January 2008 Gigs for The Mystery Band

Here is a quick rundown of the month's activities - more details to follow:

Friday January 11 - Mr. G & the Mystery Band is back at Dukes Bar, 9:30 PM. Dukes is located at 6920 North Glenwood, Chicago; 773-764-2826.

Saturday January 19 - Mr. G & the Mystery Band is booked for the early blues show at the Morseland, 7-9:15PM. The Morseland is located at 1218 W. Morse Ave., Rogers Park - Chicago 773.764.8900.

Friday, January 25 - Mr. G & the Mystery Band will be back at the "home club," Bill's Blues Bar, 9:30 PM -1:00 AM. Bill's Blues is located at 1029 Davis, Evanston IL, 847-424-9800.

Mystery Band at C.J. Arthurs - 12/21, 8:30 PM

The final Mystery Band holiday show of 2007 will occur at C.J. Arthurs in Wilmette IL on 12/21/07, NO COVER, 8:30PM - 12:30 AM. C.J. Arthur's is located at 1168 Wilmette • Wilmette, IL, Tel: (847) 256-8870; www.cjarthurs.com. This is a great place with tasty food, a great bar and friendly people. The Mystery Band will be stuffed with fabulous blues superstars - OSee Anderson (guitar & vocals), Anthony Palmer (guitar) E.G. McDaniels (bass) and James Carter (drums). Oh, and Mr. G will be on harp and vocals.

Come out and have some fun with us!!

Mystery Band Gigs for Christmas - Dec. 2007

Just a quick update -

The Mystery Band will be apperaing at three of our favorite joints before Christmas -

Bill's Blues Bar on 12/14/07 (1029 Davis, Evanston IL, 847-424-9800,) - music starts around 8:30PM, and the band will be awesome - Tim Austin on drums (Buddy Guy's drummer), OSee Anderson (ex-Lonnie Brooks Band) and Mark Wydra (Ex Eddy Clearwater Band) on guitars and Smokin' Joe Pratt on bass (and Mr. G on Harmonica/vocals)

The Morseland on 12/15/07 in the beautiful Rogers Park neighborhood in Chicago, NO COVER, 7-9 PM, featuring OSee Anderson and Anthony Palmer on guitars, EG McDaniel on bass and Cool James Carter on drums (and Mr. G on Harmonica/vocals).

C.J. Arthurs in Wilmette IL on 12/21/07, NO COVER, 8:30PM - 12:30 AM, same band as the Morseland gig on 12/15.

Come on out and have fun with us!!


Mr. G

Mystery Band at the Morseland - 11/17/07

Osee Anderson on guitar and vocals plus RED HOT rhythm section. What's not to like? Music starts at 7PM. Morseland is located at 1218 W. Morse, just west of Sheridan Road in Chicago (773-764-8900; morseland.com).

Mystery Band at Duke's Bar, Rogers Park (Chicago) - 12/1/07

Kick off the holiday season with the Mystery Band in Chicago's coolest neighborhood tavern! This version of the Mystery Band will feature Osee Anderson on guitar, Mike Finnerty on saxophone and Mike Linn on drums. Mr. G will be up front on harmonica and vocals. The tunes start at about 9 PM on Saturday Decemnber 1. Duke's Bar is the coolest Chicago tavern you will ever see! Here is the address and telephone number: 6920 North Glenwood, Chicago; 773-764-2826.

Mystery Band at Harlem Ave Lounge - 11/10/07

Mr. G and the Mystery Band will be playing at Kenny Zimmerman's famous Harlem Avenue Lounge in Beautiful Berwyn IL on Saturday November 10 Music will start around 9:30 PM. This is our second time at this fine club. This version of the Mystery Band will include Anthony Palmer on Guirat, OSee Anderson on guitar and vocals, James Carter on drums and E.G. McDaniel on bass. The Harlem Avenue Lounge is located at 3701 South Harlem Avenue; Berwyn, Illinois 708-484-3610.

Mystery Band Back at Bill's Blues Bar - 10/26/07

It will be another terrific night of Blues, Funk, Soul, Jazz and the occassional twisted Country tune! This version of the Mystery Band features Anthony Plamer (guitar), OSee Anderson (guitar and vocals) E.G. McDaniel (bass) James Carter (drums) and Mr. G (harmonica and vocals). Show time is 9:30 PM on Friday, October 26.

Mystery Band at the Morseland - October 20.

