The Chicago Way

Toronzo Cannon

The Chicago Way


Chicago born and bred blues guitarist/singer/songwriter Toronzo Cannon keeps the city’s blues flame blazing with The Chicago Way.  Playing all self-penned material, Toronzo’s lyrics sting just as hard as his fretwork, and his singing resonates instantly with a gruff soulfulness that begs for repeated listening.  From frisky shuffles and hard blues to buttery ballads and funky R&B, Toronzo Cannon blends all flavors of Chicago blues and makes them his own. “Deep, contemporary Chicago blues...razor-sharp guitar and compelling, forceful singing” –Chicago Tribune


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1. The Pain Around Me * 4:44


SIX KIDS ON THE CORNER UP TO NO DAMN GOOD
THAT’S SIX BROKEN HOMES STRUGGLIN’ IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD
YOU GOT LIQUOR STORES EVERYWHERE ON MY SIDE OF TOWN
I DON’T WANT MY KIDS TO GO OUTSIDE, ‘CAUSE THE THUGS ARE HANGING AROUND

CHORUS:
DON’T GET ME WRONG; I DON’T WANT TO SING THIS SONG
ABOUT THE PAIN AROUND ME, (LORD), BUT THIS IS WHAT I SEE, WHAT I SEE

(CHECK IT OUT) YOU GOT THE PREACHER MAN IN THE CHURCH GIVING FOLKS FALSE HOPE
YOU NEVER SEE A POLITICIAN AROUND UNLESS THEY WANT YOUR VOTE
WOMEN WALKING AROUND WITH SKIRTS SO TIGHT
LOOKING IN CARS AS THEY GO BY SAYING, “YOU WANT SOME FUN TONIGHT?”

CHORUS:
DON’T GET ME WRONG; I DON’T WANT TO SING THIS SONG
ABOUT THE PAIN AROUND ME, (LORD), BUT THIS IS WHAT I SEE, WHAT I SEE (HEY!)

(SOLO)

SHOOTING AND KILLING’ I’M LIVING IN A WAR ZONE
(SEE) POLICE THEY NEVER COME AROUND; SO I’M OUT HERE ON MY OWN
I’M JUST AN HONEST WORKING MAN TRYING TO DO RIGHT AND FEED MY FAMILY
WHEN I GO TO WORK GOT TO CARRY A PIECE, (LORD) FOR EXTRA SECURITY

CHORUS:
DON’T GET ME WRONG; I DON’T WANT TO SING THIS SONG
THE PAIN AROUND ME, (LORD) BUT THIS IS WHAT I SEE, WHAT I SEE (YEAH YEAH YEAH)
BUT THIS IS WHAT I SEE

2. Bad Contract * 3:50

(CHECK IT OUT) READ ABOUT IT, HEARD ABOUT IT, NOW IT’S ME
I SHOULDA SEEN IT COMING-- WOULD HAVE STAYED FREE
BIG FANCY WEDDING FOR HER FRIEND’S JEALOUSY 
THE HOUSE WAS MINE NOW SHE GOT THE KEY

CHORUS:
I SIGNED A BAD CONTRACT (LORD) (2X)
SIGN ON THE LINE
YOU ONLY GET HALF BACK
I SIGNED A BAD CONTRACT

“TAKE WHAT YOU CAME WITH,” THAT’S WHAT I SAY
BUT THE JUDGE DIDN’T SEE IT THAT WAY
THEY SAY EVERY DOG HAS GOT ITS DAY
WELL THE DOG HAD TO GO, (Y’ALL) WITH HALF MY PAY

CHORUS;
I SIGNED A BAD CONTRACT (2X)
SIGN ON THE LINE
YOU ONLY GET HALF BACK
I SIGNED A BAD CONTRACT

NOT ABOUT CHEATING; I’M TIRED OF THE STRIFE
WHEN THE WOMAN YOU LOVE RUINS YOUR LIFE
THE MASK FELL OFF THAT USED TO BE MY WIFE
NOW SHE’S STABBING ME IN THE BACK WITH A LAWYER’S KNIFE

CHORUS:
I SIGNED A BAD CONTRACT (LORD) (2X)
SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE
YOU ONLY GET HALF BACK
I SIGNED A BAD CONTRACT

LOVE DON’T NEED A LAW, SO WHY WE NEED A WITNESS?
TO SEE US SIGN A PAPER ‘CAUSE YES, IT’S A BUSINESS
THE CONTRACT I SIGNED WAS WRITTEN WITH A SLICKNESS
MY LAWYER LOOKED AT ME AND SAID “SETTLE WITH A QUICKNESS”

CHORUS:
I SIGNED A BAD CONTRACT (Y’ALL) (2X)
SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE
YOU ONLY GET HALF BACK
I SIGNED A BAD CONTRACT
(OH, NO!)

