Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Man of many bands, Jim Messina, would’ve already been considered a legend just for joining the tail end of Buffalo Springfield, but that was only the beginning for the artist, producer and engineer who’s been at it all for nearly sixty years.

While bandmates Neil Young and Stephen Stills went on to form Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Messina and fellow member Richie Furay started Poco, laying the blueprint for the entire country rock movement, alongside the flight pattern for a few future Eagles.

Then of course came the lengthy Loggins & Messina collaboration, which not only was responsible for several folk and soft rock classics, but became a launching pad for the meteoric career of Kenny Loggins.

That all contributed to a crowded house at the warm and wonderful City Winery, which seemed tailor-made for Messina’s hearty acoustic or electric strums, plus the cozy harmonies of his four additional players.

The show began with several shout-outs to that super duo, including “Watching The River Run,” “House At Pooh Corner” and “Danny’s Song,” which was one of several opportunities for the crowd to sing along.

Buffalo Springfield’s “Kind Woman” was sandwiched between Poco’s “Follow Your Dreams” and “You Better Think Twice,” demonstrating the influence and evolution between both bands.

That trend continued with Loggins & Messina’s “Listen To A Country Song” and “Holiday Hotel,” then after intermission, even more seasoned songwriting come “Trilogy: Lovin’ Me / To Make A Woman Feel Wanted / Peace Of Mind.”

Messina also served City Winery jazzed-up jams of “Angry Eyes,” “You Need A Man” and the huge hit “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” prompting everyone to get up and do just the opposite, while remaining on their feet for the final bows in appreciation of Messina’s enduring expertise.

For additional information on Jim Messina, visit JimMessina.com. Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include The Flat Five (Mar. 18-19); Beatles Brunch (Mar. 20); Oleta Adams (Mar. 20); The Other Favorites (Mar. 21); Joshua Radin (Mar. 22-24); Dwele (Mar. 25); Chante Moore (Mar. 26); SFJAZZ Collective (Mar. 27); Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia (Mar. 28); Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah (Mar. 29); EXTC – XTC’s Terry Chambers & Friends (Mar. 30) and The Iguanas & Kevin Gordon (Mar. 31). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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