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On Friday, October 4th, The Big Wu stopped in Chicago to lay down a show at the Finkl Steel factory. A cozy tent decorated with German beer stands eagerly welcomed Oktoberfest, a tradition that both the Wu and Mr. Blotto came to share.
As many know, The Big Wu just began their fall tour, leaving behind Jason Fladager, the band's lead guitarist and vocalist/songwriter. Jason decided at the end of the summer that he needed to spend more time with his family and stopped touring. The remaining members play on, claiming that "[they're] having a blast playing just the four of [them]." The excitement in Chris Castino (guitar/vocals), Andy Miller (bass/vocals), Al Oikari (keyboards/vocals), and Terry VanDeWalker (percussion/vocals) was defiantly presented to the young, hopeful crowd on Friday night.
The Wu began promptly, rushing right into a "Shantytown" jam that got most everyone in the windy tent moving around. They blasted into a favorite, feel-good tune, "Southern Energy," that gave an appropriate vibe of, well, energy. The crowd dug this well past "Ballad of Dan Toe," and the band played on ending the run with "Gimme a Raise" and a crazy guitar jam. Eyes on Chris Castino, his fingers flew, impressing even those who only came for the German brew. Minutes later the band reappeared with friend Willy Walters on trumpet. Walters blew through a twenty minute jam that clearly pleased the audience. "Chatuea in the Know" then served as a preamble to the famous "Red Sky" which lasted almost through the end of their set. Al Oikari put his entire body into a keyboard jam resulting in a clear view of his soul and passion. The band closed with a fun cover that was met with excited cries from the crowd.
Mr. Blotto then closed the night with a fantastic set, including a "First Tube," "Psycho Killer," and "Terrapin Station" cover.
In this way The Big Wu is just beginning their high-energy fall tour. The four members may be the key to a better sounding Wu. Their jams flowed evenly, the energy was really right, the mesh of sounds gave light to some exciting sounds.
Check out the new Wu. It's well worth any cover and may just be the beginning of something much bigger.
Peace,
Gracie Calihan
JamBase | Chicago
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