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Your Gateway to Music and More from a Christian Perspective Slow down as you approach the gate, and have your change ready.... |
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Your Gateway to Music and More from a Christian Perspective Slow down as you approach the gate, and have your change ready.... |
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Michael McDermott House of Blues- Chicago, IL November 8, 2000 By Andy Argyrakis The "Back Porch Stage" at the House of Blues quickly filled up for Michael McDermott's listener appreciation party, during which he highlighted songs off his brand new disc Last Chance Lounge. Local rock radio station WXRT sponsored the show as part of their "Overtime" series at the venue, designed to be an after work activity for most of the city's working class music lovers. The free show lasted just over an hour and was filled with the singer/songwriter/guitar player's brand of catchy pop and rootsy rock. McDemott sported a guitar around his neck and was joined by a three-piece band to play a set of mostly fast and upbeat songs. His style on stage ranged from a number of personalities, from an energetic Rick Springfield on the louder tracks, to an edgy Rich Mullins on some of his more introspective tunes. The evening started off on the right foot with McDermott's crowd pleaser "Surrender," followed by the lead off song from "Last Chance Lounge" called "Getting Off the Time." That track is known for its inspirational vibe and stunning harmonica solo on the disc, although that mood was lost in part to the club's atmosphere and the fact that the live version left out the harmonica segment. However, McDermott shined with "Unemployed," an anthem about hoping things will work out despite the bleak circumstances and "20 Miles," a perfect soundtrack for any road trip. The crowd gave their best reaction for his current single, "Junkie Girl," a track which McDermott has been performing in concert over the last several years, before it was ever put on any album. The emotional and anthemic song speaks of a girl living an unhealthy lifestyle, only to have someone begin to care and actually fall in love with her, despite where she has been. The evening's final song
was "Surrender," complete with an extended guitar solo, making fans shout
for more. McDermott graciously took off from the stage and made his
way to the back of the club to greet fans that made it out, some of whom
had obviously been
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