Chicago – Prior to this past Friday night, if you had told me that two pop sensations - Chef’Special and Cody Simpson - would bring some blues to the Windy City, I’d tell you to quit talking crazy! But lo and behold, the Dutch five-piece and former child star sure did. Both Chef’Special and Cody Simpson had girls screaming in excitement and guys waving hands in the air at Concord Music Hall in Chicago, joining AER on the One Of A Kind Tour, bringing a unique mix of music to hoards of kids, teenagers, and twenty-somethings.
Chef’Special started the night out with their fantastic mix of reggae, blues, jazz, pop, hip hop, and dance. Singer Joshua Nolet, guitarist Guido Joseph, bassist Jan Derks, keyboardist Wouter Heeren, and drummer Wouter Jerry Prudon were just in Chicago two weeks ago for Riot Fest. I caught the fun, energetic bunch that first Friday afternoon of Riot, and after getting a little taste of Chef’Special, I was ready for a second helping. As expected, they delivered another great set. This time around while there was still plenty of dancing to be had, the guys also tossed in even more jazz and blues, going off on little jam sessions throughout the night. Heeren let loose on the keys and Joseph unleashed some crazy guitar solos. Nolet closed his eyes, feeling the music, grinning and swaying his head to the beat. Chef’Special is more than just a boy band or pop group. They are a group of friends and talented musicians who mix a variety of genres to produce heartfelt songs, from “In Your Arms” and “Birds” to “On Shoulders,” and more amusing, lighthearted songs like “Biggest Monkey.”
During Chef’Special’s set, Cody Simpson’s guitarist Corey Harper was jumping up and down and dancing all around the main floor, but it wasn’t just Harper getting down. The whole crowd got down to “Still Don’t Know” and “Peculiar.” Nolet noted the audience’s energy, telling the room that David von Mering and Carter Schultz of Aer told them Chicago shows get “pumped.” Fists were pumping, heads were bopping, and bodies were jumping. Chef’Special has already built a following over in Europe, and now that they’ve signed with Fueled By Ramen, they’re set to take over North America. I have no doubt that Chef’Special will do just that. And hopefully when they set off on their own headlining North American tour, they’ll bring a horn section, like they did at Pinkpop!
Up next was Cody Simpson. This is where I show my age and say, in all honesty, I had no idea who Cody Simpson was beforehand. I swear I don’t live under a rock! Some of my younger media friends informed me that he’s a former teen pop star, who may or may not be dating Miley Cyrus. (I do know who Miley cyrus is, just so you know!) That explained the line of girls – some as young as seven – waiting eagerly with their parents, outside the venue before doors opened. I googled Cody Simpson when I got home, so if you too haven’t heard of Mr. Simpson, I can now give you the lowdown: The Australian singer was signed with Atlantic Records at the age of thirteen and pumped through the Top 40 Mega Machine, producing radio hits and performing on arena tours, including a tour with Justin Bieber. He was even a member of the 18th season of Dancing with the Stars. But then he grew up – well somewhat, seeing as he’s still only eighteen – and realized he wanted a say in his life and creative endeavors. He parted ways with his label, losing all rights to his music in the process, and started his own label, Coast House, which released his latest album Free, featuring the single “Livin Easy.”
This whole experience is what inspired the beautiful song “Driftwood.” Before playing the tune, Simpson told fans about his journey, finding the strength to be his own person, making the music he wants to make. Simpson played plenty of songs off Free, including “New Problems,” and showcased a new side of himself to fans who clearly knew him for his teen pop. That said, there didn’t appear to be anyone who wasn’t enjoying his new pop that blends a mix of Americana, folk, and blues, similar in style to Jack Johnson and John Mayer. And yes, as I alluded to earlier, Simpson was playing the blues! He gushed about his band’s love of blues. Simpson told the room, “We like blues and Chicago is a blues city, so we are gonna play some stuff we like to play on the [tour] bus.” The band broke into “Sweet Home Chicago.” Cheers and hometown pride filled the hall. Not everyone can pull off the Chicago blues, but Simpson and his band did, proving they are the real deal. They also covered “Hound Dog,” which had the audience clapping along. Simpson is both a talented singer and guitar player, and now that he’s ventured out on his own, I see a bright future in store for the new man everyone should know about. Get out from under your rock!
Chef’Special and Cody Simpson will be touring with Aer all Fall. Chef’Special’s self-titled EP and Cody Simpson’s Free are both available on iTunes.
Photos by Sarah Hess
Sarah Hess
After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.
You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.
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