Quique Gomez & Luca Giordano - Chicago 3011 Studios Sessions (2022)

Italian guitarist Luca Giordano and Spanish harmonica player Quique Gomez both loved Chicago blues and decided to travel there to immerse themselves in Chicago blues. Coincidentally, the two Europeans were there at the same time, met each other and decided to do something together. In the meantime they just kept busy with their own band and career, but every now and then they went out together. After doing this for a year or two and also making some friends in Chicago, two years ago they entered the studio with some of those friends and the album "Chicago '3011 Studios' Sessions" was recorded. Those friends are not the least. In addition to the accompanists Ariyo (piano), Harlan Terson (bass) and Marty Binder (drums), bassist Bob Stroger, guitarists Jimmy Burns, Eddie C. Campbell, Breezy Rodio, Pete Galanis and harmonica player Billy Branch. The album consists of six original compositions, six adaptations of classics and a jam as a bonus. What we are presented with here is excellent Chicago blues, made by enthusiasts. That should be obvious. There is nothing new under the sun; it's just good-sounding old-fashioned Chicago blues. The six covers are performed well, of which “Outskirts Of Town” is an outlier for me, but their own work stands head and shoulders above that. A special mention deserves “The Fool” and “Three Wheels Automobile”. A fruitful cooperation between Spain and Italy on American soil. Every blues fan should listen to this.