Actual concerts haven’t exactly been easy to come by since the world shut down, but that hasn’t stopped the Chicago Jazz Orchestra from “putting the band back together” for the folks at Navy Pier on Friday, August 7.

In addition to being amongst the hottest socially-distanced shows of the summer, it will honor the 40th anniversary of “The Blues Brothers,” which gets an extra boost by “Blue Lou” Marini from the actual band and movie (filmed right here in the Windy City).

Chicago Concert Reviews picked the brain of the all-star saxophone player (who also logged time in the original “Saturday Night Live” band, horn rockers Blood, Sweat & Tears and regularly joins James Taylor), alongside a logistical rundown from CJO Artistic Director Jeff Lindberg.

What attracted you to the idea of “putting the band back together” for a program surrounding “The Blues Brothers” and linking up with “Blue Lou” Marini?
 
Jeff Lindberg: I’ve known Lou Marini for years. The Chicago Jazz Orchestra played the Kennedy Center Honors dinner/dance following that ceremony for 26 years and Lou’s band was always part of the Kennedy Center Honors show. So Lou would come down to the bandstand almost every year to hang out with the CJO and sometimes he would even sit in.

Last November, I brought Lou to The College of Wooster in Ohio to solo with my college ensemble. We did a lot of Blues Brothers material on that concert and it was a great success. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, the CJO had already been scheduled for the August 7 Navy Pier date. I viewed the lockdown and restrictions as a metaphor for being in jail, so I saw the tie-in between this pandemic and “The Blues Brothers” plot: getting out of jail and “putting the band back together.” I sold the idea to Daniel Crane and the people at Navy Pier. Lou Marini was available and we were able to schedule the performance. Please know that Opal Staples will be guest singing as well, performing the Aretha Franklin material from “The Blues Brothers” movies. In addition, the CJO will be premiering a new tune by Tom Garling, titled “Lockdown Shuffle.”

What type of added significance does the 40th anniversary of “The Blues Brothers” movie bring?

“Blue Lou” Marini: Well, we lost our European tour this summer, so this may be the only chance to mark our 40th. 

When you were filming all those years ago, what were your favorite musical moments?
 
Marini: Obviously the Aretha [Franklin] scene looms large, both in the recording and in the filming. And Ray Charles was great. In the second movie, the day we filmed the battle of the bands was fantastic. I had played with so many of the guest bands: [Eric] Clapton, Billy Preston, Dr. John and Lou Rawls. It was a big reunion and the ultimate hang.

Can you recall any unique behind the scenes stories from the set? 

Marini: When we filmed the dish washing scene, [director John] Landis instructed to keep washing no matter what until he said “cut.” He said I could get angry, even break dishes, but wait for “cut.” So I began. After a bit, Landis said “more, get mad.” Then I washed for an absurdly long time. Finally, I stopped, and Landis and crew were gone. I could hear them laughing from the canteen at the other end of the studio.

In your opinion, what is the ultimate Chicago moment in the film? 

Marini: For me, it was that dancing scene outside on the street. Pure joy.

What was it like to be such a longstanding musician on “Saturday Night Live” in its prime?  
 
Marini: Every Saturday night, right before I played the opening theme, Alan Rubin would say, “Where’s the hippest place to be on planet Earth right now?” Electric.

How do you feel when you look back at being a member of Blood, Sweat & Tears? 

Marini: I’m proud of that time. We had a helluva band [filled with] full out passion. Lifelong friendships too. Larry Willis and Lew Soloff, RIP. I’m still playing with [Georg] Wadenius and [Dave] Bargeron on occasion.

Out of all the many artists you’ve worked with on stage or in sessions, who are your top favorites and why? 
 
Marini: Aretha and Tony Bennett because they are always in the moment. Dr. John, who was so funky and unique. James Taylor, who is nonpareil in his songs, playing and person.

Does anything immediately come to mind when you think of prior standout performances in Chicago? 
 
Marini: [On the] first Blues Brothers tour, our Chicago gig [at Poplar Creek Music Theater] was huge [and] when the James Taylor band played Wrigley Field the first time. Great vibe.
 
What are you looking forward to about finally being able to return to the live setting at Navy Pier? 

Marini: My dad was at Navy Pier Great Lakes during World War II, so it’s special for me. It’s my first live gig since the pandemic.

Given that this is an extremely unusual time for live events, what would you say to concertgoers who are in the process of considering whether or not they will attend? 
 
Lindberg: This is a Navy Pier event––part of their “Water Colors” summer series. They have been presenting outdoor concerts since early July, so I am sure they have the performance and audience protocol worked out. To audience members I say: “Get there early and wear a mask, but not earplugs.”
 
This appears to be the most prominent performance of any kind in Chicago since the pandemic. How does it feel to be leading the charge? 
 
Lindberg: It feels wonderful. All of the major live summer music festivals have been cancelled, so having an opportunity to perform at Navy Pier with Lou and Opal for a real audience will be great for the Chicago Jazz Orchestra and great for the City of Chicago. We hope to use this performance as a launching pad for CJO recordings in the near future.

---

The Chicago Jazz Orchestra featuring Blue Lou Marini and Opal Staples performs at Navy Pier on Aug. 7. For additional details, visit ChicagoJazzOrchestra.org and NavyPier.org.