Single I Chicago Mike Beck – Blues Of The World
Long-awaited studio recording from Chicago Mike Beck released, featuring Sugar Blue Chicago, Illinois USA – “Blues of the World” is the first single to be released from Chicago Mike Beck’s second studio album “LOVE! It’s About Time”
The single was released on January 19, 2024. Mike will be performing music from the new album with his band as part of the 19th Access Film Music Showcase in Park City, Utah USA during the Sundance Film Festival.
The song was written by Chicago Mike with Friesen guitar giant Rik Meijer, who also served as co-producer on the album. The track features Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso Sugar Blue (Rolling Stones, Frank Zappa, Bob Dylan, Willie Dixon), drums by Neal Daniels (Matchbox 20, Booker T., Liz Phair, Dua Lipa, LP) and was co-produced by Nico Outhuijse, drummer for renowned Friese band De Kast.
The primary tracks were recorded at The Grien Room, Outhuijse’s studio in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands. Sugar Blue’s harmonica was tracked at the studio Ca’Nova Artistic House in Castel San Pietro Terme, just south-east of Bologna, Italy.
The songs on “LOVE! It’s About Time” were mostly recorded at The Grien Room in Leeuwarden, with additional recording at Misunderstudio in Murphysboro, Illinois USA, engineered by Mike Lescellius (producer of Jason Ringenberg’s “Stand Tall” album and the amazing “Roam Home to a Dome” tribute to Buckminster Fuller). One track, “Candy Bar Song” was recorded in Salt Lake City, Utah USA by Tony Korologos. Additional recording took place in New York City, Atlanta, Chicago and Viimsi, Estonia.
Guest musicians on “LOVE! It’s About Time” include guitar maestro Robbie Stokes (Grateful Dead solo albums by Mickey Hart and Robert Hunter, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Norman Greenbaum), Nora O’Connor (Mavis Staples, The Decemberists, Jakob Dylan, Andrew Bird, Jeff Tweedy, Neko Case, The New Pornographers, Robbie Fulks), Mirjam Timmer (Twarres), Boy Brostowski (Jan Akkerman, The Crazy Rockers, The Buffoons) and more.
Following the release of “Blues of the World” on January 19th, additional singles from “LOVE!” will be released in February and March, with the full album scheduled for release on April 19th when Mike’s band headlines a performance at the ÉCU Film Festival in Paris, France.
This album is the culmination of years of recording sessions in far flung corners of the world with some of the most generous, talented and musical humans Mike knows. It’s incredibly meaningful to Mike to be able to share their work.
It’s About Time, indeed..
The songs on “LOVE! It’s About Time” are intended to make you dance, sing, sometimes laugh and uplift your spirits. Buckminster Fuller said it best: “Utopia or Oblivion”. Let’s choose the first option, shall we? LOVE!
Website: https://chicagomike.com/