Concert Tue Nov 01 2011

JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, White Mystery Play No Tricks, Only Treats

By Anne Holub

JC Brooks (photos by Andy Keil)

It was a blustery night starting out a long Halloween weekend, but there was no pretending for neo-soul outfit JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound as they celebrated their newest album release for Want More (Bloodshot). The band started with playing hits off the album to a nearly sold-out crowd at the Double Door Friday night and rocked the socks off of all of those present. Occasionally adding on a pair of energetic, tambourine tapping sirens in the form of two backup singers, Brooks commanded the stage with a striking white jacket and red scarf, replete with gold chain. With a mohawked 'do and a smile that can only be eclipsed by his happy smile up on stage, Brooks and the band seemed to be having just a little bit of a party in front of a few hundred friends and well-wishers.

JC Brooks (photos by Andy Keil)

JC Brooks & The Uptown sound moved in a practiced fashion through hits from their new album including the title track "Want More" and the popular cover of Wilco's "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" (which the crowd ate up, gleefully). They also hit the sadder tunes like "When You Love Someone" intermixed with more than a few not-so-subtle mentions by JC Brooks that he's currently single.

Uptown Sound guitarist Billy Bungeroth (photos by Andy Keil)

All-in-all a successful party for the group, they've of course already taken off from Chicago on more touring in support of the album, and to undoubtedly sign up more converts to the sound sensation that's sweeping the nation.

JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound (photos by Andy Keil)

The night continued on with a costumed dynamic garage duo White Mystery. Ginger siblings Alex and Francis White took the stage close to midnight with their signature "We Are White Mystery" tune. The crowd had diminished since The Uptown Sound's departure, but the pair entertained all those present with their signature energy nonetheless.

Alex White as Wonder Woman (photos by Andy Keil)

I couldn't help but watch Francis' drumstick bobbing up and down with a clump of fake spiderweb clinging to it. He made for a convincing crime fighter — beating out justice on the skins.

Francis White as Spiderman (photos by Andy Keil)

You can't beat the energy of White Mystery. I was happy enough to start out a long-haul of a party-centric weekend with their infectious brand of rocking.

White Mystery (photos by Andy Keil)