Local Band Pays Tribute To The Women Who Pioneered Early Rhythm & Blues

Ever since guitarist Dave Downer formed the Rhythm Rockets back in 1996 at the height of the neo-swing craze, the band has performed nothing but the very best in horn-fueled jump blues and swing music all over the Chicagoland area. They’ve developed a large and loyal following while regularly starring at leading nightclubs, as well as occasionally headlining prestigious larger venues such as the Racine Theater, Schaumburg Performing Arts Center and the Woodstock Opera House.

Now the band is kicking it up another complete notch. They’re in the midst of preparing a full-scale theater-style presentation that pays loving tribute to the pioneering female singers in the jump blues genre. Naturally, the music of the legendary Etta James, Ruth Brown, Peggy Lee, and Dinah Washington will be extensively represented in the revue, which will feature an extended segment devoted to each of those hallowed greats. Each mini-set will be accompanied by narration that will offer a brief but comprehensive overview of the singers’ glamorous lives and the timeless brilliance of their musical contributions.

Downer also plans to feature the equally bracing material of several lesser-known but equally fascinating chanteuses in the still-evolving show, including songs forever associated with Ella Mae Morse, Little Esther Phillips, Big Maybelle, and Ethel Waters. Since only dedicated aficionados of the idiom may be aware of several of these long-ago greats (after all, Waters’ heyday harks all the way back to pre-war days, so her time as a household name via radio and theater is long gone), these concise yet revealing history lessons should render this savory feast of rip-roaring jump blues and the occasional atmospheric after-hours blues ballad even more attractive than the band’s usual dance-oriented fare.

Of course, it helps to have vocalist Nicole Kestler on board to deliver those vintage chestnuts with the verve and class that they deserve. The vivacious Kestler has been positioned behind the mic with the Rhythm Rockets for 17 years now, and she’s long been a primary factor in the band’s ongoing popularity.

“She doesn’t mimic or imitate the artists,” says Downer. “She brings her own vibe to the songs and her own voice, so it’s not going to be like a tribute band that’s doing everything note for note and scream for scream. We’re going to do the music and talk about the artists and celebrate their lives, but Nicole doesn’t mimic what they do. She does her own thing and her own interpretation.”

Indeed, the key here is to not regard these vintage artists and their classic music as dusty museum pieces tied to a bygone era. In the right hands, their wonderful songs still breathe fire, exhibiting the same passion and intensity as they did on the day they were recorded. Since the Rhythm Rockets are generally regarded as Chicagoland’s leading jump blues outfit for good reason, it’s a safe bet they’ll do the job right anytime they pick up on a newly discovered number. In addition to Nicole, tenor saxman Mike Bielecki, bassist Lou Marini, and drummer Mark Fornek are all longtime veterans of the band whose aggregate command of the idiom remains flawless.

The Rhythm Rockets put together a similar revue-style show a few years back when they were holding down a monthly engagement at the now-shuttered but fondly remembered Katerina’s on West Irving Park Road. That show went over very well with their fans, but they haven’t mounted anything so ambitious again--until now. Downer hopes to try out the new format at a couple of carefully selected nightclub presentations before offering the program to local theaters and other more formal venues. Considering the talent involved, it’s bound to be a winner.

Frankie's Blue Room is located at 16 W Chicago Ave., Naperville, IL

Performance time is at 8:00PM (doors open at 7:00PM)

The show is a 21 and older event, tickets are available at the door, or purchased in advance (recommended)

at https://www.ticketfly.com/purc...