Burnside & Hooker

Fearless Radio Podcasts

Described as “a jazzier blues stuck in the wild west” and “a force to be reckoned with” (Musical Chairs Podcast), Burnside & Hooker is a true Americana band. Hailing from Chicago, the band incorporates elements of blues, rock, pop, country, and jazz into their songwriting, using a complex and colorful tapestry of instruments. Lead singer Rachel Bonacquisti, channeling the vocal stylings of Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin, “...crackles with speakeasy sass, and can belt big, brassy notes when called upon” (Illinois Entertainer).
Violist Diana Mayne and cellist Ted Graham tackle shredding blues leads, but also transform effortlessly into a lush orchestral texture. Guitarist Michael Vogus, upright bassist Ken Fuller, and drummer Vuck groove on danceable swing tunes, and shake the house with powerful stomping folk beats. With the release of their first album in fall 2013, "Rail Yard Hymns", Burnside & Hooker was described as having “injected a fresh sound into the local music scene through its intoxicating mix of folk, soul and indie pop/rock” (The Total Scene). Burnside & Hooker has performed live at such prominent Chicago venues as the Metro, the House of Blues, the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom, Lincoln Hall, Double Door, Schuba’s, Green Music Fest, Pinktoberfest, Chillfest, and on national television for WGN Midday News. The band will be releasing a new album in May 2015, titled "All The Way To The Devil".