I was not ready. It was Sunday, September 28, and I was feeling in need of a pick-me-up for the week ahead. I had not heard Wicked Drawl previously, but I knew it would be something incredible if Seth Boustead booked them for the CheckOut's opening festival. The music lifted me, and I didn't stop smiling or tapping my foot for a moment throughout their performance. Wicked Drawl is the definition of what I love when I discover music that is new to me.
Wicked Drawl describes itself as a "cross-country experience". The music is an experience in the best of country, folk, bluegrass, and classical—yes, classical. Casey Cross is the pianist, Jeffrey Parker is on bass, Keith Kusterer is on guitar, and Christina Pecce is a vocalist of unique talent with a sumptuous and clear tone. Pecce's vocal timbre is unique, and even the wildest hootenanny songs have a silky feel.
Cross's playing brings to mind my favorite player/composers, Leon Russell and Donny Hathaway, with their use of glissandos and arpeggios. He can play what sounds like a saloon piano and then smoothly segue into a classical riff. "Fur Mozart" demonstrates his prowess and Pecce's ability to soar to operatic heights. The song ends on a satisfying blues phrase.
Keith Kusterer is a great songwriter, guitarist, and singer. He can play country, bluegrass, and a touch of flamenco-inspired licks as demonstrated on "Catacombs." He sings a beautiful harmony with Pecce. Jeffrey Parker provides a solid foundation on the standup bass. He plays with a driving pizzicato and a robust classical-style bowing technique. All four musicians sing together like a sweet country choir in perfect harmony.
Wicked Drawl is accustomed to playing larger venues, but they have a special affection for chamber spaces like the CheckOut, where the subtleties of their music can be fully appreciated. This is music that transports me to different places in my mind. I listen and see the desert expanse, or a star-filled sky over a creek by the fire. Their music evokes emotional connections and the complexities of relationships. They played "Livin' On A Dime," and I remembered sitting in my mom's kitchen eating hot water cornbread. Simple but delicious, and a beautiful memory that almost everyone can relate to on a deeply personal level.
"Tired" is a barnburner with the entire group jamming. The audience let out some hoots and clapped along. It was the same on every song, even the slow simmering songs that could break your heart. Wicked Drawl is a band to be experienced live and in a chamber setting at least once. I highly recommend catching them whenever they are playing. I believe that you will come away lifted and will float on that vibe for a while. They have a new single out, "Whispers on the Wax," and it can be heard on streaming apps, but it's best experienced live. I am still floating.
Wicked Drawl played at the CheckOut on September 28 to close out the opening festival, celebrating the new site and another vehicle for new music and composers. The music continues every day and night. It's a chill vibe with a good bar and friendly staff. The CheckOut is at 4116 N. Clark at the junction of Uptown and the Southport Corridor. For more information, please visit acmusic.org
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