The South Side of Chicago you've never seen

As the elder statesmen of Chicago's blues establishment abandoned their usual haunts in the early 70s for better money playing Sweet Home Chicago on the college and festival circuit, the South Side clubs saw an influx of younger and hungrier R&B-schooled players who weren't above getting down with some James Brown or even Ohio Players moves if that's what it took to make the men shake and the ladies holler.
In just a couple of years the whole lively South Side enterprise would be obliterated by the disco craze to the extent that when I blew through town in 1982, there wasn't a fur or fedora in sight, just flickering Schlitz and Michelob signs. But fortunately, while the stylishly attired crowds were letting it all hang out at Pepper's Hideout, the Patio Lounge, High Chaparral, the New Jazz Showcase Lounge, Five Fingers Social Club and the swank Perv's House, a 23 year-old college boy with a camera named Michael Abramson was right in the middle of the action, snapping off six rolls an evening, five or six nights a week in 1975 and 76. Perhaps a more experienced photographer with bills to pay might've turned his lens stageward but by focusing on the crowd rather than the performers, Abramson was able to compile a unique historical document of a scene that would soon vanish forever. 

For the past 30 years or so, Abramson's been sitting on his incredible photo stash just waiting for the right opportunity to properly present his work. Cue the venerable Chicago archival reissue operation Numero Group who came up with the smashing Light: On The South Side concept of publishing an LP sized 132 page book of Abramson's stunning B&W images along with a well-selected double album compilation raunchy-raw jukebox juicers from the period by Bobby Rush, Little Mack Simmons, Syl Johnson, Artie "Blues Boy" White, Arelean Brown, Ricky Allen, Detroit Jr., Walter "Butterball" Davis, the Slim Willis Band and others.

It's a stunning compendium, easily the most impressive package the label has ever released and they've put out some corkers (see Twinight's Lunar Rotation for one). Yet for some reason the Numero dudes hired UK novelist Nick Hornby to pen an embarrassingly lame "I wish I was there" introductory blurb in place of say, an interview with Bobby Rush or Pepper's boss Johnny Pepper (see him on Chicago TV station WTTW), either of whom could've provided some real insight. But don't let that put you off, Abramson's gorgeous photographs and the accompanying soundtrack of surefire hip-shakers are too fabulous to miss. Check it out here.

Toronto-based vinyl fiends and those who have them on their Christmas shopping list should note that Vortex Records (2309 Yonge near Eglinton) is currently stocking Light: On The South Side and other amazing Numero Group label titles at insanely great prices. Act fast though, supply is extremely limited.