The Dirty Rooks

The Dirty Rooks
The Dirty Rooks before a performance at The Abbey Pub in Chicago in 2008.
Background information
Origin Chicago, Illinois, United States
Genres Rock, Blues Rock, Booze-Rock[1]
Years active 2005–present
Labels Independent
Website www.dirtyrooks.com
Members Dan Stalilonis (vocals/harmonica)
Grant Gholson (guitar)
Michael Bailey (guitar)
Christopher Peterson (bass)
Ronnie Price (drums)
Tyler Wolff-Ormes (piano/organ)

The Dirty Rooks are an American rock band from Chicago, Illinois.

History

The band was formed by Grant Gholson and Dan Stalilonis as Moustache in 2003.[2] After Ben Hunt and Nathan Urbansky (a.k.a. Nathan Urqhuart[2]) joined in 2005, the group changed its name to The Dirty Rooks. According to band members, the name comes from the slang use of the word "rook" meaning to swindle or cheat and derived from the thieving, magpie-like tendencies of the common rook.

As they played in various small clubs in Chicago, The Dirty Rooks began receiving notice as a classic blues-rock revival group similar to The Black Crowes.[3] In 2007 they were Top 20 finalists in the Lollapalooza Last Band Standing contest, nearly winning a performance slot at the festival.[4][5]

Guitarist Michael Bailey joined in 2008, and after sitting in with the band for several years, keyboardist Alan Bailey joined as an official member in 2010.

After the band took a brief hiatus, bassist Christopher Peterson joined in 2015, joined by drummer Ronnie Price and keyboardist Tyler Wolff-Ormes in 2016. After returning to the Chicago club scene later that year, the band released a holiday single, "A Very Dirty Christmas," in December 2016. The band is currently working on new material for a fourth studio album, anticipated for release in 2018.

The Dirty Rooks have played with well-known acts like The Steepwater Band, The Waco Brothers, Jon Langford, Lez Zeppelin,[1] Foghat, and Blue Öyster Cult.[6]

Style and Influences

The Dirty Rooks have been described as "booze rock,"[1] blues rock, and classic rock. Band members cite several classic rock and blues acts as integral to their sound, including Joe Cocker, the Doors, and the Band. Their music has been compared to classic-rock artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Faces, and Led Zeppelin.[7]

Albums

The Dirty Rooks

The band released its eponymous first album in 2007. Tom Lynch of Newcity said of the album, "rock 'n' roll hasn't been this drunk in a while."[8] It went on to become a top seller in the pub rock genre on CD Baby.[9]

Sugar Mama

In 2010 the band released a second album, titled Sugar Mama. The album and concert celebrating its release were recommended by several media outlets covering the Chicago music scene, including Centerstage, RedEye/Metromix, Newcity, and A.V. Chicago.[10][11][12][13] Like its predecessor, it became a top seller on CD Baby.[9]

This Is Grand

2012 saw the release of the band's 3rd album, "This Is Grand". The album was recorded at Kingsize Sound Lab on Chicago's West Side. It was the second time The Dirty Rooks recorded with producer Mike Hagler (Wilco, Neko Case), along with Jon Langford (Waco Brothers, The Mekons), and James Elkington (The Zincs , The Horse's Ha).[14] It was given a favorable review in the Illinois Entertainer.[14]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "The Dirty Rooks". Chicago Innerview. Retrieved May 29, 2010.
  2. 1 2 Wilusz, Luke (May 3, 2010). "Dirty, boozin' blues-rock". The Columbia Chronicle. Columbia College, Chicago, IL. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  3. ↑ Ochwat, Dan. "Samuel L. Jackson as a bluesman rocks; Chicago-based blues-ish band The Dirty Rooks rock out". The Real Chicago. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  4. ↑ Greenberg, Barbara (July 14, 2007). "Dirty Rooks in search of more votes". The Commercial-News. Danville, IL. Retrieved May 29, 2010.
  5. ↑ Benson, John (July 21, 2007). "Local musician has chance to play Lollapalooza". The Medina County Gazette. Medina, OH. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  6. ↑ "Music Schedule". Naperville Exchange Club. Retrieved May 29, 2010.
  7. ↑ Mannion, Tim. "Album/Concert Review: The Dirty Rooks". The Deli Magazine. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  8. ↑ "Tip of the Week: The Dirty Rooks". Newcitychicago.com. Retrieved May 29, 2010.
  9. 1 2 http://www.cdbaby.com/Top/749
  10. ↑ "The Dirty Rooks, Jon Langford, The Delta Routine". Sun-Times Media, LLC. Retrieved May 29, 2010.
  11. ↑ Pais, Matt (February 3, 2010). "30 for February". Red Eye. Chicago, IL.
  12. ↑ Lynch, Tom. "Rise and Shine: Local bands Singing in the Abbey and The Dirty Rooks celebrate new records". Newcitychicago.com. Retrieved May 29, 2010.
  13. ↑ "The Dirty Rooks". The A.V. Club Chicago. Retrieved May 29, 2010.
  14. 1 2 "Around Hear Local CD Reviews". Illinois Entertainer. Retrieved Oct 7, 2013.
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