Fantastic L-Roy & the Bulletproof Band @ Linda's Place (Audio, Video)

Fantastic L-Roy has grown on me more and more over time, as I’ve begun to see his deeper influences. He’s kind of a cross between Louis Armstrong and Sam Cooke, straddling the line between jazz and soul. He’s a master at working the crowd, roaming the retro-70s room at Linda’s Place with a wireless mike, phrasing songs conversationally, occasionally pouring a customer’s drink behind the bar while he croons. The Bulletproof Band is supple, shifting smoothly from R&B to soul to jazz, like a point guard dishing shots to L-Roy.
Linda’s Place is a sweet little haven in a neighborhood that needs more bright spots like this. Catch L-Roy in his usual mode at Linda’s Place on the Spring 2010 Chicago Blues Tour, Saturday, May 22. (8:30 pm. to 1:30 a.m.)