Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Country rock pioneers Pure Prairie League officially turned 50 during the dormant concert season of 2020, but ever since “Bustin’ Out” and “Firin’ Up” again, it’s been full steam ahead to acknowledge the milestone anniversary.

Chicago’s sold out City Winery finally had the chance to celebrate alongside original pedal steel guitarist John David Call, drummer/vocalist Scott Thompson and keyboard player/vocalist Randy Harper, plus newcomers Jared Camic and Jeff Zona, who added additional vocals to respective bass and guitar roles as the acoustically rich room augmented everyone’s signature and sublime harmonies.

After all, this was the group where Vince Gill cut his chops prior to flying solo or with the Eagles, while many other notables, such as co-founder Craig Fuller, have come and gone throughout the last half-century and change.

In spite of the changing players, this latest line-up sounded precisely like the Pure Prairie League should once kicking into gear with “Kansas City Southern” and going full steam ahead for 100 no-nonsense minutes.

The guys soon delved into “Early Morning Riser,” “Heart Of Her Own,” the chart-topping “Let Me Love You Tonight” and a ton more from the trail they blazed for not only modern country, but also roots rock and Americana.

Those earthy rumblings continued throughout “Woman,” hearkening back to a self-titled debut that popped out of record-buying bins thanks in part to its Norman Rockwell/Saturday Evening Post picture of lifelong mascot “Sad Luke,” followed by fellow ear-pleasers “Call Me, Tell Me,” “Goodbye So Long” and even the upcoming album preview “Modern Problem.”

The set really picked up steam come the stompers “Two Lane Highway” and “Pickin’ To Beat The Devil,” which were especially noteworthy points of accomplished musicianship matching the marvelous voices.

When Pure Prairie League launched into “Amie,” it became evident why Garth Brooks, Counting Crows, Travis Tritt, Lonestar and so many others covered the classic, though there was nothing better than actually getting to hear it inside City Winery by the band that made it happen.

For additional information on Pure Prairie League, visit PurePrairieLeague.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at City Winery include Freddy Jones Band (Apr. 1); J. Ivy (Apr. 2); Wayne Baker Brooks (Apr. 2); Attack The Sound (Apr. 3); One Of These Nights – Eagles Tribute (Apr. 4); Jamo Laurice (Apr. 5); Smells Like Nirvana (Apr. 6); Keith Washington (Apr. 7); Babealon 5 (Apr. 8); Dwele (Apr. 8); Tim Woodson & The Heirs Of Harmony Gospel Brunch (Apr. 9); George Willborn (Apr. 9); Public Announcement (Apr. 10); Maui The Poet (Apr. 11); Michael Glabicki (Apr. 12); Morgan James (Apr. 13); Marcia Ball & Tinsley Ellis (Apr. 14); Brunch & Beats (Apr. 15); Sonja Morgan (Apr. 15); Beatles Brunch (Apr. 16) and Marquis Hill (Apr. 16). For additional details, visit CityWinery.com/Chicago.

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