Just when I thought I had learned just about every aspect
of music Chicago has to offer what a pleasant surprise to hear a band that
is not only extremely talented from one end to the other but just as entertaining.
Say Hi to BIG HELLO!
There I sit in a club, with a big crowd of rockin lookin
characters obviously waiting to hear the evenings headlining band when up
on stage attention is drawn to the opener,s as BIG HELLO appears. Gee, could
it be because first you see a blond haired girl dressed in a black preppy
short skirted jumper along with matching combat boots followed by three
guys who take their places around her? This is not the headlining band most
are waiting to hear but as the show goes on BIG HELLO earned themselves
a room full of fans.
Before I get into one of the best live shows I have heard
in a long time, let me introduce BIG HELLO. Up front is Chloe F. Orwell
the bands sassy n sweet - in your face - rockin, lead vocalist. Yeah, sounds
like a lot, well check her out. Brad Elvis is behind a green sparkled Slingerland
kit with the 28 inch bass drum. Johnny Million is on the groovy, eye catchin
turquoise Fernandez guitar who also contributes some great vocals. Also
Tom Atteberry with some strong bass playing that will move you all on it,s
own, also belting out awesome vocals. These two can really harmonize! Each
performer presented themselves equally in both sound and overall performance.
I was so impressed how every chord and note was heard clearly with every
song. It was amazing with how every member of Big Hello let themselves be
known.
What a show it was. I witnessed a room full of people go
from private conversations to giving their complete attention to the stage
when BIG HELLO showed what they are made of. The one and a half hour set
was packed with some catchy rockin, originals that had absolutely no downtime.
The show begins with their tune, "Today Will Be Yesterday,s Tomorrow
and Chloe,s in your face voice surprises the whole room. "Star 69 is
another original that gives a BIG HELLO introduction to music I can only
describe as some serious rock n roll. It,s a touch of alternative with a
lot of poppy, sassy touches. Yes, you have to use all these words to come
close to this bands unique sound.
Attention is surely drawn to Brad Elvis. He,s undoubtedly
a fun one to watch. With drum sticks are that are being twirled, tossed,
and balanced, he played masterfully throughout the show. He is one strong
drummer who adds an entertaining background with his colorful character
and talent. Of course Chloe will not allow anyone to forget her for a second
as she leans against the bass drum relaxing, reading a magazine while the
band jammed on... A jam that literally sent a chill up my spine. Tom,s bass
playing is extremely strong with a lot of soul leaving a deep impression
from his playing. And Johnny is wowing the crowd as he jams on his guitar
while dancing around totally enjoying himself and into his music. He sure
proves he can play that guitar.
Next BIG HELLO gives the crowd a taste of "Satellite
Girl. It,s a tune of theirs that once again has Chloe,s sweet n, sassy voice
followed by the other side of some hard rockin,. The band gets everyone
movin,, as each member goes on to show their fabulous playing abilities.
The band tosses in a few covers by bands such as The Kinks, Blondie, and
Rolling Stones. I must say I prefer the BIG HELLO touch to Ruby Tuesday
much better. Canada may want to think about a new anthem as the bands tune
"O, Canada really rocks! It was very cool to see a bunch of rockers
really diggin, some new, different music.
Chloe ceases to amaze as she hops atop Brad,s bass drum singing
"Riot Girl and "I Need You. Just another fine example of fun entertainment
and awesome music from all around. Every song is complete with great vocals
with way cool harmonies, bass with feeling, jamming guitar and a master
on drums. These four musicians proved themselves tonight No doubt about
it.
BIG HELLO has been together for one year, based here in Chicago.
The band has been around for awhile. Brad who was one of the original "Elvis
Brothers was looking to put together something new after years in different
bands. He was hoping to begin a band that had a pop sound and here we are.
The band began "Chicago Pop Mondays at the Beat Kitchen
providing a venue to support pop bands. It has given the opportunity to
musicians to have a place to play. This has become very successful as the
one year anniversary is August 11. The band also enjoys playing clubs Elbo
Room, Penny Road, Durty Nellies, and Otto,s. They also perform in St. Louis,
Rockford, and Champaign.
Right now the group is seeking management. Brad has been
handling all the bands duties along with being the main songwriter and playing
drums. Although now as members of the band grow so too has the song writing
contributions. So the songs are written equally now. They would love to
get into some new shows playing with others who draw a good crowd so the
public can see them. They provide a great hour and a half,s worth of originals
and lots of entertainment. Brad stresses that all bands pay their dues and
even though BIG HELLO does their own thing; usually people who get it...
"get it with us. He also finds truth in Mick Jagger,s quote "Without
new songs there could not be any old songs. Very true huh?
Each member of BIG HELLO has a wide variety of influences
which contributes to their unique sound. Brad goes from old to new, even
big band. He enjoys The Beatles, The Who, Cheap Trick, Keith Moon, Gene
Krupa, Pete Townshend, and The Pixies. Chloe enjoys poppy sounding bands
such as Big Star and Redd Kross. Along with Matthew Sweet and she gets into
classical stuff at home. Johnny grew up listening to KISS, Queen and enjoying
different guitar licks. Johnny also digs Jellyfish, very cool! Tom,s soulful
bass playing is influenced by those who play Motown, plus Zeppelin, Old
School, and Guided By Voices.
Getting signed, making records and being heard on the radio
is of course the ultimate goal, as it is every band,s, but for now you can
find them mentioned in July,s Fishwrap and Amplifier magazines. Gee, Others
think they are cool too! You can also catch BIG HELLO,s music on "The
Other Side video show hosted by Ken Mottet on cable and on four different
compilation CD,s at your favorite record store.
While talking to record labels you don,t have to wait. Pick
up their four song cassette with a bonus track available at their shows.
You can contact the band at 773-561-5030 or e-mail bighello1@aol.com. You
can write to them at 5250 N. Broadway Suite 167 Chicago Il 60640 for bookings,
T-shirts, mailers, pins and cassettes.
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