Check out this amazing video of Ken Saydak with Mighty Joe Young from 1975
| PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE HOTTEST BLUES & JAZZ EVENT OF THE SUMMER 2023 ROCKWELL BLUES & JAZZ STROLL SATURDAY AUGUST 26TH Free Event 3pm to 9pm behind Burning Bush Brewery, along the river 4014 N. Rockwell Street, Chicago IL 60618, Rockwell & Irving Park. Plenty of FREE parking. Bring your chairs. 3pm Vendors open 4 to 4:45pm Joey J. Saye – acoustic blues 5 to 5:45pm Paul Giallorenzo Trio – pre release event for his upcoming Delmark Jazz album 6 to 7pm Delmark All Star Band – Dave Specter (voc, guitar, Ken Saydak (voc, keys), Ron Simmons (bass), Big Ray Stewart (drums, voc), Sharon Lewis (vocals) & Willie Buck (vocals) 7:15 to 9pm Jazz & Blues All Star Jam The Rockwell Blues & Jazz Stroll is an annual event which this year occurs outdoors on Saturday, August 26 from 3-9pm. There will be a stage for bands outside behind the Burning Bush Brewery, overlooking the Chicago River. This is the third annual Rockwell Street Stroll, as Delmark celebrates its 70th anniversary as a label. This is a truly collaborative music and cultural event within the Rockwell Corridor, spearheaded by Delmark Records, Burning Bush Brewery, CHIRP radio, and the North Center Chamber of Commerce, with the support of Chicago DCASE and the Chicago Jazz Festival. The Rockwell Street Stroll is highly anticipated each year, drawing an audience of around 3000 people, many from the local neighborhood. It is a constellation of musicians, culminating with the Delmark Blues & Jazz All Star band. A large group photo of blues & jazz musicians will be taken by Peter Hurley (blues) and Michael Jackson (jazz). “Delmark Originals” an art & photo exhibit by Peter Hurley currently on display in the Delmark Gallery will have its closing party Friday evening August 25. Michael Jackson’s upcoming exhibit in the Delmark Gallery opens after Labor Day and will include a large format photo from the memorial for Harrison Bankhead, taken by Jackson at Constellation. The Rockwell Street Stroll Vendors include: Delmark Records, Burning Bush, CHIRP radio, food trucks, BBQ and more.. |
KEN SAYDAK, a native of Chicago, Illinois, has enjoyed a fifty-year career as a musician, writer, vocalist, and producer. He currently hosts a two-hour weekly blues radio program, The Trinidaddio Blues Hours on KCRT-FM, a commercial station near his home in southern Colorado.
2018 saw the release of a long awaited project, The Rockwell Avenue Blues Band, Back To Chicago, featuring Ken along with lifelong friends and collaborators Steve Freund, Tad Robinson, Harlan Terson, and Marty Binder in a collection of original songs. The rave reviews of this Delmark Records release by a stellar group of Chicago veterans resulted in the band’s appearance at the 2018 Chicago Blues Festival (where Ken also performed solo on the mainstage in a tribute to Delmark’s legendary catalog of renowned blues artists). The band also appeared at the 2019 Trinidaddio Blues Festival.
Ken is the pianist, organist, and accordionist on over seventy albums by national and international artists. His 2015 release, Live In La Veta Vol. 2 (SnailWorx), and 2013’s Live In La Veta Vol. 1 follow his other solo-career recordings, It’s My Soul (Evidence Records) in 2005 and two discs on the Delmark label, Love Without Trust (2001) and his solo debut, Foolish Man (1999). All of his recordings showcase his instantly recognizable vocals and piano style, as well as his insightful, engaging, and often humorous songwriting.
A co-producer of the two Rounder Records CDs with his 1990’s American roots band, Big Shoulders, Big Shoulders and Nickel History, he also produced his latest SnailWorx albums, both of his Delmark CDs, blues singer Zora Young‘s critically acclaimed 2000 release, Learned My Lesson (Delmark), and international blues ambassador and bassist Bob Stroger‘s solo debut, In The House, recorded live at the Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland.
