Reader’s Choice Lurrie Bell

Critics like to invoke the torments Lurrie Bell has endured—mental illness, homelessness, substance abuse, the deaths of virtually everyone close to him in a recent years—as evidence of his bona fides as a “blues survivor.” But Bell’s art is powered by life-affirming dedication and craft, not misery. On his latest CD, Let’s Talk About Love (Aria B.G.), his guitar work melds raw emotion and fiery technique in a majestic meld of tonal aggression, linear sureness, and exploratory drive. His sound these days is shot through with triumph: although he may continue to face down his demons in song, his music has an undercurrent of hard-won tranquility that reminds us that the blues, for all its stereotypes about pain and suffering, is ultimately about overcoming. lurrie.com. —David Whiteis

Readers’ Choice Buddy Guy

Next gig: Thu 8/28, 8 PM, Ravinia Festival, Green Bay and Lake Cook, Highland Park, 847-266-5100, $20-$60, buddyguy.net.

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