Re-Viewed: NDI / Mr. Rudy Day at the Abbey Pub

By Julene McCoy in Arts & Entertainment on Jan 24, 2006 2:00PM

Chicagoist admits to a New Duncan Imperials problem since our early college years and therefore in order to help a man who has made countless live shows enjoyable for us, we headed to the Abbey Pub on Friday night for the Gary Shepers fundraiser featuring NDI, Mr. Rudy Day and Diamond Jim Greene.

Since the weather outside was frightful, the gathering wasn't that much of a gathering, but each band put on quite the show in their own way. NDI was true to form, by starting off their set by going through the crowd banging on drums before taking the stage. They played all the favorites (classics, whatever) Queen of Venus, Poca-poca-hontas and Tilt-A-Whirl. Pigtail did his Smoke on the Water guitar solo with his shoe on. Goodtime gave away goodies to all and Skipper gave great bass.

Gracing the stage before NDI was Mr. Rudy Day, a band we had never seen before, but had been hearing about forever. The lead singer has a voice that changes completely with every song from AC/DC style to (we won't say Thom Yorke) but that quality. Playing songs from their latest album Duty, their songs showcased their sense of humor. The apt chorus from "The Duty is in Your Hand" pick it up. Hysterical. The bold choice of Jimi Hendrix' "Are You Experienced" was also very nice.

The opener of the evening was Diamond Jim Greene all alone on the stage playing great Chicago blues.