Maxim’s: The Nancy Goldberg International Center

This week we had the great privilege of hearing Rick Kogan interview one the greatest Blues Harmonica Players and a legend in his field...Corky Siegel.  We loved Rick's casual yet direct approach to questioning and the thoughtful and often amusing responses from Corky.  We heard interesting and captivating stories from Corky starting with his growing up years in Chicago and what he claims was his first real musical instrument ... a doorstop in his house. He remembers distinctly plucking the door stop spring as an instrument and as he would put it "going in to the sound".

 

Did not know he and his band partner were offered the opportunity to write the music for Hair and turned it down. We loved the banter between Corky and Rick. The stories were fun to hear including  how at 16 Corky  was hanging out with the likes of Muddy Waters and other great blues legends on Chicago's South-side where he cut his teeth.

 

Now, for your reading pleasure, Corky has written a book titled "Let Your Music Store...The Emotional Connection which is about creativity and music. He spoke of his philosophy of music and the importance of emotion....one of the reasons he gravitated to the blues. He is also  focusing on his work in "chamber blues" .....a marriage between the blues and chamber music.

 

The evening followed with Corky playing blues on the harmonica that was absolutely jaw dropping impressive not to mention his piano playing and singing were also wonderful. He got the group tapping their feet in a matter of seconds. Corky Siegel is a Chicago treasure. Another treat for us was Bonnie Kolac who sang with the Siegel-Schwall Band back in the day.  She joined Corky on stage to do an impromptu and improvised medley which was not only great music but a touching tribute to their lifetime friendship.