Band united in music Street Corner Blue finds style, sound hard to describe, but they love it
By Jamie greco Daily Herald Correspondent Posted Monday, October 02, 2006
Street Corner Blue is a local six-piece band with something most local bands don’t have — a horn section.
“It’s not the typical horn section, which is kind of background, filling little holes in the music, says drummer Mike Lerner of Algonquin, who has been with the band for 13 years. “They are the main feature.”
The band core has had time to blend and bond, having begun playing 20 years ago, according to one of the original founders, saxophonist Tom Kleeman of Elgin.
But defining the style can be a little troublesome.
“With the name ‘Street Corner Blue,’ it kind of signifies a blues band, but it really isn’t,” said Lerner.
“It’s more classic rhythm and blues, soul. Having three horns in it makes it more like a soul band.”
And then he added. “A lot of older rock material converted to soul and R&B,” he said. “We like to do older, classic rock tunes and change them around.”
Another description goes like this.
“We want to be eclectic, little bit of this, little bit of that,” said David Ladner of Wood Dale, the bass player and the newest member, having just joined in April. “What I call it is rockin’ R&B. If I had to grab one category out of the record stores, I would say R&B.”
The band doesn’t stick to one or two decades of hit tunes.
“We’ve got stuff from the ‘50s all the way on up. Some of our earlier tunes might be from the ‘40s,” Ladner said.
“The music we’ve been doing all along would fit into the timeless category.” Kleeman said.
“We spend a lot of time on arrangements and try to make stuff unique,” Kleeman added.
Many of the members have been in various bands over the decades.
“I’ve been playing professionally since the late ‘60s,” said Lerner.
“I’ve been in lousy bands, I’ve been in good bands. This is — bar none — the best band I’ve ever been (in terms of) quality of musicianship,” Ladner said.
“It’s based on friendship, really,” agreed Kleeman. “It makes it more appealing. There’s another dimension to it. We just like seeing each other.”
Because the members enjoy the music and each other’s company, getting together for a regular rehearsal isn’t as difficult as it might seem — although members travel from as far north as Algonquin and as far as south as Oswego.
“We all want to rehearse so we make it happen,” Ladner said.
Neither do they let something as trivial as full-time careers stand in the way.
All six members work full time in a wide variety of jobs. The ranks include a chief executive officer, a plywood salesman, a software writer, a computer worker, a shipping and export manager; everyone has a day job.
“We all have intricate lives,” said Lerner.
The band strives to keep things fresh and challenging, by switching the repertoire around from time to time.
“We have to come up with new material to keep it from getting old and we don’t want to appear lazy,” said Lerner.
“All of us have been in very serious music organizations at some point and then gotten married, you start to have children, said Kleeman.
“All of us are in the same boat. I consider myself lucky to be playing with guys with this call level of talent.”
“Some guys go fishing, some play cards or golf, observed Lerner. “It’s not a hobby, but we look forward to getting together. When we get together it’s pretty much pure friendship and fun.”
Also in the band are David Czech, Elgin; Bill Howard, Oswego; and Dave Mitchell, Carpentersville.
Daily Herald"Street Corner Blue stands tall in a world of r&b mediocrity. They punch, they swoon, they finesse and they seduce with confidence, grace and remarkable skill. I'm an addict."
Don Hamilton - Portland Tribune"Courageous repertoire: Ordinarily you wouldn't expect "Brass in Pocket" and "Pocky Way" (aka "Hey Pocky A-Way") from the same group. But the crisp, tasty arrangements and super-tight band make it work. I suspect some of these guys have been to music school. Loved the bari sax parts--a way under used instrument in all pop/rock and recent R&B."
Paul Gingras - Attorney"Hi, all!
My wife, a friend and I were at the CD release party last night, and we agree you've never sounded better. So tight - it's almost painful... And, great choice of venue, by the way.