3. Walk It Off 5:54


SHE DIDN’T MEAN IT, THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
HE WAS AN OLD FRIEND AND SHE LOST HER HEAD
I KNOW MY WOMAN IS NICE AND KIND
BUT NOW WE DON’T KNOW IF THE BABY IS HIS OR MINE

CHORUS:
I GOT TO WALK IT OFF (2X)
THE FEELING’S SO STRONG I MIGHT DO SOMETHING WRONG
SO I’M GONNA JUST WALK IT OFF

MY WIFE IN THE CLUB, MY GIRLFRIEND ON THE WAY
I’M STANDING HERE NERVOUS WHILE I’M ON STAGE
SHE CAME RIGHT IN, AND SAT RIGHT DOWN
WEARING THE SAME DRESS I BOUGHT THEM BOTH WHEN I WAS OUT OF TOWN

CHORUS:
I GOT TO WALK IT OFF (2X)
THE FEELING’S SO STRONG I MIGHT DO SOMETHING WRONG
SO I’M GONNA JUST WALK IT OFF

(SOLO)

SHE CALLED ME UP TO GET HER KICKS
HER HUSBAND GET HOME AT SEVEN; I’M GONE BY SIX
I GET TO MY HOUSE, AND OPEN MY DOOR
THERE HE IS WITH MY WOMAN ON MY LIVING ROOM FLOOR

CHORUS:
I GOT TO WALK IT OFF (2X)
THE FEELING’S SO STRONG I MIGHT DO SOMETHING WRONG
SO I’M GONNA JUST WALK IT OFF

I PULLED A KNIFE; HE PULLED A GUN
AND LOOKED AT ME LIKE I SHOULD RUN
I PULLED MY HAND GRENADE, SHOOK IT IN HIS FACE
AND PULLED THE PIN, ‘CAUSE THAT’S THE CHICAGO WAY

CHORUS:
HE BETTER WALK IT OFF (2X)
THE FEELING’S SO STRONG I MIGHT DO SOMETHING WRONG
SO I’M GONNA JUST WALK IT OFF
(LET ME PLAY MY GUITAR FIRST, Y’ALL)

4. Fine Seasoned Woman * 3:29


YOUNG WOMAN TRYING TO FLIRT
RED LIPS AND A MINI SKIRT
FLASHING HER EYES AT ME
SHE MUST THINK I’M A DOG IN HEAT
SHE KEPT TRYING, BUT I SAID “NO”
IT’S NOT HER FAULT ‘CAUSE SHE DON’T KNOW

CHORUS:   
I WANT A FINE SEASONED WOMAN
I LIKE A FINE SEASONED WOMAN

I LIKE A WOMAN ABOUT MY AGE
COUPLE OF WRINKLES AND A LITTLE GRAY
DO THINGS SHE LIKE AND SOME THINGS SHE DON’T
SHE’LL LET YOU DO THIS, BUT THAT SHE WON’T

CHORUS:   
I WANT A FINE SEASONED WOMAN
I LIKE A FINE SEASONED WOMAN

(SOLO)

YOUNG WOMEN WANT SHOES AND HAIRDOS
SEASONED WOMAN WANT A REAL MAN, NOT A FOOL
NOW, YOUNG GIRL, I MADE MYSELF CLEAR
LEAVE ME ALONE AND SEND YOUR MAMA IN HERE

BLESS YOUR HEART, YOU CAN’T UNDERSTAND
WHAT A SEASONED WOMAN DO FOR A MAN
SHE’S NOT DEPENDENT, SHE SPEAKS HER MIND
KEEP ON LIVING, YOU’LL FIND OUT IN TIME.

