During 1981 and 1982 a special group of musicians came together in Chicago to spread their unique blend of country, blues and rowdy honky-tonk music. These guys worked hard, partied hard, and ripped it up throughout the Midwest. They were not only a party band but also showed their stellar musicianship on their many original tunes as well as covers by the great song writers of their era.
Cahoots combined some very unique talents, each with years of hard earned experience as working musicians. Real, down to earth players that cut their teeth in the trenches. They performed on stages large and small, from bright lights of big stage shows to steamy dives on the backstreets.
Our free downloads this month were recorded in just one such joint on Chicago’s North side. The Phoenix was an infamous club with a five o’clock license and no shortage of vices that a big city has to offer. The Phoenix was the kind of place that could either destroy a band or as in the case of Cahoots, hone their chops and bring out their best. Performing in front of some really rowdy crowds, doing four lengthy sets a night, turning over the crowd two or three times, made for a perfect atmosphere for Cahoots to become one of the best bands in the city at the time. These tunes are taken from cassette recordings made on a typical Friday and Saturday Nights in 1982 at the Phoenix. The quality is not great but the band still shines through, so enjoy them in the spirit that they were made.
This version of the band on these two nights was:
Jim Bartholomew – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Jim Schwall – Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar, Mandolin
Willy Wainwright – Violin
Curtis Bachman – Vocals, Bass Guitar
Billy Shaffer – Drums
The Songs:
Drinkin’ Thing written by Gary Stewart
Lead Vocal by Jim Bartholomew
Backup Harmonies Jim Schwall and Curtis Bachman
Violin Solo by Willy Wainwright
Guitar Solo by Jim Schwall
I Feel Like Runnin’ written by Jim Bartholomew
Lead vocal by Jim Bartholomew
Backup Harmonies by Jim Schwall and Curtis Bachman
Guitar Solo by Jim Schwall
Violin Solo by Willy Wainwright
Space Queen written by Jim Schwall
Lead Vocal by Jim Schwall
Backup Harmonies by Jim Bartholomew and Curtis Bachman
Guitar Solo by Jim Schwall
Violin Solo by Willy Wainwright
Bass Solo by Curtis Bachman
Drum Solo by Billy Shaffer
Saturday Night on the Farm written by Jim Schwall
Lead Vocal by Jim Schwall
Backup Harmonies by Jim Bartholomew and Curtis Bachman
Violin Solo by Willy Wainwright
Guitar Solo by Jim Schwall
Three of the original members of Cahoots will reunite for a special night with the MojoSkillet at The Abbey Pub in Chicago on July 6. Jim Bartholomew, Jim Schwall, and Billy Shaffer will be rockin’ in this very special show. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Tickets are available now at “The Abbey Pub”
IF YOU HAVE HAD ANY DIFFICULTY DOWNLOADING FILES EMAIL: patrick@patrickclineproductions.com
Download Free Cahoots Mp3 1982
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Feel free to leave your comments and remembrances for all of us to enjoy.
jimbartholomewmusic.com 
I just can’t get enough of these “In my own words” Brings back wonderful memories plus a lot that I never knew. Thanks, Jimmy, keep up the good work !
I was probably there the night these recordings were made. What a treat it is to hear them again!