As a bassist myself, every time I watch and listen to Dave I am filled with resolve to run right to my computer and put all my basses and equipment on eBay! Seriously, I learn something from Dave every time I see you guys play. Thanks for that...
I also learn something about horn arranging each time. I've never been able to write such punchy, well-voiced charts. Well-written and masterfully executed! And, to have one of the Toads double on such a difficult instrument as washboard tie... I was breathless... It's just not the kind of responsibility a band usually entrusts to a horn player.
Dominic is amazing. I look forward to Domino every gig. (Obviously, for Dave's performance as well.) Afterward, I feel absolutely musically impotent, but it is great fun while it is happening.
Mike might be the tightest drummer I've ever heard. The Energizer percussionist. He just keeps going, and going, and going... How he is still breathing at the end of a gig is beyond me. Great time, in the pocket, locked with Dave. I want my drummer to grow up to be him. All high praise, indeed!
We were at Bandito Barney's the first time Paul sat in with the band. Right away he found his niche, and last night was a revelation. Amazing! With SCB's charts, it must be very difficult to figure out what to play AND not get in the way of these charts that were just great before he showed up. He does it. Always adding, never taking away. It's an art...
TIGHT VOCAL HARMONIES! YAY! (Couldn't find anywhere else to put that...)
And Melva. What can one say? Well, if one is a guy, he can start with WOW! And then she sings! Amazing! Another dozen WOWs! And, in all our conversations with her she has come across as a wonderful human, as well. Full marks."
Dave Ladner"Many Thanks, Domenic, for your promptness is sending the CD's! Everyone was thrilled to receive a copy......they were one of the biggest hits of the gift giving season. I am happy to report that having your CD to listen to was a good stress reliever..... My brother and Dena were similarly thrilled with their copy. Last weekend we were all together and it was playing on my stereo, and I mentioned to everyone that you had requested some feedback.....both good and bad. I want you to know that we really tried to come up with some "constructive criticism", but we became preoccupied with dancing and singing along. Did I mention that your selection of songs are wonderful "sing along" songs, which we really love to do up North here......especially after a few cocktails. Plus, the whole disk is truly fabulous to dance to, which you obviously know we also enjoy tremendously. Yep, it's been a real crowd pleasure! I must also say that Melva's voice just knocked me out! her voice is beautiful and a pleasure to listen to....very distinctive. What can I say about "my boys".......as always, The Fabulous Horn Toads live up to their name (the "Fabulous" part, I mean, but probably the whole thing). The arrangements are creative.....I always love the way you weave other bits of songs and music into the pieces you're doing. It makes me smile. I think one of my personal favorites is "Right By Your Side". It's a song I wasn't very familiar with, but the rhythm just makes me want to dance, and it touches something inside me that makes me feel happy, and reminds me somehow of a wonderful, warm, sunny, tropical day. I was also very excited that you included "C'est La Vie" on this CD. It is a song that always reminds me of you guys (no matter where I hear it, or who's playing it), because I think you have played it every time I've seen you, and we all dance with wild abandon every time. It's a good thing! Finally, everyone loves hearing the New Orlean's flavor of the music! Brings back wonderful memories, and made us "know what it means to miss New Orleans"......... Have a wonderful New Year, Dom! I sure wish I could bring in 2004 dancing to Street Corner, but I'll have to settle for dancing to the CD, and watching fireworks off my brother's dock. Special thanks to the entire band for all the listening pleasure........ You're at the top of my favorite CD's of 2003 list (carrying over to 2004)!"
Cherie Giller - Transportation Manager"Very briefly, your new CD is a joy. So much fun to listen to. After just a few listens my personal favorites are "Let's Talk About Us" for the bravado it opens with and sustains, "Right by your Side" for Mike's drumming and for the strength of the tune, and "Son of a Preacher Man," and "Brass in Pocket," just because I love those tunes and I love the way you put them across. Take some time to bask in the artistic success of this one -- you've earned it."
Mark Nutter - Screenwriter/Songwriter