Otis: a Chicago Band that had a unique blend of New Soul, Funk, Blues & Jazz!

A few weeks back in a little bar over on Halsted a band caught my eye.  I am usually seeking out the latest dub or electro to hit the scene, but back in the day I used to actually pick up my guitar. The blues, and rock & roll are actually what initiated my passion for music. Otis incorporates true live music, and it is unusual to see such talented musicians these days, especially when they’re all under twenty-five.

Otis has a unique blend of new soul, funk, blues, and jazz. They can draw a very diverse crowd because they are bringing old school to new school. The band is named Otis to reflect the inspiration they got from all the great jazz and blues musicians named Otis.  There have been so many great musicians named Otis. The name itself is becoming attached to a great genre of the blues.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see Otis’ wax figures next to Otis Redding’s a few years down the road.

Everyone in the band is from a different state, but they all live in Chicago now.  This greatly influences the vibe each person brings to the band.  The lead singer is Jesse, and this girl has got some pipes.  She is from Arkansas and accredits her love of soul singing and funk loving to Sharon Jones and Willy Nelson.  On the other hand, Tyler from Massachusetts brings an urban vibe. Collin, the drummer, is from Michigan. Parker brings his Cali roots on bass, Paris plays trumpet and is from Illinois, Taylor, from St. Louis Missouri rocks the keyboards, and Drew on guitar is from Connecticut.  Coming from all ends of the country has led to their unique blend of music.   Once again, Chicago has managed to create another exceptional musical powerhouse.

Their unique personalities blend into a true collaborative fashion that shows in their songs.  They may be singing the blues, like us Chicagoans like to do, but this is not your typical blues.  This is an amped up funkadelic sound that only our generation could create.

No voice boxes here, there is more like a tambourine, saxophone, and electric guitar getting down with a real beat.  They write all their own music, and play all of their own instruments.  The creative process starts with someone writing a chord progression, and then they will all begin to jam.  Jess will kick it on the couch writing lyrics, and they will progressively find the melody of the song.  They make a conscious effort to ensure the lyrics match the tone and mood of the music.

Otis loves to jam together. They could do this forever, and their passion really shines through during a show.  Otis really is a live band, because they live for the show.  They are always improvising and keeping the audience on their toes with their fresh shows.

You can download their live here album free!

–Kelly Battle, Intern