If it's raw electro hip-hop you want, then Def Jux founder El-P will happily oblige. El's production style melds the mechanical with the organic to create an abstract soundscape; you've likely heard his creations backing up raps from the likes of Cannibal Ox, and on his own releases, including last year's I'll Sleep When You're Dead. This time around, El teams up with London grime-rapper Dizzee Rascal (think the Streets and Roots Manuva), who's promoting his newest album, Maths + English. Busdriver opens the show with his blazing-fast, often unintelligible wordplay. If you're looking for something different from the average boom-bap, try this; just don't expect to be able to dance to it. (Jeff Min)
Thursday, May 15 at 9pm Venue: Abbey Pub Tickets: $20
This band, featuring a constantly rotating cast of over 35 Chicago bluesmen (hence the 'mystery' moniker') traffics in rough-and-tough blues that slips into jazz territory every once in a while. The mystery revealed this week 'round is unsung shredder Osee Anderson, a burly Chicagoan who got his start on Alligator Records sessions as Lonnie Brooks's lead and rhythm guitarist. Three self-produced records later, Anderson pays respects to his mentor, Willie Dixon, with attention to speedster percussion, glossy keys and off-mic wails. His sound is neatly summed up by the title of his debut LP, Old School, Nu School. (Gavin Paul)
In an earthy, James Taylor sorta way, Jimbo Delta, a.k.a. Jim Parks, gives winks to the region his moniker suggests with clean resonator guitars and the vocal range of a young Johnny Cash. After training at Weed's Tavern and opening for Chuck Berry, Dr. John and Bo Diddley on occasion, Parks considers himself to be true Americana, something the lazy river strings of his debut long player, Hypnotized (2002), certainly reflect. But new tunes in the works flash electric-guitar effects and tried-and-true pitter-patter blues beats. Either way the man's got a natural knack for blending new sentiments with old traditions. (Gavin Paul)
For those in search of '30s-style, Django Reinhardt-influenced Gypsy jazz, look no further than Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan. Playing with a section of two guitars, violin and upright bass, Ponticelli swings without the aid of percussion. His group's string melodies and harmonies allow Ponticelli to shine on a twangy lead guitar, weaving in and out with nimble fingers and crack precision. If you've sought the Roma sound in Chicago, you've likely seen Ponticelli at his weekly stint at Green Mill or city institutions such as the Field Museum, the Cultural Center and Millennium Park. (Scott Morrow)
Wednesday, May 21 at 9pm Venue: Green Mill Tickets: $7
Not to be confused with the country-playing Nashvillite of the same name, this blind, N'awlins-bred guitarist/vocalist draws throaty soul charm all over speedy electric licks. Down in Louisiana, he's a favorite on Bourbon Street, holding a 14-year residency at the Old Absinthe House. You probably know him as the voice of Kenny Wayne Shepherd's number-one album, 10 Days Out: Blues From The Backroads. But Kenny, 34 years younger than the "Braille Blues Daddy," was just paying homage to the man who started his career; he was just a young 13-year-old scrapper when Lee invited him on stage to play. Lee's 10-album deep catalogue brims with his trademark epic wailing style. (Gavin Paul)
