The rise of the Chicago Blues was due mainly to the rural exodus, during the Great Depression, of black and poor workers from the southern United States to the industrialized cities of the north, Chicago in particular, during the first half of the United States. Twentieth century. At the beginning the Chicago Blues was mainly forged in the streets and clubs of Chicago. But it quickly gained in popularity until it touched the whole of the United States, then Europe, particularly the United Kingdom.

Chicago Blues brings together two generations of Chicago’s greatest living traditionalists in an unprecedented collaboration. The legendary Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch, Lurrie Bell and Carlos Johnson - all illustrious inheritors of the Chicago blues tradition - have come together to honor the evolution of this music, from its creation to the present day. The all-star Living History Band includes: Billy Flynn, guitar, Johnny Iguana, keyboards, Matthew Skoller, harmonica, Felton Crews, bass and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, drums.

History lesson or all-star blues session? Chicago Blues: A LIVING HISTORY wants it both ways - and gets it. By assembling a great multi-generational band that nearly spans the history of the genre, producer Larry Skoller insures both fidelity to the historic players and songs celebrated here and a lack of slavishness in the performances. The concise notes on each musician represented, ranging from the original Sonny Boy Williamson to Buddy Guy, serve as both pocket history and buyer’s guide for newcomers. But those steeped in the blues will find that these masterful performances speak eloquently for themselves with no need of further elaboration.

Cast: Billy Flynn (Guitar), Matthew Skoller (Harmonica) , Johnny Iguana (Keyboards), Felton Crews (Bass), Kenny “Beedy-Eyes” Smith (Drums), Carlos Johnson, Billy Branch, Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Lurrie Bell