CHORUS:   
I WANT A FINE SEASONED WOMAN
I LIKE A FINE SEASONED WOMAN (LORD)

YEAH, YOUR SKIN IS NICE IS NICE AND TIGHT
BUT I LIKE MY WOMEN SEASONED AND RIPE
NOW YOUNG WOMAN, LEAVE ME BE
AND SEND YOUR MAMA IN HERE TO ME

CHORUS:   
I WANT A FINE SEASONED WOMAN (HEY)
I LIKE A FINE SEASONED WOMAN

5. Jealous Love # 4:27


YOU CHECK MY WALLET WHEN I SLEEP AT NIGHT
YOU’RE ALWAYS ASKING IF OUR LOVE IS ALL RIGHT
IT USED TO BE CUTE WHEN YOU’D CHECK ON ME
NOW I CAN’T STAND YOUR INSECURITY

CHORUS:
JEALOUS LOVE NEVER LASTS, ALWAYS THINKING ‘BOUT THE PAST (2X)

SMELL ME TWICE WHEN I COME HOME
TO SEE IF PERFUME IS MIXED WITH MY COLOGNE
THE THINGS YOU DO ONLY HURT YOURSELF
I’M TELLING YOU, BABY, IT’S YOU AND NO ONE ELSE

CHORUS:
JEALOUS LOVE NEVER LASTS, ALWAYS THINKING ‘BOUT THE PAST (2X)

(SOLO)

THIS MUST BE LOVE, WITH WHAT YOU PUT ME THROUGH
AND LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THE THINGS THAT YOU DO
A JEALOUS HEART NEEDS CONSTANT PROOF
BELIEVE ME, BABY, MY LOVE IS THE TRUTH

CHORUS:
JEALOUS LOVE NEVER LASTS, ALWAYS THINKING ‘BOUT THE PAST (2X)

YOU RIP THE LOVE FROM MY HEART
YOUR JEALOUSY IS TEARING US APART
WHEN I TELL THE TRUTH, GIRL, YOU THINK I LIED
I DON’T WANT TO END IN A MURDER-SUICIDE

CHORUS:
JEALOUS LOVE NEVER LASTS, ALWAYS THINKING ‘BOUT THE PAST (2X) 

6. Midlife Crisis # 4:10


WOKE UP THIS MORNING FEELING KIND OF STRANGE
SOME OF YOU MEN MIGHT FEEL THE SAME
LOOKED IN THE MIRROR THE OTHER DAY
MY CHEST HAIR WAS TURNING GRAY
MY OLD FRIENDS ARE FAR TOO OLD
DON’T WANT TO HANG WITH THEM NO MORE
WENT TO THE DOCTOR SAY, “WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME?”
HE LOOKED IN MY EYES, “THERE’S ONE THING I SEE”

CHORUS:
YOU HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS (2X)
DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO CAUSE YOU AIN’T 22
YOU HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS

WALKED OUT THE OFFICE KIND OF SHOOK
STARTED LOOKING FOR MY ADDRESS BOOK
TO FIND MY OLD FLAME TO TALK TO ME
AND PRETEND IT’S 1983

CHORUS:
I’M HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS (2X)
I’M 50 ACTING LIKE I’M 22
I’M HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS

(KEYBOARD SOLO)

I BOUGHT A CAR I’M AFRAID TO DRIVE
IT’S TOO SMALL AND THE PRICE WAS HIGH
TRYING TO BE YOUNG AIN’T WORKING OUT
NOW I’M MISSING PAYMENTS ON MY HOUSE

CHORUS:
I’M HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS (2X)
I’M 50 TRYING TO BE 22
I’M HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS.

WENT TO A BAR WITH A YOUNGER GIRL
WHOLE DIFFERENT SCENE, NOT MY WORLD
MUSIC CAME ON, SHE JUMPED ON STAGE
THEN I REALIZED SHE’S MY DAUGHTER’S AGE

CHORUS:
I’M HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS (2X)
I’M 50 ACTING LIKE I’M 22
I’M HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS

(GUITAR SOLO)

I’M GOING HOME TO MY WIFE
OPENED THE DOOR, SHE LOOKED AT ME TWICE
SHE’S HOLDING HANDS WITH A YOUNGER DUDE
I GUESS MY WIFE HAS GOT IT TOO.

