Chicago natives to perform songs off latest album ‘The Gig Is On’
The members of the Chicago-based blues and funk band Lubriphonic are veterans to the Windy City’s scene, having played with some big names in their genre and producing four solid albums.
With a self-described musical sound of James Brown meets Led Zeppelin, Lubriphonic brings together an eclectic group of talented and well-learned musicians to create a unique but signature soulful blues rhythm and beat.
Lubriphonic’s latest album, “The Gig Is On,” which was independently released in December, showcases the band’s musical edge and skill, and will be a large part of its show’s set.
“We tried to make the album sound as ‘organic’ as possible, so we tracked most of it live,” vocalist and guitarist Giles Corey said.
Featuring tracks like “Rhino” and “Under the Line,” Corey wrote the album during the band’s 2009 tours.
“We actually recorded, mixed and mastered it in, I think, 12 days, but they were dispersed over two months because of our touring schedule,” Corey said.
Gig-goers can also expect to hear some favorites from the band’s first three releases, as well as unreleased tracks off the next album.
“We like to play them on the road before actually recording them,” Corey said.
Corey and Rick King , the band’s drummer and percussionist, started Lubriphonic as a side project in 2002, becoming a main-stage, touring band in 2008.
Noting some of the biggest musical influences as James Brown, Curtis Mayfield and anyone signed to Stax Records, a Southern soul label, Lubriphonic has toured with its fair share of bands and artists, including Widespread Panic, Derek Trucks, Maceo Parker and New Mastersounds.
“The one that sticks out for me is the one that didn’t happen. We were booked to open for Sly Stone in Chicago, but he canceled last minute. That would’ve been a hell of a show,” Corey said.
Although this will be Lubriphonic’s first time in Columbia and first time playing with the opening band, local dance rock act The Funky Junk Band, the guys do have high hopes for the Southern crowd.
“Southern audiences make the difference for me. Maybe live music is more a part of Southern culture,” Corey said. “Everything that is American music came from the South — blues, jazz, country, rock ‘n’ roll. I think people down here get that, are proud of it and they are so much fun to play for.”
Lubriphonic is also excited to play for an audience of USC students at The House.
“We definitely enjoy playing to a college crowd,” Corey said. “They give back tons of energy to a performer — if they like you!”
After a few more shows around the South in February, including Florida, Georgia and Alabama, Lubriphonic will go west in March and spend April back on the East Coast. They will also play in a number of festivals like Wakarusa in Arkansas, All Good in West Virginia and Joshua Tree in California .
Lubriphonic performs at The House tonight. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show is at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8. For more information about upcoming Lubriphonic tour dates, band profiles and free mp3 downloads, visit lubriphonic.com.