Review: Chicago Kingsnakes’ “Blue Mosaic”

By Joe Ross

– As with any album I review, it’s usually the cover that first catches my eye. The Chicago Kingsnakes chose some artwork by modernist painter Marc Chagall to grace the cover of their new CD, “Blue Mosaic.” Like Chagall’s work in which his colors attract and capture attention, The Chicago Kingsnakes blend tones and graduated perspectives into new, living forms that become integral parts of the music on their tenth MusicKing label album release.

The cover artwork is a good representation of this band’s cohesive personal Chicago blues vision with R&B and soul influences. The musical mosaic on this album conveys plenty of striking images and vivid impressions.

The songs are all original, written by guitarist and lead vocalist James “Ang” Anderson. The rest of the band is Nelson Keaton (harmonica), Mike Bailey (bass), and Gus Gotsis (drums). They all sing, and that contributes to the band’s well-executed charm that has grown a legion of fans during its nearly three decades in existence.

The album presents a lot of contrast, both in color and statement. “Sick and Tired” might have the band wanting to go back where they belong on the south side of Chicago, but “So Cold in Chicago” has them stranded on Lakeshore Drive in a car that won’t start.

The Chicago Kingsnakes’ music doesn’t give me that “chill right down to my bone.” Some lyrics come off as a little awkward, and their instrumental work is almost too clean and arranged at times, lacking some of the guts, grit and grease we expect in the blues. On the other hand, some of their burning music is pretty hot too, and a few of the cuts might get you to “Stop, Drop and Roll” right into their fire. These guys are clearly an energetic and talented working band with many devoted fans. I only wish they’d take a few more cues from Howlin’ Wolf.