Anthony Palmer on guitar, Osee Anderson on guitar and vocals, E.G. McDaniel on bass, James Carter on drums, Mr. G on harmonica and vocals! What's not to like? Music starts at 7PM. Morseland is located at 1218 W. Morse, just west of Sheridan Road in Chicago (773-764-8900; morseland.com).

Mystery Band at Bill's Blues Bar - Evanston IL, September 28, 2007

Here we go again! The Jimmy Burns Band sans Jimmy, plus OSee Anderson. Music starts at 8:30. Bill's Blues Bar is at 1029 Davis Street in Evanston IL (847-424-9800, www.billsbluesbar.com). Mr. G promises a fantastic show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mini- Review: OSee Anderson and Anthony Palmer were trading hot guitar leads all night! The action became seriously crazed during the 3rd set when a large group of young hipsters descended on Bill's Blues and turned it int a massive dance party! Woo!

Last Minute Gig - Morseland, September 22, The G and Sho Blues Duo

We got the call on Friday September 21 at 3 PM - could we fill in for a busted booking? Hell, Yeah!! G & Sho (Shoji Naito, guitar) put on two hours of duo blues. It was a big crowd, and they loved the show. Ya shoulda been dere!

Mystery Band Returns to Dukes Bar - 9/15/07

This post is a little bit late, but here it is anyway. Mr. G and the Mystery Band went back to Duke's, our favorite neighborhood tavern in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, on Saturday September 15. The Mystery Band included OSee Anderson on guitar, Mike Azzi on bass, Mike Linn on drums and Mike Finnerty on tenor saxophone (I call this the "3 Mikes" line-up). We had a jolly time. the croud surged and receded throughout the evening; Shoji Naito and Andrew "Dirty" Diehl showed up. Morry Sochat of the Special 20's also dropped by and sat in, playing harp and singing "Wang Dang Doodle." There were some old drinkers at the bar and a few lovely young women dressing up the place. Eric came with his dog, Memphis. Oh, it was fun.

August 25, 2007 - Morseland

The Mystery Band will return to the Morseland in Rogers Park (Chicago) for the early Saturday evening blues series on 8/25/07. The band will feature the great OSee Anderson on guitar, Smokin' Joe Pratt on bass and Big Louis Powell on drums. This will be Louis and Joe's maiden voyage with the Mystery Band! Mr. G will sing and blow the harp. We are also likely to have a special musical guest (yet to be determined). Come out and support this fine effort by the Morseland to present live blues in Rogers Park! Music starts at 7PM. The Morseland is located at 1218 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago IL, 773-764-8900.

NEW VENUE FOR THE MYSTERY BAND - Harlem Avenue Lounge on 8/11/07

OK, all blues fans that live out west (in Chicago and the Suburbs)! Here is your chance to hear the Mystery Band without driving a long distance!!

Mr. G and the Mystery Band will be playing at Kenny Zimmerman's famous Harlem Avenue Lounge in Beautiful Berwyn IL on Saturday August 11! Music will start around 9:30 PM. This is our first time at this fine club. This version of the Mystery Band will include Harland Terson on Bass and Twist Turner on Drums. Our special guest Mystery Bandsman on August 11 will be Mr. Sammy Fender on guitar and vocals! This is Sammy's first gig with the Mystery Band - he is a true blues star of the "Old Skool!" Come check him out!!
The Harlem Avenue Lounge is located at 3701 South Harlem Avenue; Berwyn, Illinois
708-484-3610.

Mini-Review: It was a wild and wonderful night at the HAL. Sammy Fender was putting out his unique talent and vibe. OSee Anderson wailed on Willie Dixon's "The Same Thing" (Willie Dixon was OSee's cousin). Twist and Harland were rock steady. A great gig!

Back At Bill' s Blues, 8/4/07 - Mystery Band Out To Rip Up

We will be back at Bill's Blues Bar in Evanston IL on Saturday August 4. The band roster will be especially killer - it's the Jimmy Burns Blues Band (without Jimmy) - Anthony Palmer on guitar, E.G. McDaniel on bass and James Carter on drums. For extra excitement, we have added the legendary OSee Anderson on guitar for these gigs. Music will start around 9:30 PM. Bill's Blues is located at 1029 Davis Street in downtown Evanston IL (847-424-9800.)

Mini-Review: OSee got called out of town, so Daryl Coutts joined the band on Keyboards. The band was very tight and Daryl added new colors and depth to the group. The Mystery Band started with a hot yet mellow version of "Mercy Mercy" and never cooled down. Anthony Palmer scorched the house, E.G. McDaniel laid down the bottom, James Carter was deep in the pocket all night. Mr. G was a happy man.

