The Hard Working Americans blasted off the grand finale of their tour Saturday night at Chicago’s Park West. The city that proudly calls itself “The City Of Big Shoulders”, gave the band a warm welcome with a packed show and eager ears. A band that plays for the working man seemed to be a perfect fit for a city like Chicago. The Hard Working Americans is compromised of Todd Snider (Vocals), Dave Schools of Widespread Panic (Bass), Neal Casal of the Cardinals and Chris Robinson Brotherhood (Guitars and Vocals), Chad Staehly of Great American Taxi (Keyboards), and Duane Trucks of Col. Bruce Hampton’s School of Music (Drums). They spent the night ripping into heavy and grimy jams. Front man Todd Snider is one todays best singer/songwriters and was solidly backed up with an amazing band. The sound of this band is tight and these veteran musicians seem to blend together seamlessly. “Stomp and Holler”, a fan favorite from the bands new self titled album got the whole crowd rockin’ out. Dave Schools dropped some heavy base as Neal Casal tore things up on his guitar. This new super group is not one to miss when they head back out on the road. Net even a month after the release of their debut album, recorded at Bob Weir’s TRI Studios in San Rafael California, the band is back at it in the studio in Chicago’s IV Lab Studios. They are currently writing songs while in the studio and creating an album of originals. The plan is to record a full length album in just five days without even having all the material written. Only a band with true talent could accomplish something like this. With more songs on the way, one would only hope there will be another tour soon. Hard Working Americans truly combine the genres of Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Blues, Experimental, Jam and Rock. The band who recently formed has a chemistry that sounds like all members have played together for years. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for this band as they are sure to rock the country once again soon!
