch, which is the hallmark of good soul vocals. This was a quite traditional sounding set and many of the audience were welcomed as old friends.
In contrast, Theo Huff burst on stage to a brassy fanfare, and proceeded to deliver an energetically choreographed performance, skipping and hopping from one side of the stage to the other. The music was a little more contemporary, in contrast to the preceding set -- his new single “Movin’ That Thang” is simply a fun, funky groove -- but Theo did close with the classic “Last Two Dollars,” while passing through the crowd, who were only too happy to provide the necessary cash! Theo’s audience involvement was endearing, for example, giving out red roses to the ladies in the front row. Winding up with another energetic number “Do the Bird,” Theo and his troupe danced off, clearing the way for the headline act, Nellie “Tiger” Travis.
Nellie, clad in a white pants suit, instantly made her presence felt, opening with “Here I Stand,” powerfully projecting her sassy, confident vibe. Despite having moved away from Chicago a few years back to join the Southern Soul circuit, she clearly had many fans present, and commented on how good it was to be back. Of course, her viral hit “Mr. Sexy Man” got a terrific crowd reaction as the whole house got to their feet and danced along; all in all, she delivered a very uplifting and energizing set.
Inevitably the entire ensemble got together at the end of the show, including two blues harpists extraordinaire -- Billy Branch, who had been enjoying the show from the stalls, and MC Matt Skoller both joined in to “Let the Good Times Roll.” Judging by this excellent event, the good times will certainly be rolling in the Logan Center for some time to come through this worthy program.
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