Ken’s career as a performer has taken him to concert and festival stages on four continents, including extensive tours and appearances in Europe, Israel,
South Africa, and Japan. The list of artists who have enlisted his talents both on stage and in the studio include Johnny Winter, Otis Rush, Willie Kent,, Bo Diddley, Lonnie Brooks, John Primer, Mighty Joe Young, Billy Boy Arnold, Sam Lay, Dave Specter, James Wheeler, Tad Robinson,
Lurrie Bell, Mississippi Heat, Bonnie Lee, Steve Freund, Zora Young, Johnny B. Moore, Karen Carroll, Eddie Shaw, The Cash Box Kings,, Billy Flynn, Jesse Fortune, Barkin’ Bill Smith, Bandallamas, Alex Wilson, Paul Filipowicz, Al Miller, and Ron Sorin.
Here’s what the critics have said:
“…Then there is Ken Saydak. It is his songwriting and singing that make him sound like a barroom bard, street sage and soapbox preacher all rolled into one cat disguised as a gifted pianist and organist…”
David Mac – Blues Junction Productions
“Ken Saydak has built an impressive body of work with his three solo albums and his studio work…It’s My Soul is his best stand-alone project yet”…
Chicago Sun-Times
“Though veteran session man and Big Shoulders bandleader Ken Saydak has left Chicago, his commitment to America’s greatest music remains unabated. On It’s My Soul, the singer-songwriter-keyboardist bolsters the canons of blues and roots music with a dozen compelling new songs, delivered with gruffly good-natured vocals and towering piano and organ performances….It’s My Soul is an excellent listen.”
Blues Revue Magazine
“It’s My Soul…reaches back through labels and categories to clutch the still-pumping heart of the simple and glorious music that became rock ‘n’ roll – the seminal, simmering soul stew bursting with different but related flavors: the twangs of country music, the tangs of New Orleans R&B, the heart pangs of gospel, and the ka-bang! of the blues…
All About Jazz
“Vocalist/keyboardist and Windy City blues vet Ken Saydak is a gripping frontman…”
Billboard Magazine
“With a rock-solid left hand pumping out the rhythms and a right hand that lightly caresses the keys one moment and pounds them into boogie-woogie submission the next, he demonstrates why the piano has retained a prominent spot in the blues world despite the glut of guitar slingers.”
Blues Revue Magazine
“Our man is a true blues pianist all around, at the same time soft and deep, a worthy heir to Otis Spann, a champion of an instrument which has lost its prestige. In addition, he’s a sensitive composer, occasionally autobiographical, absolutely gifted for socio-economic or philosophical vignettes about daily life and human relationships.”
Soul Bag Magazine, Paris
“Frontman Ken Saydak has a huge, gruff vocal delivery and a flair for writing involved, strong compositions that – while blues-drenched – are often lyrically uplifting and musically complex. Saydak looks far beyond booze, cheating, partying and heartbreak for inspiration.”
Twin Cities Reader
“Ken Saydak is an artist and a poet.”
