Album Information:
Album ID: 10282
About The Siegel Schwall Band:
The Siegel-Schwall Band is a Chicago blues band that was formed in 1964. At the time of formation, the band was composed of Corky Siegel on harmonica and piano, Jim Schwall on guitar, Russ Chadwick on bass, and Jack Dawson on drums. The band's style was heavily influenced by blues and rock and roll, but with a unique combination of soul, country, and jazz elements.
The band quickly gained popularity in Chicago and the Midwest, playing at clubs and festivals and building a loyal local following. They were soon discovered by the legendary blues label, Vanguard Records, who signed them to a recording contract. In 1966, they released their debut album, 'The Siegel-Schwall Band,' which showcased their distinctive sound and established them as one of the most exciting new acts in blues and rock.
Over the next few years, the band continued to tour, record, and build a national following. Some of their most notable albums from this period include 'Shake,' 'Sleepy Hollow,' and 'R.I.P. Siegel-Schwall.' They also collaborated with other musicians such as Big Mama Thornton, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Willie Dixon.
In the early 1970s, the band decided to take a break, and members pursued other musical projects. However, they reunited periodically for live performances and recorded a few additional albums, including 'The Siegel-Schwall Reunion Concert' in 1988.
The Siegel-Schwall Band remains an influential and beloved group in the world of blues and rock. Their innovative fusion of different styles and musical traditions broke new ground and paved the way for future generations of musicians. Corky Siegel continues to perform and record music to this day, and the band's legacy lives on in numerous recordings and tributes from other artists.
About the album Shake!:
Shake! is a blues-rock album by The Siegel-Schwall Band, released in 1968. The band consisted of founders Corky Siegel and Jim Schwall, along with bassist Rollow Radford and drummer Shelly Plotkin. The album features ten tracks, most of which were written by Siegel and Schwall.
The album opens with the fast-paced 'Shake For Me,' which showcases Siegel's harmonica skills and Schwall's guitar playing. The second track, 'My Starter Won't Start,' is a humorous take on a common car trouble scenario, featuring a catchy guitar riff and Siegel's distinctive vocals.
'Texas Flood' is a standout track, with Schwall's guitar solo and Radford's bass line driving the song forward. 'Oh, Baby' is a slower, sultrier track featuring Siegel's bluesy harmonica playing and Radford's walking bass line.
'Hey Billie Jean' is a fun, upbeat song with a catchy chorus and Siegel's harmonica again taking center stage. 'Help Me' is a cover of a classic Sonny Boy Williamson song, with Siegel's harmonica and Schwall's guitar interweaving throughout.
The instrumental 'Albert's Shuffle' is an energetic showcase for Schwall's guitar playing, with Plotkin's drumming providing a strong foundation. 'Sick To My Stomach' is a more mellow blues track, with Siegel's vocals and harmonica conveying a sense of melancholy.
The album concludes with 'Look Over Yonders Wall,' a cover of an Elmore James song that sees the band jamming and improvising over a driving rhythm.
Overall, Shake! is a solid album that showcases the band's blues-rock sound in a variety of styles and tempos. Siegel's harmonica playing is a standout feature throughout, and Schwall's guitar work is consistently impressive. Radford and Plotkin provide a strong rhythm section that keeps the songs moving forward. Shake! was a critical and commercial success for The Siegel-Schwall Band, and remains a classic of the blues-rock genre.
Members:
The Siegel-Schwall Band was a Chicago-based blues group that formed in 1964. They were known for their energetic live performances and innovative fusion of blues, rock, and jazz. The key members of the group were:
1. Corky Siegel (harmonica, piano, vocals) - Corky Siegel was born on October 24, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. He began playing harmonica at a young age and was influenced by blues greats like Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson. He met guitarist Jim Schwall in the early 1960s, and together they formed the Siegel-Schwall Band. In addition to his work with the group, Siegel has also collaborated with classical musicians, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
2. Jim Schwall (guitar, vocals) - Jim Schwall was born on November 16, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He began playing guitar at a young age and was heavily influenced by blues and rock musicians like Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters. He met Corky Siegel in the early 1960s, and together they formed the Siegel-Schwall Band. In addition to his work with the group, Schwall has also worked as a music journalist and radio host.
3. Rollo Radford (bass, vocals) - Rollo Radford was born on February 16, 1945, in Mississippi. He began playing bass guitar in his teens and moved to Chicago in the early 1960s to pursue a career in music. He joined the Siegel-Schwall Band in 1966 and played with them until they disbanded in 1974. After the band's breakup, Radford continued to work as a session musician.
4. Shelly Plotkin (drums) - Shelly Plotkin was born on June 23, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois. He began playing drums in his teens and was influenced by jazz and rock musicians like Buddy Rich and Ginger Baker. He joined the Siegel-Schwall Band in 1968 and played with them until they disbanded in 1974. After the band's breakup, Plotkin continued to work as a session musician and drum instructor.
Track List for Shake!:
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Discography for The Siegel Schwall Band:
Here is a complete discography for the artist The Siegel-Schwall Band in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:
Albums:
1. The Siegel-Schwall Band (1966)
2. Say Siegel-Schwall (1967)
3. The Siegel-Schwall Band Reunion Concert, 1974 (1974)
4. Sleepy Hollow (1972)
5. Siegel-Schwall '70 (1970)
6. 953 West (1973)
7. The Siegel-Schwall Band Live: The Last Summer (1974)
8. R.I.P. Siegel-Schwall (1974)
9. The Best of Siegel-Schwall (1977)
10. Flash Forward (1981)
Singles:
1. 'Twist and Shake' b/w 'I Think It Was the Wine' (1966)
2. 'I Won't Let You Down' b/w 'A Woman Who Satisfies' (1967)
3. 'Tell Me' b/w 'My Mind Is Ramblin' (1968)
4. 'Hey, Billie Jean' b/w 'I Think It Was the Wine' (1969)
5. 'You Don't Love Me' b/w 'Good Morning Little Schoolgirl' (1970)
Other releases:
1. Reunion Concert (DVD, 2005)
Note: Some sources may list slightly different discographies, but this is a generally accepted list.