CHORUS:
SHE’S HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS (2X)
WE’RE 50 ACTING LIKE WE’RE 22
WE’RE HAVING A MIDLIFE CRISIS 

7. Chickens Comin’ Home To Roost * 5:15


MY CHICKENS COMING HOME TO ROOST FOR WHAT I’VE DONE (2X)
I KNEW THIS DAY WOULD COME
THAT’S WHY I’M ALWAYS ON THE RUN

(SPOKEN) LET ME TELL YOU WHAT I DID

I TOOK MY BEST FRIEND’S WIFE BUT HE NEVER KNEW (2X)
NOW HE’S RAISING MY TWO KIDS
HE STILL DON’T HAVE A CLUE

I TURNED A RICH WOMAN POOR, MAKE A GOOD WOMAN GO BAD (2X)
YOU KNOW I LOVE THEM AND I LEAVE THEM
GIVE THEM SOMETHING THEY NEVER HAD

(SOLO)

I’D RATHER BE JUDGED BY TWELVE THAN CARRIED BY SIX TO AN OPEN GRAVE (2X)
I’M GONNA DO WHAT I GOTTA DO
BEFORE MY JUDGEMENT DAY

MY CHICKENS COMING HOME TO ROOST FOR WHAT I’VE DONE (2X)
I’VE GOT BLOOD ON MY HANDS
I KNEW THIS DAY WOULD COME

8. Strength To Survive *# 5:27


THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY SEEM
REAL LIFE IS GETTING IN THE WAY OF MY DREAMS
I GET A LITTLE TASTE OF WHAT I FEEL
BUT GET A HEAVY DOSE OF WHAT IS REAL

CHORUS:
I FEEL TIRED, I FEEL LEFT OUT AND SET ASIDE
I’M TRYING TO FIND THE STRENGTH TO SURVIVE

WHEN I’M LOOKING IN MY MIRROR, I DON’T LIKE WHAT I SEE
A BROKEN MAN STARING RIGHT BACK AT ME
I NEED A PLAN AND A LITTLE GOOD LUCK
TO SEE ME THROUGH, SEE ME THROUGH WHEN TIMES GET ROUGH

CHORUS:
I FEEL TIRED, I FEEL LEFT OUT AND SET ASIDE
I’M TRYING TO FIND THE STRENGTH TO SURVIVE

(SOLO)

MY WOMAN AND BILLS ARE ALL IN MY FACE
THEY BOTH WORRY ME AND WANT TO BE PAID
I AIN’T GOT MUCH, BABY, BUT IT’S MORE THAN YOU NEED
SO DON’T FORGET, GIRL, YOU ARE THE ONE THAT PICKED ME

CHORUS:
I FEEL TIRED, I FEEL LEFT OUT AND SET ASIDE
I’M TRYING TO FIND THE STRENGTH TO SURVIVE

I STOPPED FEELING SORRY FOR MYSELF
IT’S UP TO ME AND ONLY ME AND NO ONE ELSE
MY SOUL WAS DEAD, NOW MY SPIRIT’S ALIVE
I FOUND THE STRENGTH, THE STRENGTH TO SURVIVE

I’M NOT TIRED, I’M NOT LEFT OUT OR SET ASIDE
I FINALLY FOUND THE STRENGTH, THE STRENGTH TO SURVIVE

9. When Will You Tell Him About Me? # 4:30


YOU SAID YOU WASN’T HAPPY
ALL HE DO IS GET DRUNK AND FIGHT
I CAN’T EVEN SHOW MY LOVE FOR YOU
WE HAVE TO KEEP IT OUT OF SIGHT
YOU TOLD ME TO BE STILL, THAT OUR DAY WILL COME
I HANG ON TO YOUR WORDS THAT WE’LL BECOME ONE

CHORUS:
BUT I’M TIRED OF SNEAKING AROUND
I CAN’T HOLD YOUR HAND WHEN WE GO DOWNTOWN
I’M TIRED OF THE SECRECY;
WHEN WILL YOU TELL HIM ABOUT ME?

YOU SAID YOU’LL LEAVE HIM
AND I BELIEVED EVERY LIE
IT’S BEEN THREE LONG YEARS
BUT I CAN’T SAY GOODBYE
YOU SAID, “WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS? WHAT ARE WE GON’ DO?
HE MAKE ALL THE MONEY IN THE HOUSE; NOW YOU’LL HAVE TO.”