We're Back at the Morseland - July 28, 2007!!

The Mystery Band will return to the Morseland Cafe in Rogers Park (Chicago) for the early Saturday evening blues series on 7/28/07. This version of the Mystery Band will include OSee Anderson, on guitar, E.G. McDaniels on bass and James Carter on drums. And making his very first appearance with the Mystery Band, Mr. Daryl Coutts on keyboards!! Daryl is an awesome player who holds down the keyboard and back-up vocal duties for the Ronnie Baker Brooks Band. Come out and support this fine effort by the Morseland to present live blues in Rogers Park! Music starts at 7PM. The Morseland is located at 1218 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago IL, 773-764-8900.

Mini-Review: Daryl Coutts was the star of this show - his enthusiasm, musicianship and technical mastery of the keyboards lifted the whole band. The volume level was set low, but the band burned. The second set had the crowd rocking.

Mystery Band is Back at Duke's Bar - June 23, 2007

We are back at Duke's after a 2 month absence! This version of the Mystery Band will feature Osee Anderson and Anthony Palmer on guitars, EB McDaniel on bass and Mike Linn on drums. Mr. G will be up front on harmonica and vocals. The tunes start at about 9 PM on Saturday June 23. Duke's Bar is the coolest Chicago tavern you will ever see! Here is the address and telephone number: 6920 North Glenwood, Chicago; 773-764-2826.

Mini-Review: It was laid back, it was funky, and the band even played some twisted country tunes!! You haven't lived until you see Osee Anderson play and sing country music, folks.

Mystery Band at Bill's Blues Bar - Evanston IL, June 22, 2007

Its time for them ol' Summertime Blues!!!

We will be back at Bill's Blues Bar in Evanston IL on Friday June 22. The band roster will be especially killer - it's the Jimmy Burns Blues Band (without Jimmy) - Anthony Palmer on guitar, EG McDaniel on bass and James Carter on drums. For extra excitement, we have added the legendary OSee Anderson on guitar for these gigs. Music will start around 9:30 PM. Bill's Blues is located at 1029 Davis Street in downtown Evanston IL (847-424-9800.)

Mini-Review: Here is what Bill Gilmore, boss of Bill's Blues, had to say about the Mystery Band's eperformance on 6/22/07: "WOW!! That is one hot band!! I want this band in my club as often as possible!!"

Yes, Bill, we WILL be back!!

Last Minute Gig at the Morseland Cafe - June 2, 2007

The Mystery Band will step in for a band that cancelled its gig at the Morseland Cafe in Rogers Park (Chicago) for the early Saturday evening blues series. This version of the Mystery Band will include OSee Anderson, on guitar and the members of Jimmy Burns' backing band (Anthony Palmer on guitar, E.G. McDaniels on bass, James Carter on drums). Come out and support this fine effort by the Morseland to present live blues in Rogers Park! Music starts at 7PM. The Morseland is located at 1218 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago IL, 773-764-8900.

Mystery Band at the Morseland, May 26

The Mystery Band is back at the Morseland Cafe in Rogers Park (Chicago) for the early Saturday evening blues series. This version of the Mystery Band will includes the same crew that have played the venue before, with one exception - OSee Anderson will be joining the band on guitar! The rest of the band are the members of Jimmy Burns' backing band (Anthony Palmer on guitar, E.G. McDaniels on bass, James Carter on drums). Come out and support this fine effort by the Morseland to present live blues in Rogers Park! Music starts at 7PM. The Morseland is located at 1218 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago IL, 773-764-8900.

Mystery Band at Bill's Blues Bar - May 25

Start your Memorial Day Weekend off right!! We will be back at Bill's Blues Bar in Evanston IL on Friday May 25. The band roster will be especially killer - it's the Jimmy Burns Blues Band (without Jimmy) - Anthony Palmer on guitar, EG McDaniel on bass and James Carter on drums. For extra excitement, we have added the legendary OSee Anderson on guitar for these gigs. Music will start around 9:30 PM. Bill's Blues is located at 1029 Davis Street in downtown Evanston IL (847-424-9800.)

Mystery Band Back At C.J. Arthur's, May 19

Mr. G and the Mystery Band will be playing at C.J. Arthur's in Wilmette, IL. on Saturday May 19. Watch this space for details regarding Mystery Band personnel for this gig. Music starts at 8:30 PM - NO COVER. C.J. Arthur's is located at 1169 Wilmette Avenue in Wilmette (847-256 8870).

