Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Now that Blues Traveler wrapped its 30th anniversary celebration but has another month or so before dropping its much-delayed “Hurry Up & Hang Around” album, front man John Popper used the break to unplug from the group setting and bring aspects of his autobiography “Suck & Blow And Other Stories I’m Not Supposed to Tell” to the stage. Along with Chicago-born piano player Ben Wilson (who got added to the “Run-Around” in 2000), the singer/songwriter and harmonica player dipped all the way back to the band’s beginnings, made a few individual stops and previewed what’s to come in front of a full house at the cozy and classy City Winery.

Currently, Blues Traveler is perhaps most embraced by the jam band community, though the impulsive nature of this acoustic set definitely aligned with that attitude and is a fluid model Popper can always follow whenever he gets the itch to go on the road.

Rather than beginning with his primary instrument, Popper used “Cara Let The Moon” as a chance to loosen those vocal chords, but by the time “100 Years” came into view, it was evident why he’s regularly regarded as one of the globe’s finest living harmonica players. Other Blues Traveler favorites included “Regarding Steven,” “But Anyway” and “Carolina Blues,” all which kept the musicians’ chops sharp and gained fresh perspective in these sparser than usual settings.

Another difference in seeing Popper solo compared to the entire act was his extended explanations behind all of the tracks, frequently bantering with the audience or adding bits of humor that could easily qualify this artist for a second life as a comedian. The nearly two-hour evening also allowed overlooked selections from his John Popper & The Duskray Troubadours side-project (“What Can I Do For You,” “Champipple,” “Bereft”) to earn some deserved airtime, while Blues Traveler’s forthcoming “Ode From The Aspect” has the potential to rank alongside its unshakable streak of singles throughout the 1990s.

Everyone had the chance to sing-a-long extra loud when “Hook” entered the fray, and as the chorus so appropriately referenced, it’s one of the reasons that keeps bringing casual fans and lifers alike back for more. Currently, Blues Traveler is perhaps most embraced by the jam band community, though the impulsive nature of this acoustic set aligned with that attitude and is a fluid model Popper can always follow whenever he gets the itch to go on the road.

For additional information on John Popper and Blues Traveler, visit BluesTraveler.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Chicago, John Pizzarelli Trio (Sept. 19); Lera Lynn (Sept. 21); Matthew Perryman Jones with Molly Parden (Sept. 23); Taj Mahal Trio (Sept. 24); Willy Porter Band with Martyn Joseph (Sept. 28); Jump, Little Children with Michael Flynn (Oct. 1); Matt Andersen with Terra Lightfoot (Oct. 2); Jane Monheit (Oct. 3); Charlie Hunter Trio (Oct. 4); John Lennon Birthday Retrospective featuring Phil Angotti, Tommi Zender & Casey McDonough (Oct. 7) and Trace Bundy & Sungha Jung (Oct. 7). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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