Up Hill Both Ways

Winding Funk is one of my original instrumental tunes. This live performance was recorded at the Harlem Avenue Lounge in Berwyn, IL (circa 2011). The groove was inspired by The Meters out of New Orleans. The hits pay homage to the Godfather of Soul. As for the harp? I tried to think: "what would Big Walter Horton have played if he sat in with The Meters at the Maple Leaf in NOLA back in the day?"

Winding Funk

A yes man by day and a bluesman by night, I'm a vocalist, harmonica player, and songwriter with a sound deeply rooted in classic Chicago blues, Memphis soul, and New Orleans R&B. Since 2005, I've performed in and around the Windy City with The Shakes, The Manley Diehl Blues Band, among others, while honing my chops at the Old Town School of Folk Music with mentor and friend, Joe Filisko. 

One of my biggest thrills was performing with Muddy Waters' former drummer, the late Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, at the inaugural 2008 Chicago Blues Harp Bash featuring Billy Boy Arnold. I have a passion for music that swings hard and touches the soul…Junior Wells, Little Walter, Junior Parker, Magic Sam, Smiley Lewis, Louis Jordan. Honoring these greats and showcasing my originals keep my spirit in the groove. Piano is next on my bucket list after learning from Chicago’s own blues, jazz, and boogie-woogie master, Erwin Helfer.

Now I may choose to play the blues. But, I’m also inspired by all kinds of music. Hip-Hop. Reggae. Soul.  Gospel. Jazz. Rock. Funk. Folk. Country. Cuban. Classical. If it moves me or grooves like mad, I’m all ears.

Kirk Clayton Manley