The neighborhood clubs of Chicago’s south and west sides aren’t the incubators of blues talent that they used to be, but some artists on that circuit still have the potential to break out and establish themselves among a more general audience. One is vocalist Mzz Reese, a sultry alto who cites Denise LaSalle as her primary inspiration. Reese’s “Cookies,” a sexual throwdown in the LaSalle mode (“If you don’t treat my cookies right / I’ll be dippin’ someone else’s milk”), shares its title with her self-released 2015 debut album, and it’s already become her signature song.
Mzz Reese Fri 6/7, 5 PM, Front Porch Stage
Mzz Reese Fri 6/7, 9 PM, Dr. J’s Place, 3421 W. Chicago, free, 21+
Malina Moye, Mzz Reese Sat 6/29, 9:30 PM, Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S. Wabash, $20, 21+
Reese has recently assembled her strongest and most versatile band yet, dubbed Reese’s Pieces, and over the past year or so they’ve become a regular attraction at Buddy Guy’s Legends, among other upscale venues. And in today’s musical marketplace, that’s an encouraging sign for their future. v
