West Virginia writer tells story of Chicago’s wild, musical West Side

For immediate release

CHARLESTON WV---West Virginia freelance writer and blues piano player “Barrelhouse Bonni” McKeown spent three years on Chicago’s tough West Side, learning blues from those who grew up with it. Now she’s had a chance to portray their talents, opinions and dreams in a cover story for the Aug.-Sept. issue of the national magazine Big City Rhythm and Blues.

The magazine is the product of editor Robert Jr. Whitall’s noble obsession with 1950s-70s blues and soul. This highly rhythmic and emotional music, sung by neighborhood vocalists backed by small electric bands, is still found in small corners of African-American city neighborhoods, but seldom heard these days on radio.

Bonni appears on the cover with a host of emerging West Side musicians including drummer and singer Larry Taylor, whose album she co-produced. In her interviews, the musicians described how teenage bands got their start playing at neighborhood talent shows and skating rinks, as well as following their elders to the elder market on Maxwell Street. Bues and soul giants like Howlin’ Wolf, Magic Sam and Tyrone Davis appeared in small neighborhood clubs.

Today’s middle aged West Side musicians, like many American artists, tell of their frustrations in making a living. Poverty, health problems and racial discrimination complicate their situation.

“One of their main problems has been lack of publicity, “ McKeown says. “Acts that imitate the blues have money to attract promoters. These guys are the real deal and people love their music whenever they get a chance to hear it. It comes from the heart, and it makes you dance! Hopefully this will be the start of some long-deserved attention for them. The West Side is truly the Best Side! Check it out.”

Big City Rhythm and Blues, a Detroit based magazine. is available in many bookstores. Subscriptions are available at their website www.bigcitybluesmag.com/

Info on Barrelhouse Bonni and Larry Taylor at their websites:

www.barrelhousebonni.com and www.larrytaylorbluesnsoul.com