As you might expect from a band named for one of the most iconic songs on the most famous of all officially untitled fourth albums, the Chicago quartet Blackdog gives a whole lotta love and then some to Led Zeppelin, which ranks first and foremost on a list of classic-rock heroes that also includes Cream and Jim Hendrix. Yet while this can be a dire thing indeed in the hands of mere mortals or copycat wannabes in the Lenny Kravitz mode, thunder god drummer Andrew Elbert, bassist Jason Segal and guitarists and vocalists Antony Ablan and Sam Reicher have both the chops and the bluesy, boozy joie de vivre to pull off the sound and the stance in a most convincing way.
The band released a self-titled album last year, and it offers a hefty sampling of its heavy tunes on both its MySpace page, www.myspace.com/yourblackdog, and its own Web site, www.yourblackdog.com. The group also is gigging with road-warrior regularity; the next stops on the itinerary: The Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Elston, at 8 p.m. Friday, and Phyllis' Musical Inn, 1800 W. Division, at 8 p.m. on Aug. 28.
Its about time I read about them in the paper! I saw them at the elbo room several months ago and recently at Goose Island. Seriously one of the best live bands I've seen--last year I saw over 50 shows local and big time. These guys definitely hold there own. Its cool to be able to see them before they blow up.
Hey Jim, thanks for the love! We'd love to see you at one of our upcoming shows. Be sure to introduce yourself and we'll get you into a BLACKDOG t-shirt!
~Andrew
I totally agree with James. For sure the best live band I've seen in a long time. They are super talented musicians and put on a sick show. You can just feel their passion when they play. I've seen them a few times now and I have to say that I always leave feeling good. As a side note...they look really good while they do what they do :-)
I had the opportunity to catch Blackdog at the High Noon Saloon in Madison, Wisconsin. All I can say is that they ROCK....and I mean that in more ways than one. Not only do they play authentic, energizing music, but they also attract the LADIES!!! I arrived at the show a lonely virgin, but a few hours (minutes, haha) after the show ended I was no longer lonely and no longer in possession my v-card! Blackdog = a great band and even better aphrodisiac.
Blackdog is seriously one of the best bands ever. EVER.
Let me tell you something right now...Blackdog takes a back seat to NOBODY, and I mean NOBODY, when it comes to live performances. You can feel the blood, sweat and tears of the performers as they send shivers through the crowd. In particular, that tall guy who plays guitars gives me the jibbers...in a good way!!
I agree with all of the above. These guys put on an unforgetable show, even when compared to some of todays greatest live acts. Truly a pleasure to watch, listen, and experience.
The energy put forth from these guys is amazing... and the vocals are even better. Anyone who gets a chance absolutely must see them live.