CHORUS
BUT I’M TIRED OF SNEAKING AROUND
I CAN’T HOLD YOUR HAND WHEN WE GO DOWNTOWN
I’M TIRED OF THE SECRECY
WHEN WILL YOU TELL HIM ABOUT ME? (TELL HIM BABY)

I’M NOT A BEGGING MAN BUT YOUR INDECISION IS MESSING WITH MY PLANS
BABY, IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO CHOOSE
WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO?

SOLO

BUT I’M TIRED OF SNEAKING AROUND
I CAN’T HOLD YOUR HAND WHEN WE WALK DOWNTOWN
I’M TIRED OF THE SECRECY;
WHEN WILL YOU TELL HIM ABOUT ME?
(WILL YOU  TELL HIM BABY? WHEN WILL YOU TELL HIM ABOUT ME.
TELL HIM, BABY. SEE, I’M READY FOR YOU. ARE YOU READY FOR ME? I’M TIRED OF LIVING OUR LOVE IN THE SHADOWS. TELL HIM ABOUT ME).

10. Mrs. From Mississippi # 4:18


NOT A DAY GO BY WITHOUT THINKING ‘BOUT THE ONE I LOVE
BODY, HIPS, MIND AND LIPS, SHE GOT IT ALL, MAN, SHE’S TOUGH
HER AREA CODE IS 601
DEEP DOWN SOUTH, THAT’S WHERE SHE’S FROM

THAT’S MY MISSUS FROM MISSISSIPPI
THAT’S MY BABY FROM MISSISSIPPI
THAT’S MY GIRL FROM MISSISSIPPI
THAT’S MY BOO FROM MISSISSIPPI
SHE IS HOT AS THE SUN, SHE’S THE ONLY ONE
THAT’S MY MISSUS FROM MISSISSIPPI

WHEN SHE WALKS IN THE ROOM ALL THE MEN STOP AND STARE
THE WOMEN GET JEALOUS ‘CAUSE THEY CAN’T COMPARE
CHURCH GOING WOMAN, KNOWS WHAT IS RIGHT
BUT SHE CAN HANDLE HER BUSINESS WHEN WE’RE ALONE AT NIGHT

THAT’S MY MISSUS FROM MISSISSIPPI
THAT’S MY BABY FROM MISSISSIPPI
THAT’S MY GIRL FROM MISSISSIPPI
THAT’S MY BOO FROM MISSISSIPPI
SHE’S MY SWEET POTATO PIE, A TASTE I CAN’T DENY
THAT’S MY MISSUS FROM MISSISSIPPI

(SOLO)

WHEN I’M GONE DON’T HAVE TO WORRY ‘CAUSE I KNOW SHE’S MINE
I CAN FEEL IT IN HER TOUCH, Y’ALL, YOU KNOW SHE AIN’T LYIN’
I’M A LUCKY MOTHER FOR YOU AS HAPPY AS CAN BE
I FOUND A PERFECT WOMAN, Y’ALL, IN MISSISSIPPI
(HELP ME SING, Y’ALL)

THAT’S MY MRS. FROM MISSISSIPPI
THAT’S MY BABY FROM MISSISSIPPI
THAT’S MY GIRL FROM MISSISSIPPI
THAT’S MY BOO FROM MISSISSIPPI
LIKE THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER, MY BABY CAN DELIVER
THAT’S MY MISSUS FROM MISSISSIPPI
WHEN SHE OPENS HER MOUTH, YOU KNOW SHE’S FROM THE SOUTH
THAT’S MY WOMAN FROM MISSISSIPPI
SHE IS HOT AS THE SUN, SHE’S THE ONLY ONE
THAT’S MY MISSUS FROM MISSISSIPPI
SHE’S MY SWEET POTATO PIE, A TASTE I CAN’T DENY
THAT’S MY MISSUS FROM MISSISSIPPI

11. I Am # 5:28


I’M THE ANGEL ON YOUR SHOULDER WITH NOTHING TO SAY
I’M THE DEVIL ON THE OTHER SIDE YOU LISTEN TO ALL DAY
I’M THE HEROIN THAT MAKES YOU SLEEP
I’M THE HABIT YOU KNOW YOU CAN’T KEEP
I’M THE SEED OF DOUBT THAT’S IN YOUR HEART
I’M YOUR DEFEAT BEFORE YOU START

CHORUS:
I DON’T KNOW WHY WE ACT THIS WAY
IT HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE DAY
THE DEVIL IS LAUGHING WHILE GOD IS REACHING OUT TO YOU
SO WHAT YOU GON’ DO?

