In describing the beginnings of the modern blues, I am continuously drawn to what is referred to as Chicago Blues. During the years following World War II, traditional jazz and folk music were developing revival movements.  As a result, a fertile ground was being laid for a new kind of blues music— characterized by the use of rhythm sections, amplification and a reliance on guitar, harmonica and saxophone solo’s.  This Chicago style of music took the traditional acoustic Delta blues and developed it into a new, raw electric sound, which flourished throughout the 50’s and early 60’s. Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolfe, Willie Dixon and Buddy Guy are just a few of the artist associated with this sound and the Illinois city that bares its name.

With the onslaught of the British Invasion in the mid 60’s, followers of rock music began to realize the influence that blues had on their heroes. British bands, like The Rolling Stones, the Animals, the Yardbirds as well as many others were heavily influenced by American blues artists.  As a result, in the late 60’s a new blues audience began to develop— fans began seeking out these legends.  It was precisely this process that led Wilmington’s newest blues outfit, Ten Dollar Thrill featuring Greg Mitchell on harp/vocals, Jake Horton on guitar/vocals, bassist/vocalist Dave Corey and Dan Cronin on drums/vocals, to come full circle in their musical journey. Although rockers from the beginning, over the years they continued to explore the influences of their musical heroes and finally arrived with a sound that is full of emotion and authenticity.  “We play a lot of the Chicago blues,” guitarist Jake Horton commented.  “Chess Records, Little Walter and Muddy Waters.  We even slip in some early Fabulous Thunderbirds.”

Like many of his generation, Horton was introduced to the blues through another form of music— rock. Slowly, he started to make the trek back and uncovered blues artists that influenced some of his favorite bands— The Ramones, The Rolling Stones and Buddy Holly. Then one day, someone handed him a tape of Robert Johnson and for Jake he knew he had found the Holy Grail.

For vocalist and harpist Greg Mitchell, the introduction to the blues started with physical pain— learning the harmonica. In high school, he picked up the harp at a party one night and played till his lips bled. “By daybreak, I was bending notes,” he recalls.  He has been playing every since, most notably with The Heaters, a Fayetteville based blues band. “This band is less driving— has more finesse and plays at a lower volume than the Heaters,” explains Mitchell.

Like any band in any genre, you are only as good as your weakest member. Yet, after several listens, one would be hard pressed to find an untalented member in this group. Their rhythm section, consisting of Cronin and Corey, is as developed as any in town. With a background in rock and show bands Cronin claims that as a youngster blues really didn’t appeal to him.  But now, with the history and talent that his fellow band members bring to the material he is having a great time keeping the train on the track.

Full Circle? Back to the blues? Whatever you call it, Ten Dollar Thrill pays homage to the originators of Chicago style of blues. By producing a sound that is not only historic in nature, but raw and vital, Ten Dollar Thrill is making Wilmington audiences aware of a pivotal moment in music history. Another blues band, you say? Well this band is anything but ordinary.  They have the heart of the Chicago blues masters, and the soul of the early rock and roll pioneers— with their feet firmly planted in the Mississippi Delta mud, Ten Dollar Thrill, is waiting to show you that they’ve done their homework.