I can't believe it's our last day in Chicago!!
Last night we went "down South" to (guess what) another blues bar in a most unlikely location. At least Sam seems to know where he's going...
So we rock up, perch ourselves at the bar, and try not to look too English. Failing miserably, I order a Rolling Rock and Sam orders a whisky. We sit and hope we don't get picked on.
Then a big guy comes to the bar and asks us to move up. We duly oblige and he offers to buy us a drink as a courtesy (would that ever happen in England?). "Hi, my name's Tom, but most people call me Big Daddy" he said. We could see how that nickname might be somewhat appropriate. "You guys on vacation?"
We explained the mechanics of our "blues tour" and he sounded pretty impressed. "Lemme introduce you to some people" he said. During the course of the evening we were treated to a "who's who" of the South Chicago blues scene. Al Gitar [sic], Johnny Drummer, some old geezer who wailed some excellent blues later on in the evening. It seems a shame that we're only called Sam and Luke. Still, I managed to pass my card on to Big Daddy and he placed it purposefully in his breast pocket. I await a call for guitar lessons.
It seems the further out you venture from "downtown" the more friendly people get. I think they appreciate the effort it takes to arrive at these out of the way blues joints and they make sure you get treated as real guests. Another great evening's entertainment.
Well, we're off on the overnight train tonight to Memphis. Internet access might be a little more tricky, but I'll do my best to keep you all informed!
I'll let you know if I manage to spot Elvis...
