Soft Machine, FM, Dinosaur Exhibit featuring Jerry Goodman keep Progtoberfest engaged

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Now with four years under its belt, Progtoberfest is steadily making Chicago a worldwide destination for the genre’s most fiercely dedicated and a one-stop crash course for the curious. Once again lovingly curated by event visionary Kevin Pollack and Reggies club owner Robby Glick, this edition dug extensively into progressive rock’s history, paid tribute to top talents and gave a glimpse of what’s to come.

Add it all up with an expansive undercard that kept the amps buzzing from midday to well after midnight all weekend and Progtoberfest IV upheld its flourishing reputation with another gratifying installment.

Canterbury’s Soft Machine, who are currently comprised of guitarist John Etheridge, saxophone/flute/electric piano player Theo Travis, bassist Roy Babbington, non-touring drummer John Marshall and guest beat keeper Gary Husband (John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension, Level 42), would’ve been a major attraction in any instance, but considering no edition of the group visited America since 1974, it was absolutely unmissable. And the act who’s always kept faithful hanging on the axis of prog, jazz and psychedelic rock mostly made up for that 44-year gap thanks to at least a smattering of instrumentally-rich examples from the regarded “Fourth,” “Six,” “Bundles” and “Softs” albums, plus plenty from the nearly as worthy newcomer “Hidden Details.”

Toronto’s FM, led by singer/bassist/keyboard player Cameron Hawkins, had the enviable task of going up against Soft Machine schedule-wise for a bit, but managed to sway some of the crowd for a warm-up set that put emphasis on its latest offering “Transformation.” Though the trio would’ve surely benefited from additional musicians rather than so many computer supplementations, a front to back recollection 1977’s spacey, sci-fi-themed “Black Noise” still managed to garner one standing ovation after the next.

Dinosaur Exhibit didn’t exude as many progressive characteristics, instead honing in on experimental jazz, garage rock and blues that came from members’ association with Chicago cult favorites such as The Flock (who actually found international fame after signing with Columbia Records in the late 1960s), The Mauds, Aura and others. The band’s secret weapon was of course violin master Jerry Goodman, who after finding his footing in The Flock went on to Mahavishnu Orchestra, Dixie Dregs and countless other collaborations, while continuing to be a joy and privilege to catch in any format.

Charlotte’s Abacab gained additional steam as an exceptional Genesis tribute act, saluting the more cerebral portion of the band’s 50 years with meticulous care and exact precision. Louisville’s veteran but somewhat obscure proggers French TV also made for delightfully challenging listen with serious chops and intriguing rhythms that have collectively been in business since 1983.

The Windy City’s Paul Wertico, multiple Grammy-winning drummer for Pat Metheny Group, brought sophisticated jazz fusion flavors with several regarded friends (Béla Fleck & The Flecktones’ keyboardist/harmonica man Howard Levy, guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque and all-star session bassist Chuck Webb). Fellow local notables The Cyberiam took advantage of the wider platform to unveil its self-titled debut, which makes for an aggressive, angular, metallic listen starring a seasoned line-up of familiar faces Keith Semple (vocals/guitar), Frank Lucas (keyboards), Tommy Murray (drums) and Brian Kovacs (bass/vocals).

And that’s not even taking into account co-headlining kick-offs from The Ultimate Queen Celebration featuring Marc Martel and The Nick D’Virgilio Project, helmed by the drummer for Spock’s Beard, Big Big Train and Genesis’ “Calling All Stations,” or his Beard bandmate Neal Morse, who’s also known for time in Transatlantic, Flying Colors and solo. Add it all up with an expansive undercard that kept the amps buzzing from midday to well after midnight all weekend and Progtoberfest IV upheld its flourishing reputation with another gratifying installment.

For additional information on Progtoberfest, visit ReggiesLive.com/Showtag/Progtoberfest-IV/.

For a list of upcoming shows at Reggies Chicago, visit ReggiesLive.com.