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Jimi
“Prime Time” Smith
Born into a musical family in
Chicago, Jimi “Prime Time” Smith literally grew up in the business. His mother, Johnnie Mae Dunson, was a major force in shaping the Chicago blues of the 1950’s. Under the tutelage of Jimmy Reed he began playing guitar at the age of twelve. He has toured with blues legends Jimmy Reed, Eddie Taylor Sr and Hubert Sumlin. His latest recording “Back on Track” is a perfect showcase of his diverse style of blues. With a reputation for hot licks and cool looks, there is no doubt he’s the front man in charge every time he takes the stage.
John was born in Chicago in 1954, his musical career beginning when he moved to the West Side. At a young age he joined The Five Stairsteps where he honed his expert guitar skills. He has since played and recorded with many greats including Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Sam Moore (Sam & Dave), The Temptations, Gladys Knight, L.T.D., Ike and Tina Turner and George Duke. John McGhee is the soul of the group, his versatility and excellence on guitar brings the depth to their music.
John McGhee
Dave’s high-energy intensity on the stage keeps every show hopping. From a slow blues to a gospel-infused groove, his blazing solos and chord structures bring a full-bodied foundation to the band. One of the most sought after keyboard players on the Twin Cities’ blues circuit, Dave is the emotional expression of the band, heating ‘em up and cooling ‘em back down with true finesse.
Hambone Review
by Jake Jacobson
Chicago Flavor featured Jimi "Prime Time" Smith and vocalist extrordinare, Barbara LeShoure. Once again audience participation was high with dancing and hand-clapping. If you haven't seen Barbara and Chicago Flavor perform it is really a treat that you shouldn't miss if you get a chance.
"The Rock Solid Veteran Rhythm Section"
John Lindberg 
A true master of the bass, John Lindberg holds a solid groove and “is a joy to play with”. John is known as a premier bassist in high demand on the Twin Cities blues scene. He is a long-time member of The Butanes and has played with many greats notably Hubert Sumlin, Al Rapone and Earl King. John’s bass is the tie that binds the band together, laying down the foundation of their unbeatable sound.
Allen Kirk 
From the west side of Chicago, Allen Kirk has been a natural since the first day he sat behind a drum kit. A W.C. Handy Award winner, he paid his dues on Halsted Street where the legendary blues drummer Robert Covington took Allen under his wing. From the sizzling shuffles of Magic Slim, the hard biting grooves of James Solberg, the soulful sounds of Deitra Farr to the funky rhythms of Johnny Rawls, Allen has mastered the art of staying in the pocket and is the driving force behind the band’s smoking beats
contact
allen@allenkirk.com
for booking
The Funkiest Lick Ever?
| March 2008,
Guitar Player Mag
Who recorded the funkiest guitar part of all time? It’s hard to say, but with the brilliant lick he came up with on L.T.D.’s 1977 R&B classic “(Every Time I Turn Around) Back In Love Again,” Johnny McGhee (Marvin Gaye, Les McCann) is a strong contender. (Work that 3rd-finger half-step slide!) Immensely satisfying syncopated Eb7#9 stabs hammer things home in the final measure, helping McGhee’s catchy riff ensure there was absolutely no parking on the dance floor—and that L.T.D.’s album Something to Love was a huge hit.
Chicago Flavor
Recent performances at Buddy Guy’s Legends, The Kingston Mines, and the 2007 Chicago Blues Festival were met with rave reviews from audiences and industry professionals alike. Chicago Flavor is currently recording a new CD set for release in 2008 which will showcase original tunes. They bring an infectious intensity to the stage and their high-energy shows are sure crowd pleasers!
Photos from the recent Chicago Flavor recording session at E Labs Multimedia in Madison WI.
Their all-original CD sounds great on the first mix!
Stay tuned for release info.
