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player ready...A three-part project that began with Blues Traveler’s 2021 album, “Traveler’s Blues,” continued with “Traveler’s Soul,” which was released Oct. 20.
Touring in support of its 15th studio album, Blues Traveler makes a Nov. 8 stop at Joliet’s Rialto Square Theatre.
“We try to incorporate pieces and songs from the history of the band,” said bassist Tad Kinchla, who joined Blues Traveler after original bassist Bobby Sheehan died in 1999.
“Each time we’re releasing new material we’ll feature a couple of songs from the new stuff but we don’t come out and play a whole new album.”
Blues Traveler also includes John Popper (vocals, harmonica), Tad Kinchla’s brother Chan Kinchla (guitar) and Brendan Hill (drums) — who have all been with the group since 1987 — and Ben Wilson (keyboards), who joined in 2000.
“One of the things that sets us apart is John’s harmonica playing. It’s a unique voice, He’s got a great voice as well,” said Tad Kinchla, whose audition for Blues Traveler was the first gig the group played after Sheehan’s death.
The jam band’s catalog includes the hits “Run-Around,” which won a Grammy Award for best rock performance by a duo or group with vocal; “Hook” and “But Anyway” and tunes from “Traveler’s Blues,” which received a Grammy nomination for best traditional blues album.
“As a rhythm player, the more rhythmically challenging and groove-oriented (songs) are the ones I enjoy playing,” said Tad Kinchla, who began playing music circa fourth grade after his parents gave him an electric bass.
“There’s a song called ‘You Reach Me,’ which I like playing. It’s satisfying because there’s a lot of clicking and popping and a rhythmic dance between drums and bass.”
“Traveler’s Soul,” which was recorded with Grammy-winning producer Matt Rollings, features Blues Traveler’s take on 12 tracks including singles such as “Fool for You,” which was popularized by The Impressions, and the Dr. John classic “Qualified.”
“It’s a group effort of throwing (together) some old soul favorites and not necessarily hits. Everyone compiled a list together of songs we liked. Then we sat with the producer and went through (them),” Tad Kinchla said.
“Some (tracks) are a little more toward the original version and some are our own reinterpretation. To have the opportunity to go in and play songs that you like with a band and in a studio and be able to layer it is a cool process. We’re fortunate to be able to do that.”
“Traveler’s Soul,” which ranges from rhythm and blues songs to soul staples, also features collaborations including “Waterfalls” with Pat Monahan of Train and Daisha McBride, “I Can’t Stand the Rain” with Valerie June and “When a Man Loves a Woman” with Ryan Shaw.
“It’s cool to have some new material to play out,” said Tad Kinchla, who grew up in New Jersey and now lives in Tennessee.
“As much as we’re able to keep it new and keep it interesting and different for this long has been a real accomplishment.”
The opening act for Blues Traveler’s Southland concert is Jono Manson, who released the album “Bootlegger Days!!” with Popper in September and the solo album “Stars Enough to Guide Me” in March.
Blues Traveler
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8
Where: Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet
Tickets: $39.50-$99.50
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Information: 815-726-6600; rialtosquare.com
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.