By Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
ESSENTIAL SUMMER ALBUMS
Toronzo Cannon
T
he preservation of the blues and
how to make sure that the genre
doesn’t become just a museum
piece is a major concern for most blues
fans. The classics will never die but it’s
important for longevity to keep producing fresh, original material that reflects
what’s happening in this century. Well,
Chicago doesn’t have anything to worry
about on that front, because the home of
the blues is also the home of Toronzo
Cannon.
Armed with revelatory guitar riffs and
keen observation skills that deliver memorable tunes, Toranzo has been consistent-
16 illinoisentertainer.com july 2016
ly revitalizing the Chicago blues scene
since he first appeared in 1996. Working
his way from sideman to band leader and
now solo star with a newly signed
Alligator Records contract, his newest
release, The Chicago Way, demonstrates
why the left-handed guitarist is a breakout blues torch bearer. The 11-track album
is bursting with expert storytelling, stinging guitar riffs and all the multi-layered
ingredients that create the perfect blues
album.
Famously working as a CTA bus driver by day and bluesman by night, the
tense scenes and situations of his day job
supplied fertile ground for the musician
to continue the blues tradition of using
social and political commentary for lyrics.
Toronzo wrote all of the music and his
engaging songwriting helps elevate
Chicago’s contemporary blues sound.
Kicking off with the savory blues rock of
"Pain Around Me," he chronicled the dire
conditions that he’s witnessed driving
through Chicago’s inner city. Lamenting
the crime and abuse of politicians and
religious leaders, he explained; ‘Don’t get
me wrong/ I don’t want to sing this
song/about the pain around me/but this
is what I see.”
“Bad Contract” showcases the modern
day blues of prenuptial agreements wiping out half of hard-earned wealth, and
the standout “Walk It Off” serves up sizzling Chicago blues with a dose of heartbreak accented with nasty bass by Larry
Williams. “Fine Seasoned Woman” sings
the praises of mature ladi