Al Lewis – KBAI-FM New York City
DISCOGRAPHY
* Grammy Award Nominee
** produced or co-produced
*** Re-release w/additional track
2018
Various Artists, Tribute (Delmark Records DE 856)
The Rockwell Avenue Blues Band, Back To Chicago (Delmark Records DE 854)
2015
Ken Saydak, Live In La Veta Volume 2 (SnailWorx Music)
2014
Steve Freund/Gloria Hardiman, Set Me Free (Delmark DE 837)***
2013
Ken Saydak, Live In La Veta (SnailWorx Music)
2011
Ron Sorin and The Blue Coast Band, Lake City (Big Lake Records)
2010
Bandallamas, Eye To Eye (Bandallamas Records)
2007
George Whitesell and His All Stars, Skat (Circle 504-0701)**
Alex Wilson, Tell Me Why (Rathskeller Records)
2006
Cash Box Kings, The Royal Treatment (Blue Midnight-1003)
2005
Ken Saydak, It’s My Soul, (Evidence 2005)
2003
Bob Stroger & The Chicago Blues Legends, In The House (Crosscut CCD-11065)**
Various Artists, Masters Of The Boogie Piano, (Delmark DX-908)
2001
Ken Saydak, Love Without Trust, (Delmark DE-751)**
2000
Zora Young, Learned My Lesson, (Delmark DE-748)**
Koko Taylor (with B.B. King), Royal Blue, (Alligator ALCD-4873)
James Wheeler, Can’t Take It, (Delmark DE743)
Dave Specter, Speculatin’, (Delmark DE-744)
John Primer, Knocking At Your Door, (Telarc CD-83456)
Al Miller, …In Between Time, (AHM 042 CD)
1999
Ken Saydak, Foolish Man, (Delmark DE-725)**
1998
Lurrie Bell, Kiss of Sweet Blues, (Delmark DE-724)
Willie Kent, Make Room For the Blues, (Delmark DE-723)
Various Artist, 45th Anniversary Blues, (Delmark DD-903)
Dave Specter, Blues Spoken Here, (Delmark DE-721)
James Wheeler, Ready!, (Delmark DE-719)
1997
Various Artists, Red Hot Mamas, (Blue Chicago BC-5001)
Various Artists, Clark Street Ramblers, (Blue Chicago BC-5002)
Johnny B. Moore, Troubled World, (Delmark DE-701)
Lurrie Bell, 700 Blues, (Delmark DED-700)
1996
Willie Kent, Long Way To ‘Ol Miss, (Delmark DE-696)
Various Artists, Blues Guitar Greats, (Delmark DE-697)
Dave Specter, Left Turn On Blue, (Delmark DE-693)
Johnny B. Moore, Live At Blue Chicago, (Delmark DE-688)
Various Artists, Women Of Blue Chicago, (Delmark DD-690)
1995
Karen Carroll, Had My Fun, (Delmark DE-680)
Shunsuke Kikuta, They Call Me Shun, (King KICP 441)
Mississippi Heat, Thunder in My Heart, (Sabena VR-102)
Bonnie Lee, Sweetheart Of The Blues, (Delmark DE-676)
Al Miller, Wild Cards, (Delmark DE-675)
1994
Various Artists, Tribute To Magic Sam, (King KICP 441)
Tad Robinson, One To Infinity, (Delmark DE-673)
Barkin’ Bill, Gotcha!, (Delmark DE-672)
1993
Dave Specter/Tad Robinson, Blueplicity, (Delmark DD-664)
Eddie Shaw, Movin’ And Groovin’ Man, (Evidence ECD-26028)***
Various Artist, 40th Anniversary Blues, (Delmark DX-2)
1992
Jesse Fortune/Dave Specter, Fortune-Telling Man, (Delmark DD-658)
Mighty Joe Young, Bluesy Josephine, (Evidence ECD 26023)***
1991
Dave Specter/Barkin’ Bill, Bluebird Blues, (Delmark DD-652)
Various Artists, Best of Studio C, (KBCO-FM C-02)
Johnny Winter, Let Me In, (Point Blank 91744)*
Various Artists, The 20th Anniversary Collection, (Alligator ALCD 105-6)
1990
Big Shoulders, Nickel History, (Rounder 9025)**
1989
Big Shoulders, Big Shoulders, (Rounder 9023)**
1986
Johnny Winter, Third Degree, (Alligator 4748)*
1985
Johnny Winter, Serious Business, (Alligator 4742)*
1984
Johnny Winter, Guitarslinger, (Alligator 4735)*
Ken Saydak, Shoppin’ and Snackin’/Swannee River, (Razor R-5105)
1983
Lonnie Brooks, Hot Shot, (Alligator 4731)
Steve Freund/Gloria Hardiman, Set Me Free, (Razor R-5103)
1982
Eddie Shaw, Movin’ and Groovin’ Man, (Isabel 900.514)
1981
Lonnie Brooks, Turn On The Night, (Alligator 4721)
1980
Various Artists, Blues Deluxe, (XRT/Alligator 9301)*
1977
Mighty Joe Young, Bluesy Josephine, (Black and Blue 33.521)
1975
Mighty Joe Young, Mighty Joe Young, (Ovation 1706)
1973
Andrew “Blueblood” McMahon, Blueblood, (Dharma 4401)
About
Celebrating Blues Keyboard Master & Songwriter Ken Saydak.