Mini-Review: This version of the Mystery Band was a first - this group had never played together before as a unit! Awesome Mike Finnerty was blowing hot and sweet tenor sax, the legendary OSee Anderson handled guitar duties, Kevin Summers filled in on bass and Michael "Thin" Linn sat in the drum seat. Mr G did his usual blowing and sucking on the harmonica and he sang, too. The key word for the evening was "dynamics" - the band burned at relatively low volumes. OSee Anderson is a true virtuoso, fluent in blues, jazz and R&B idioms. It was a nice night so much of the crowd sat at the sidewalk tables and dug the band from a bit of a distance. T'was a fine gig, yas...

Mystery Band at the Morseand Cafe, April 21

The Mystery Band is back at the Morseland Cafe in Rogers Park (Chicago) for the early Saturday evening blues series. This version of the Mystery Band will include Jimmy Burns' backing band (Anthony Palmer on guitar, E.G. McDaniels on bass, james Carter on drums) plus the great Shoji Naito on guitar!! Come out and support this fine effort by the Morseland to bring great live music to the People! Music starts at 7PM. The Morseland is located at 1218 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago IL, 773-764-8900.

Mini-Review: Yikes! The band was crazy tight! James Carter and E.G. McDaniel seem to read each other's mind - Mr. G has never heard a bass player and a drummer work so seamlessly. Tony Palmer roared and Shoji kicked it old skool with the Muddy Waters slide guitar work. The Morseland is a terrific venue!!

Mystery Band At Bill's Blues Bar - Friday, April 20

Yes, Folks, we will be back at our Home Club, Bill's Blues Bar in Evanston IL on Friday April 20. This version of the Mystery Band will include Twist Turner on drums, Harlan Terson on bass, Mark Wydra on guitar and Tom Holland on guitar. WOOOOOOO!!! All stars in this Mystery Band!! Music will start around 9:30 PM. Bill's Blues is located at 1029 Davis Street in downtown Evanston IL (847-424-9800.)

Mini-Review: Tom Holland and Mark Wydra ripped up the joint, laying down some terrific blues guitar licks all night long. Harland and Twist built a solid foundation. Mr. G howled and blue lots of harp. In other words, another solid night at Bill's Blues.

Mystery Band at Duke's Bar, April 14

This version of the Mystery Band will feature Mike Finnerty on Saxophone, Mike Linn on drums, Mike Azzi on bass and Andy Meacham on guitar. Mr. G will be up front on harmonica and vocals. The tunes start at about 9 PM on Saturday April 14. Duke's Bar is the coolest Chicago tavern you will evere see! Here is the address and telephone number: 6920 North Glenwood, Chicago; 773-764-2826.

Mini-Review: Honkin' sax, wailin' harmonica and rugged blues. The Mystery Band even came up with a crazed country tune, "There Stands the Glass." It was a quiet night at Duke's, but the music was intense!

Mystery Band At C. J. Arthur's in Wilmette IL - March 30

Mr. G and the Mystery Band will be playing at C.J. Arthur's in Wilmette, IL. on Friday March 30. Mr G will be supported by the Jimmy Burns Blues Band (minus Jimmy Burns) - Anthony Palmer on guitar, E.G. McDaniel on bass and James Carter on drums. There may be a last minute musical guest added to the gig - stay tuned. Music starts at 8:30 PM - NO COVER. C.J. Arthur's is located at 1169 Wilmette Avenue in Wilmette (847-256 8870).

Mini-Review: It was a relaxed, fun evening at C.J Arthurs. The Jimmy Burns Band cooked behind Mr. G, with Anthony Palmer lighting up the house with his searing guitar!!

Mystery Band is Back at the Morseland - March 10

We had so much fun in February that we are back again! This is an early Saturday evening show, 7 PM to 9:30 PM, at the Morseland Cafe (1218 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago IL, 773-764-8900, www.morseland.com). Come and enjoy a wonderful meal and some great tunes from the Mystery Band!

Mini-Review: The Mystery Band included some great players on this gig - Anthony Palmer on Guitar (Jimmie Burns Band, Mathew Skollar Band, etc.), Shoji Naito on Guitar (Eddy Clearwater Blues Band), James Carter on drums (Jimmei Burns Band) and Harlan Terson on bass (Fabulous Fish Heads). Tony Palmer and Shoji Naito have contrasting and complementary styles - Tony is a Chicago West Side burner, Shoji is an old school guy who channels Muddy and B.B. A fine time was had by all!

