Fareed Haque Group, Honeytribe, The Make Believe, Plane
FAREED HAQUE GROUP
Claiming Fareed Haque to be an ideal representative of Chicago music is not as overblown of a statement as it may seem. The virtuoso guitarist not only exudes Chicago music in his multitude of fused styles, but also in his focused energy and detailed string work. Haque’s background growing up all over the world jumps out in his music as he mixes jazz, classical and world in an effortless blend of nimble, relaxing music. A graduate not only of the jazz scene but also of Northwestern’s School of Music, he now teaches at Northern Illinois. Haque’s studio work with Garaj Mahal and his namesake band have produced albums that have won over fans beyond jazz circles, but it is in the live realm that his skills truly shine. Whether onstage at outdoor festivals or tucked away in intimate clubs, Haque’s sound promises to be always near mesmerizing. (Appearing at Green Mill on Jan 12 & 13) –text: Brent Kado
HONEYTRIBE
As if the Allman Brothers didn’t sufficiently secure the continuing role of Southern rock and soul in modern pop, its progeny have taken it upon themselves to ensure the genres’ ongoing representation. Devon Allman’s Honeytribe is the latest addition to what has become a virtual lobby for the survival of classic American rock. The son of soul legend Gregg Allman, Devon fronts the 4-piece outfit on a debut album that foregoes the traditional jam-band model in pursuit of a pure blues-oriented sound. Nonetheless, Honeytribe’s blues focus doesn’t prevent meaningful experimentation with related jazz, folk and reggae influences. Torch is a concise yet inclusive reminder of the power of simple concepts, sweet melodies, and deliberate and understated production. In many ways, the band’s ability to stay within itself despite the imposing success of its musical family speaks to the power of the music it offers. (Appearing with Gregg Allman & Friends at House of Blues on Jan. 12 & 13) –text: Mike Alkaraki–photo: Pamela Paxman
THE MAKE BELIEVE
If you’re looking for a band that follows all the formulas and treads down the musical path map in hand, The Make Believe might lose you along the way. Sitting somewhere between math rock and heavier indie fare, The Make Believe shift styles and forge together sounds as the more daring tend to. While the music might get a bit spazzy or abstract, there is a focus and purpose dripping from the band’s efforts. Consisting of Nate and Tim Kinsella along with Bobby Burg and Sam Zurick, The Make Believe have caused quite a stir since their 2003 debut. Members of the always reliable Flameshovel label, The Make Believe have garnered praise from mainstream sources like Spin and Wire. Their sophomore album, Of Course, is showing the promise that fans of their previous projects (Joan of Arc, Owls, Cap N’ Jazz) are latching onto. (Appearing with Pit er Pat at Schubas on Jan. 8) –text: Brent Kado–photo: Chris Strong
PLANE
Chicago’s Plane has more than just a healthy appetite for Joy Division and New Order. But their soon-to-be-released album, I See Love In the Future, also reveals a band that works well in the shadows. Plane uses light and shade well enough to pull the listener in little by little without ever showing the complete picture. There are no tricks involved here; the songs speak for themselves. Building on the foundation laid out by 2004’s Shake My Ground and 2005’s Hello More, Plane continues to discover the right door at the right time that allows the band’s music to uncover a new source of inspiration. Members Edgars Legzdins and Ed Anderson are poised to keep the road ahead of Plane open with possibility. It’s what they do with those opportunities that either make a career or leave us to wonder, “What the hell ever happened to…?” (Appearing with The Ladies & Gentleman and Welcome to Ashley at Subterranean on Jan. 6) –text: Chris Castaneda
