"Cadillac Dave is Jake and Elwood Blues in one body...with a whole hell of a lot of soul!"
When people think of Chicago they think of The Sears Tower, Al Capone, Michael Jordan, The Democratic Machine, Mayor Daley, a hard working blue collar town and blues music. Good, old-school, Chicago blues music! Soulful power driven thunder from such pioneers as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Otis Rush, Lefty Dizz, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells. Cadillac Dave and His Chicago Redhots carry on this tradition plus a whole heck of a lot more.
Cadillac Dave and his Chicago Redhots have been performing as a national act for the past fifteen years. Cadillac Dave founded the band at the infamous Checkerboard Lounge where they regularly played three nights a week to the likes of Junior Wells, Dave Myers, Little Milton, Lefty Dizz and the rest of the "Checkerboard Posse" playing cards. It was here where Cadillac befriended his mentor - James Cotton. Cotton came in one night and took a liking to the young "Honeyboy" as the women on the Southside called him. Cotton taught Cadillac the fundamentals of Chicago Blues Harp and how to mold his own style. The rest was up to Dave.
Cadillac's good blues fortune didn't stop there; he soon met Otis Rush who taught Cadillac the art of singing and leading the band. The two became good friends. Cadillac recalls nights at Buddy Guy's Legends shooting pool at a private table with Otis Rush and Buddy Guy. Buddy actually branded the "Cadillac" to Dave's name. On one particular afternoon at Legends, Buddy was looking for his club manager. Dave had a 1983 Sedan Deville with a powerful sound system that he parked behind Legends.
It was in this car that demo tapes were singing for the first time to others ears. It was here and because of these moments that Buddy, frustrated in not remembering Dave's name, blirted out "Cadillac. He's with Cadillac." The name forever took.
The band has grown over the past two decades and the faces have changed. Always showcasing the best musical talent that Chicago has to offer, Chicago Redhots are always the best mix of down to Earth cats in the Chicago Blues Scene. The one member that has been with Cadillac Dave throughout the Redhots evolution is Rob "The Duke of Hyde Park" LaDuke. Rob has played with Hound Dog Taylor and other legends from the Maxwell Street era. Rob is the funk and pocket of the Redhots.
Another long time staple of Redhots is Mike Wheeler. Mike is Cadillac's muse. They cut their teeth together in Chicago. Mike's voice is second to none and his guitar playing is something special. He is a combination of Buddy Guy and Bobby Blue Bland. If Mike happens to be playing with Cadillac on any given night...you are in for a treat.
The man who has been playing the drums for Chicago Redhots for the past four years is Pooky Styx. He is one of the most in-demand drummers in the city today. Pooky's high-energy beat is exactly what makes the band over the top. The backbeat that is provided by him makes one reminisce to the days of The James Cotton Band with Mat Guitar Murphy as the bandleader...and this is what Cadillac wants.
When this individual isn't living the life of a secret agent and saving the world - he is playing the keys for Chicago Redhots. In fact, he has polished the bands contemporary high-energy sound that you hear today. I'm speaking of Brian James, who also performs with The Lonnie Brooks Band. Brian has provided another layer of funk to the Chicago Redhots!
The rotating guitar department keeps the band fresh and vibrant. Only the best take on this responsibility. We're talking about the likes of Chico Banks (The Chico Banks Band), Slam Allen (James Cotton Band), Carlos Showers (Big Time Sarah Band), Hollywood Scott (Tyrone Davis Band/Platinum) or Les Getrex (from New Orleans). Not only do you get Cadillac Dave belting out the blues, you also get an all-star band of the best Chicago has to offer. The show is enchanting! Cadillac Dave and His Chicago Redhots are one of the most fun and talented bands that you will ever see and hear. As soon as you hear the first note you will understand why they are showcased monthly at the House of Blues and other premier blues clubs in Chicago and the Midwest.
Cadillac Dave and His Chicago Redhots are perfect for your club, festival or corporate party...they are a Chicago Blues Festival within themselves.