Howard and the White Boys made a welcome return to Blues Bar to promote their current live album, Rosa’s Lounge, which was named after the local Chicago venue in which it was recorded.
On a cold night in Mount Prospect, IL, the crowd in a busy local watering hole, Blues Bar, was hoping that local Chicago band, Howard and the White Boys, would warm them up. The band did not let them down.
Forming in the late 80s, the band has been a staple in the Chicago live music scene ever since. They have played with some of the all-time greats, including BB King, Otis Rush, and Chuck Berry. It is noteworthy to mention their biggest celebrity fan and unofficial mentor is a certain Mr. Buddy Guy.
The night kicked off straight into a classic blues groove with both guitarists regularly trading licks and the rhythm section pushing the band along steadily. They had people on the dance floor from the first song, right through till the end, especially for the last song of the first set, “Good Booty and BBQ.” The guys played a mixture of songs from their new album, Rosa’s Lounge, with some of their older songs mixed in, adding in a few classic riffs from AC/DC and The Allman Brothers Band for good measure.
At the end of the show, the crowd showed their appreciation for what was a great performance . It’s easy to see why Howard and the White Boys have been around for as long as they have, and why they have garnered the admiration of some of the blues’ greats.
With Howard and the White Boys, you get solid material, a singer with a voice that could melt butter who also makes up one half of a rock solid rhythm section, and two guitarists both capable of producing licks that wouldn’t be out of place coming from Buddy Guy’s spotted Stratocaster. This was a great night and a great band. Make a date to catch Howard and the White Boys when they come to your town.