LAST MINUTE GIG AT BILL'S BLUES IN EVANSTON IL - SATURDAY, MARCH 3

The Mystery Band will be filling in for Magic Slim and the Teardrops at Bill's Blues (1024 Davis Street, Evanston IL 847-424-9800) on Saturday March 3. Magic Slim is stuck in Lincoln, Nebraska due to bad weather, so Mr. G & the Mystery Band have come to the rescue! The band for this gig will be awesome - Merle Perkins (Eddy Clearwater Band) on drums, Harlan Terson (the Fabulous Fish Heads) on bass, OSee Anderson (The Phil Guy Band) on guitar and Tom Crivelione (Two for the Blues) on guitar. Mr. G will sing and blow harp. Come on out and see how much fun a "busted booking" can be!!

Mini-Review: Blues fans from distant locations showed up at Bill's Blues to hear Magic Slim. Imagine their surprise when they learned that he didn't make the gig! But the crowd stayed around and heard the Mystery Band, and soon they were happy. OSee Anderson and Tom Crivelione laid down some burning blues guitar, Harlan Terson was rock-steady on the bass, and the Perkolater kicked the band along from behind his drum kit. Lots of fun!

Mystery Band is Back At Duke's Bar in Chicago - February 24th

Mr. G and the Mystery Band hits the best neighborhood joint in Chicago's Rogers Park - DUKE'S BAR!! Duke's is located at 6920 North Glenwood, Chicago IL, (772 764-2826). Music will start around 9:30 - NO COVER!! This version of the Mystery Band is the jazz gang - it includes Mike Finnerty on Tenor sax, Andy Meecham on guitar, Mike Linn on drums and Mike Azzi on bass. As always, Mr. G will blow the harmonica and sing until his lungs burst.

Mini-Review: Holy cow, what lousy weather we had last night! Sloppy snow and ice, high winds, etc. It wasn't a fit night out for man or beast. But a few hardy blues fans made it out to Dukes Bar to party with the Mystery Band. We even had a few folks dancing! The band closed out the eveing with a gospel version of Amazing Grace (since it was Sunday morning by the time we finished the last set).

Saturday February 17 - Mystery Band at the Morseland Cafe

On Saturday February 17, Mr. G and the Mystery Band will be laying down some dinner-time tunes at the Morseland Cafe (1218 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago IL, 773-764-8900, www.morseland.com). Music starts at 7PM . The Morseland is a wonderful venue - great stage and sound system, large dance floor and terrific food! The Mystery Band will have the electric blues/funk line-up at the Morseland, featuring Anthony Palmer on guitar and E.G. McDaniel on bass! And appearing for the first time with the Mystery Band, James Carter on Drums! James is a major talent, supporting many groups around Chicago - he is the drummer with the Jimmy Burns Blues Band right now (working with E.G. McDaniel and Anthony Palmer).

Mini-Review: The Mystery Band kept it pretty mellow for the dinner crowd. James Carter has a very deep trick bag and his tasteful, intuitive drumming kept the Mystery Band very tight. Anthony Palmer, E.G. McDaniel and James Carter are the regular sidemen for Jimmy Burns, the great Chicago guitarist and vocalist. These three guys are totally connected - no missed cues, ever.

Mystery Band at Bill's Blues in Evanston IL, Saturday February 3

The Mystery Band has been hired for a last-minute show at its home club Bill's Blues Bar in Evanston (1024 Davis Street, 847-424-9800, www.billsbluesbar.com) on Saturday February 3. This is an early, all-ages show. Music starts at 7:30 PM and we should wrap up by 10:30. Come on out, dig the Mystery Band show, and be home in time for Saturday night Live!! This will be the electric version of the band - members include The Great Mark Wydra on guitar, Harland Terson (the Blues Person) on bass and Twist Turner on drums. LAST MINUTE ADDITION - ANTHONY PALMER, BLUES GUITAR GOD!!!!

Mini-Review: In spite of the miserable weather (temperature hit 5 below zero), a healthy crowd turned out at Bill's. Mark Wydra and Anthony Palmer had never played together before, and they both lit up the house. Their outstanding chops and contrasting styles made this show a blues guitar lover's dream!! Many thanks to the fans who braved the elements to join us at Bill's Blues!