The house was packed and the music was jacked.  That was the scene Saturday night at Guy Hollerins in Ann Arbor.  This gorgeous spring night was bathed in the authentic bad boy sounds of "Chef Chris and The Rumpshakers".  The dance floor was cheek to jowl as the rumps were rumbling and the tail feathers flying.

Photo by Julian Konwinski

The band is fronted and led by its namesake and founder, "Chef Chris Sirvinskis".  He is a very big man with matching appetites for food, drink, women, and especially "the blues".  Nobody is more original in performance.  His deep powerful vocals are matched with his enormous talent on harp.  He's equally comfortable playin’ between a tempting taste or torrid tempo.  The bottom of the band has newly installed Jeremy Grenier on bass and Jack Schneider on drums.  No flash or splash here, just strong solid rooted rhythm that is the bands backbone.  The wailing and sailing is supplied by lead guitarist Dylan Dunbar.  Now here is a real specimen.  He can go from raging and raw to remote and refined, from soaring and screaming to soft and subtle, with a twist of the wrist.  He gives his Gibson a complete workout every night.  His style could be called "knarly".  It is simply invigorating to watch and listen to these men play.

If you aren't familiar with this band check out their CD "Urban Decay".  It certainly captures the essence of their effort and talent.  Nothing, however, beats a live gig.