FM Entertainment and The Forge brought Texas-based Blacktop Mojo to rock Chicagoland. Hailing from Palastine, Texas, the five-member band has been on the road for weeks and made a stop in Illinois on Sunday, August 15, 2021.
Blacktop Mojo released their fourth album, Blacktop Mojo, just two days before playing at The Forge. While a Sunday night crowd can be hard to please, Blacktop Mojo has a legion of loyal fans who often travel from town to town to hear them play.
As someone who has seen quite a few bands perform live, I can honestly say that they are one of the most talented bands who also write and records their songs.
Matt James’ (lead vocals, guitar) thunderous distinct voice carries across the venue while Matt Curtis, Chuck Wepfer, and Ryan Kiefer match drummer Nathan Gillis pounding drums.
The band performed many of their back catalog including “The Void,” “Come Get Your Coat,” blues tune “It Won’t Last,” Switching to an acoustic guitar, James’ gives the band a break and plays a few songs on his own including Neil Young’s “Old Man.” They also slide a few new tunes from their newly released album “Wicked Woman” and “Tail Lights.”
At one point, James and Curtis trade respective instruments. Curtis took the guitar and dueled riffing with Chuck Wepfer and Ryan Kiefer. I don’t think there is a winner in this contest, except the audience because the three of them alone are masters at their instruments, let alone together. It’s all in good fun as this band is a tight night force.
Ending the evening with “Where The Wind Blows,” the band exits but returns to the stage for the encore “Dream On” (Aerosmith/Steven Tyler). Their rendition of this classic tune is unlike any other and always blows fans away.
Blacktop Mojo puts every drop of energy into their live performances. There is no holding back. James’ commented, “It may not be perfect, but at least it’s live music.” I would challenge James on the perfection of the performance. Live music is authentic, and Blacktop Mojo is the real deal.
