DOWNLOAD THEN SEE: Lubriphonic

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 21, 2011 4:40PM

Chicago’s Lubriphonic started out in 2002 as a side project, comprised of sidemen to blues legends like Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, and Otis Rush. Led by guitarist Giles Corey and drummer Rick King, the act performed regularly at Hyde Park’s Checkerboard Lounge, where they took on a handful of Chicago roots musicians and crafted their own blend of blues, funk, and rock. Now nearly a decade later, the septet is no longer a part-time project, but a full force pursuit with a national following, preparing to celebrate its latest release, The Gig is On.

The new album is lengthy one - 14 tracks totaling over an hour of music - but it doesn’t drag on. Fast, jazzy rhythms and soulful energy keep it moving along. The opening track “Rhino” starts out with a vigorous, half-minute drum solo then incorporates horns, organ and an electrifying guitar riff. You’re already hooked by time Corey jumps in with his strong and clear vocals, “I’m a rhino busting down the track.” Legendary New Orleans keyboardist Ivan Neville is featured on four songs, including “Pimp Limp,” a smooth, funkadelic track that’s all groove and swagger, and our favorite, “If There's A Hell Below (We're All Gonna Go).”

In support of the new album, Lubriphonic will venture the states on a 20-stop tour. They’ll kick off the tour a week from Friday with a hometown show at the Double Door. Also playing will be local blues rock quartet GreenSugar and electronic jazz quintet Elev8tor. Advance tickets to this show come with a free digital sampler, which includes songs from Lubriphonic's three studio releases and a few live tracks.

MP3: Lubriphonic "If There’s a Hell Below (We’re All Gonna Go)"

Lubriphonic plays Friday, April 1 at Double Door, 1573 N Milwaukee, 9 p.m., $10-$20, 21+