I’M THE PREACHER TELLING YOU WHAT’S RIGHT
I’M THE PROSTITUTE HE PICKED UP LAST NIGHT
I’M THE FATHER THAT WISHED HE STAYED
I’M THE THOUGHT OF SUICIDE HIS SON HAS TO FACE
I’M THE ATHEIST WITH PAINS IN HIS HEART
I’M THE LIGHT HE SEES BEFORE HE SAY, “MY GOD”

CHORUS:
I DON’T KNOW WHY WE ACT THIS WAY
IT HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE DAY
GOD IS CRYING WHILE THE DEVIL IS PRAYING FOR YOU
SO WHAT YOU GON’ DO?

(SOLO)

I’M THE BULLET THAT MISSSED THE THUG
I’M THE SINGLE FATHER SHOT GIVING HIS DAUGHTER A HUG
I’M THE MAN EVERY WOMAN WANT TO CHANGE
I’M THE MAN THAT LEAVES HER HEART BROKE IN PAIN
I’M THE DARK SIDE IN EVERYONE’S SOUL
I’M THE EVIL THAT WE FIGHT TO CONTROL

CHORUS:
I DON’T KNOW WHY WE ACT THIS WAY
IT HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE DAY
THE DEVIL IS LAUGHING WHILE GOD IS TALKING TO YOU
SO WHAT YOU GON’ DO?
I DON’T KNOW WHY WE ACT THIS WAY
IT HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE DAY
THE DEVIL IS LAUGHING WHILE GOD IS REACHING OUT FOR YOU
SO WHAT YOU GON’ DO?
I DON’T KNOW WHY WE ACT THIS WAY
IT HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE DAY
THE DEVIL IS LAUGHING WHILE GOD IS REACHING OUT FOR YOU
SO WHAT’ YOU GON’ DO?

All songs by Toronzo Cannon, Cannonball Express Music admin. by Small Scale Music, ASCAP

Toronzo Cannon Vocals, Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar,* Background Vocals
Brother John Kattke Hammond B-3 Organ, Piano, Keyboards
Pete Galanis Electric and Acoustic Rhythm Guitar#
Larry Williams Bass
Melvin "Pookie Styx" Carlisle Drums
Horns on "Fine Seasoned Woman" and "Midlife Crisis" arranged by Brother John Kattke:
Doug Corcoran Trumpet
Steve Eisen Tenor Sax
Robert Collazo Baritone Sax
Melon "Honeydew" Lewis Background Vocals
Blaise Barton Percussion

Produced by Bruce Iglauer and Toronzo Cannon
Recorded and mixed by Blaise Barton at Joyride Studios, Chicago, IL
Additional recording by Brian Leach
Mastered by Collin Jordan and Bruce Iglauer at The Boiler Room, Chicago, IL
Photos by Chris Monaghan
Packaging design by Kevin Niemiec

The Chicago Way. In the hard-edged City of Big Shoulders, nothing comes easy. You have to fight to succeed, whether it’s a battle to get out of poverty, a battle to find and hold a job, a battle to build a new business, a battle to expose political corruption, or a battle to become a musical icon. An aspiring blues musician in Chicago is battling against the toughest competition in the world. Chicago has more live blues clubs than any other city, and hosts the world’s largest blues festival. In the city that made Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Junior Wells, Son Seals and Lil’ Ed into blues icons, the bar for the best in blues is set very high. You have to deliver every night—intensity, energy, instrumental and vocal chops, and, above all, honesty and soulfulness. If you don’t deliver, someone else is waiting to steal your gig!

Over the last few years, Toronzo Cannon has emerged from this competition as Chicago’s next heavyweight champion of the blues. He’s paid his dues the old-fashioned way—first playing free at the Monday night jams and then earning his way to sideman gigs while sharpening his guitar chops and vocals. Fifteen years ago, he put together the first incarnation of his band, The Cannonball Express, while still gigging as a sideman. Playing for next to nothing, he steadily won an audience, fan by fan, with each searing lick and soulful vocal, until he could fill the city’s largest blues clubs. Last year, his status as hometown hero was confirmed when he lit up the largest stage at the Chicago Blues Festival, his supercharged playing and singing earning standing ovations from the crowd of tens of thousands.

