After a decade of perfecting their sound and extensive touring throughout nation, Cornmeal, a Chicago based bluegrass band, has developed a cult-like following.
“[Cornmeal] formed as a side project in Chicago,” Chris Gangi (string bass) said in an interview with True Endeavors. “I got together with a few friends of mine and we wanted to explore the traditional bluegrass roots. So we started playing every Wednesday night [at Martyrs’ bar] in Chicago.”
According to Gangi, Cornmeal is a rock ‘n’ roll band with a bluegrass problem. “We are interested in different types of music and it all seeps in and takes its turn within the confines of music we call bluegrass.”
Now, ten years into Cornmeal, only two band members of the quintet are among the original five. Cornmeal of 2010, including Gangi, consists of Wavy Dave Burlingame (banjo), Kris Nowak (guitar), JP Nowak (drums) and Allie Kral (fiddle), with each of them throwing their own vocals into the music.
“We have been together with this line up for over five years,” Gangi said. “We have made some leaps and bounds; our sound has changed, and our performance element has changed. When you are starting out as band, especially doing it the grass roots way, it takes a long time to get your name out there and to see what people react to, what elements move and shape people, and what shapes you as an individual musician. If you’re not constantly changing, you are not growing as a musician.”
However, with all the changes Cornmeal has endured, they have not forgotten where their roots are. According to Gangi, Cornmeal has returned to Chicago during the winters of 2007 through 2009 to play at the same bar they started at, making it an event called “Reunion Wednesdays.” Gangi said the band wanted to pay homage to the loyal followers of Cornmeal, so they took several tracks recorded during the 2009 Wednesday night events to be released in their upcoming album, Live in Chicago, IL Vol. I. The album will be for sale online March 1.
“[Ten years] is a big milestone for us right now and we are really excited about walking into a new decade and having a decade behind us of experience. It has been quite a magical journey.”
With a new album ready to be released, and a substantial touring schedule of around 130 shows per year (over 150 shows in 2009), Cornmeal has plenty of opportunities to look forward to. Some of which include work on a new studio album and performances at the 2010 All Good, High Sierra, DelFest, and Summercamp Music Festivals.
But for the time being, when asked why people should go out and watch Cornmeal live, Gangi simply said, “To have one hell of a good time and to be able to lose your inhibitions.”
Cornmeal will be playing at the Majestic Theater on Saturday, February 27. Tickets are $12 and may be purchased here.
-Andy Groher
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Filed under: Jam, Music Shows This Week in Madison, Sounding Board Blog Tagged: | Chris Gangi, cornmeal, Interview