Elbio Barilari16 Mins
Ken Saydak (b. Chicago, August 18th 1951, is an American Chicago blues pianist, organist and singer-songwriter. Billboard once described him as “a gripping frontman”. WATCH, LISTEN & READ…!
Ken has been in over 50 albums and his career as a performer has taken him to concert and festival stages on four continents, The list of artists who have enlisted his talents both on stage and in the studio include Johnny Winter, Otis Rush, Willie Kent, Bo Diddley, Lonnie Brooks, John Primer, Mighty Joe Young, Billy Boy Arnold, Sam Lay, Dave Specter, James Wheeler, Tad Robinson, Lurrie Bell, Mississippi Heat, Bonnie Lee, Steve Freund, Zora Young, Johnny B. Moore, Karen Carroll, Eddie Shaw, The Cash Box Kings, Billy Flynn, Jesse Fortune, Barkin’ Bill Smith, Bandallamas, Alex Wilson, Paul Filipowicz, Al Miller, and Ron Sorin.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/K15IBNtJNlM?feature=oembedPLAY & LISTEN…!
Order this CD, download or stream NOW, right here! CLICK! https://delmark.com/product/725/
“Ken Saydak has built an impressive body of work with his three solo albums and his studio work…It’s My Soul is his best stand-alone project yet”…
Chicago Sun-Times
“Though veteran session man and Big Shoulders bandleader Ken Saydak has left Chicago, his commitment to America’s greatest music remains unabated. On It’s My Soul, the singer-songwriter-keyboardist bolsters the canons of blues and roots music with a dozen compelling new songs, delivered with gruffly good-natured vocals and towering piano and organ performances….It’s My Soul is an excellent listen.”
Blues Revue Magazine
“It’s My Soul…reaches back through labels and categories to clutch the still-pumping heart of the simple and glorious music that became rock ‘n’ roll – the seminal, simmering soul stew bursting with different but related flavors: the twangs of country music, the tangs of New Orleans R&B, the heart pangs of gospel, and the ka-bang! of the blues…
All About Jazz
https://www.youtube.com/embed/tXz8nkNYRxI?feature=oembedPLAY & LISTEN…!!!
Order this CD, download or stream NOW, right here! CLICK! https://delmark.com/product/751/
“Vocalist/keyboardist and Windy City blues vet Ken Saydak is a gripping frontman…”
Billboard Magazine
“With a rock-solid left hand pumping out the rhythms and a right hand that lightly caresses the keys one moment and pounds them into boogie-woogie submission the next, he demonstrates why the piano has retained a prominent spot in the blues world despite the glut of guitar slingers.”
Blues Revue Magazine
“Our man is a true blues pianist all around, at the same time soft and deep, a worthy heir to Otis Spann, a champion of an instrument which has lost its prestige. In addition, he’s a sensitive composer, occasionally autobiographical, absolutely gifted for socio-economic or philosophical vignettes about daily life and human relationships.”
Soul Bag Magazine, Paris
“Frontman Ken Saydak has a huge, gruff vocal delivery and a flair for writing involved, strong compositions that – while blues-drenched – are often lyrically uplifting and musically complex. Saydak looks far beyond booze, cheating, partying and heartbreak for inspiration.”
Twin Cities Reader
“Ken Saydak is an artist and a poet.”
Al Lewis – KBAI-FM New York City
https://www.youtube.com/embed/msvxn3giUkE?list=OLAK5uy_kWBVYgVp5cNDyzV4e4EavNiI9MAF48WLAPLAY & LISTEN…!!!
Order this CD, download or stream NOW, right here! CLICK! https://delmark.com/product/854/
GREAT INTERVIEW BY MICHAEL LIMNIOS: http://blues.gr/m/blogpost?id=1982923%3ABlogPost%3A173729
KEN SAYDAK OFFICIAL WEBSITE: https://www.kensaydak.com/
https://www.youtube.com/embed/E-Wow7A8V4Y?feature=oembedPLAY, WATCH & LISTEN
