I saw some excellent live music on Friday, two different bands at Uncommon Grounds on Devon here in Chicago. Since I can not possibly review Styles Bitchly any better than my significant did in her blog I will just direct you all to her page to read bout them: http://www.laurafreemansings.com/sets_in_the_city/
Now, I will tell you about the Vessela Stoyanova Trio. An excellent trio that played what I would call Creative World Jazz for lack of a better term. Vessela Stoyanova, an inhabitant of Boston, MA and member of the band Fluttr Effect, teamed up with Matthew Longbons and John Maloney of Styles Bitchly and formerly of the Ghettobillies, to play some very intense original compositions as well as some traditional songs from her native Bulgaria to amazing effect.
Having excellent qualities ranging from tempestuous to emotional they played with a precision and passion that is sadly, seldom seen in a world full of prefab everything. On top of being a trio of masterful musicians bringing something fresh to the stage, the introductions to the songs were intriguing and poignant and the stories were universal to experiences that we all share. A story about a misled lover with presumably magic abilities and a penchant to prevail was a definite highlight of the set.
I don't know when this trio will play again but if you see the name pop-up anywhere you can make it, I suggest you make the time and the trip...