Toronzo grew up on the tough South Side, raised by his grandparents in the shadow of the Robert Taylor Homes, the city’s notoriously dangerous high-rise public housing project. Only a few blocks away was the famed Theresa’s Lounge, where Toronzo, too young to get in, first heard live blues pulsing through the walls and out the door of the basement club. The sounds of Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, James Cotton and Magic Slim permeated his young ears.

But by the time he acquired his first guitar, at the age of 22, Toronzo had found a new musical fascination—reggae. He began trying to master reggae guitar, but soon he started sitting in at the city’s blues jams and found his musical home. “It was dormant in me. But when I started playing the blues, I found my voice and the blues came pouring out.” Toronzo immersed himself in the blues, influenced by everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Albert King to Buddy Guy and J.B. Hutto.

As Toronzo began leading his own bands in 2001, he started honing his songwriting. “I love the classic blues songs,” he says, “but I wanted to make my own statements for today’s listeners. I try to write songs that will be both up-to-the-minute and timeless.” As a songwriter, he sings about shared experiences with a keen eye for detail. “Blues is truth-telling music,” he explains, “and I want my audience to relate to my stories.” His Alligator debut is 100% Toronzo originals, songs inspired by his Chicago upbringing, his years observing the public while working as a city bus driver on the West Side, and his own battles and triumphs. His serious side is expressed in songs like The Pain Around MeJealous Love and Strength To Survive, while his slice-of-life humor and clever wordplay sparks Bad ContractMidlife CrisisMrs. From Mississippi and his much-requested signature song, Walk It Off. In preparing to record this album, Toronzo wrote and rewrote his songs, crafting each word, groove and riff. This is a man who takes his songwriting very seriously, as seriously as he takes his firebrand guitar playing and straight-from-the-soul singing.

Toronzo Cannon has battled his way to the top of the ultra-competitive Windy City blues scene. He’s cut three previous albums (including two for the legendary Delmark label), earned multiple tours of Europe and delivered blistering performances around the U.S.A. Now, with this new album, Toronzo has taken a giant step forward, proving himself to be one of the most electrifying and original bluesmen of his generation. And he’s done it the hard way—The Chicago Way.

–Bruce Iglauer, Proud Co-Producer


I'd like to thank the Creator for life and experience. I'd like to thank Bruce Iglauer and the Alligator Records family for being part of the Chicago Way. Thank you to my family and ancestors—Linch, Earthy, Jan, Marcia, Garcia, Monique, PeeWee, Pritten, Ricky, Annie, Gayun—for my childhood memories and future memories and the strength to survive. I'd like to thank the musicians and engineers who contributed to this record for bringing all their talent and professionalism.

Big shout out to: Mike Wheeler and Al Spears for talking me off the ledge many times; Lisa Panoyan, creator and president of the first European Blues Cruise for helping me become known on the European blues scene; Vahan Danielyan of the Armenian Blues Association and all the blues societies, blues DJs, blues clubs and festivals; King Bee Rob; Giba Byblos; Bob Koester and Steve Wagner of Delmark Records; Vasti Jackson; Mezzo Productions; Tom Marker; Dave Specter; Donald Kinsey; Tony “Mad Dog” Colter; Gary Tyson; Jennifer Littleton; Mark Maddox; Kenny Zimmerman and all my inspirations in life.

Thank you to the creators of the "machines" that help me get my message out: Mark Baier of Victoria Amplifiers for designing and building the Cannon Amp; Kurt Wilson Guitars; Pierre-Luc Asselin of Guitares PL; and Dave Friesema of Function FX, creator of the Cannon Pedal.

Respect where the blues came from—love what the blues is doing for you—let the blues bring us together—right on!!!!!

–Toronzo Cannon, 2016


Melvin “Pookie Styx” Carlisle endorses and plays Sabian Cymbals, Slug Percussion Products and Vic Firth Drumsticks. Larry Williams endorses and plays Elixir Strings.

www.toronzocannon.com

Toronzo Cannon is booked by Intrepid Artists
704.358.4777, staff@intrepidartists.com,
www.intrepidartists.com