CHAINSAW DUPONT

The Real Guitar Hero

Chicago Blues Records

Acoustified Electrified

Chicago Blues Records

by James Porter

Chainsaw Dupont first came to blues fans' attention as the guitarist for Junior Wells during the 1990s. When it came time for Dupont to step out as a soloist, he was not lacking for ideas. Some might remember his "blues street trilogy" that appeared a while back: three simultaneously-released CDs that paid tribute to the blues styles of Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans. Now he's back, tag-teaming the blues audience with two live releases.

The Real Guitar Hero is true to its name and showcases Dupont’s considerable guitar skills. Recorded three years ago at Chicago's late lamented Hot House (which was in a building that now houses the new location of Buddy Guy's Legends), Dupont delivers the prototypical modern-day Chicago blues show. Songs are stretched out to as many as 12 minutes and the only non-original on the album is a funked-up version of "I'll Be Doggone," the Marvin Gaye hit.  There are six musicians on stage (including a two-man horn section) and they miraculously manage to stay out of each other's way.

It's a decent effort, but I have a definite preference for Acoustified Electrified. The electric portion of the show was recorded at the now-defunct Bossman's Blues Center, a black jook joint near the Lake Street el tracks. The sound is so raw, I'm surprised that the tape didn't pick up the overhead trains passing by. Compared to the polite handclaps of The Real Guitar Hero, the crowd is getting into it, with spontaneous singalongs and encouraging shouts. The bass player gets a little too "funkdafied" on the cover of "Killing Floor," but this is the only blemish on the "electrified" portion of the album. The "acoustic" half has its pleasures, as well, recorded at the Uncommon Ground coffeehouse (still active, unlike Bossman's, while Hot House has relocated to the North Side). Since he's shooting for intimacy, this gives his confessional lyrics more room to breathe. Unlike most acoustic blues guitarists, Dupont is strumming rather than fingerpicking, giving the songs a Richie Havens-ish tint. Dupont should be given full credit for attempting to break out in new directions when others choose to coast on the tried and true. While The Real Guitar Hero gives a taste of current live Chicago blues for those who want it, Acoustified Electrified paints a better picture of his talent.

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