There are still a few of the great Chicago bluesmen on the scene and on the road.

One of them is Magic Slim and his band, the Teardrops, one of the prime movers of the Chicago sound for decades. His deep, gritty vocals and stinging guitar build a sound that carries the essence of the blues from his native Mississippi.

Slim (Mr. Slim?) is 69, a tall, imposing figure with a voice to match. He cranks out the blues with intensity and passion. Like so many bluesmen, he seems to love the blues life he lives.

And you can hear him tomorrow night at Moondog's in Blawnox, if you try hard enough. A couple of recent shows I've seen there -- really fine blues shows -- have been poorly attended.

Bluesmen like Slim are a piece of living history, among just a handful of musicians who still represent what we love best about this music.

Do yourself a favor. Do Slim a favor. Come out and soak it up live while you can.

Great new old blues

I've just come into possession of an excellent set of CDs and a DVD of blues from Blues Legacy, a British group which has found and lovingly restored some old tapes from the late '50s of American blues master performing in England.

It's one of the first real exposures for the Brits to the people behind the American blues, and contains in its essence the beginnings of the British blues performers who then brought the music back to the country of its origin.

It's historically interesting, musically significant, and great listening. Stay tuned.

First Published: May 16, 2008, 4:00 a.m.