Mud Morganfield – Hey Nonny, Arlington Hts., April 28, 2026
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Article & Photos: Jim Summaria
Mud Morganfield w/
Rick Kreher, Studebaker John, Sumito Ariyoshi, Pookie Styx & E.G. McDaniel
at Hey Nonny, April 28, 2026
Live Show Review & Photos
by Jim Summaria
Larry "Mud" Morganfield was born into the blues. He's the eldest son of the legendary Muddy Waters (born McKinley Morganfield) the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." Mud carries on the family tradition of playing blues in its most pure form. Like any son, he hopes to make his father proud even beyond the grave.
Mud was born in Chicago. He lived in several Windy City neighborhoods throughout his adolescence raised only by his mother Mildred McGee. Mildred and Muddy Waters never married and the musician was frequently on the road, yet still supportive of mother and son.
Mud's first encounter with music was on drums, playing the kit his father bought for him. While in his teens he attended an Earth, Wind and Fire concert and was mesmerized with the bass playing of Verdine White. The drums were put away and the bass became his vehicle for musical expression.
Mud graduated college but decided to drive a truck rather than pursue his studies. After operating a rig for a few years, he decided to live his life as a musician and give the music business a try. He wanted his vocal style to follow the soulful, low tenor singing voice of Johnnie Taylor and Tyrone Davis, but all that came out was the signature voice of his father, Muddy Waters.
Despite a late start in the music profession, Mud has made a name for himself. He's released six albums, beginning with his 2008 debut and leading to his most recent recording, Deep Mud. His 2015 album For Pops: A Tribute to Muddy Waters won a Blues Music Award in the Traditional Blues Album category. He's a gifted songwriter and an entertaining performer.
His April 28 set list at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights included his own compositions along with songs from his father’s deep catalogue. Mud was backed by a stellar band of Chicago blues players; guitarist Rick Kreher, keyboardist Sumito "Ariyo" Ariyoshi, bassist E.G. McDaniel, drummer Melvin "Pookie Styx" Carlisle, trumpeter Phil Perkins and harmonica master Studebaker John. Each would have their moment in the spotlight with Mud frequently lauding their talents.
The band minus Mud opened with a couple of tunes to warm up the crowd and then Mud strolled to the stage. Like his father, he sports a commanding presence and was greeted with a massive ovation from the packed venue. A lady sitting up front passed Mud a red rose, much to his delight.
After a quick smile and wave, he sat down and for the next 90 minutes or so, Mud passionately sang blues songs that put concertgoers in a feel-good mood. He opened with "I Want To Be Loved," written by Willie Dixon and recorded by his father. Mud’s rendition was true to the original.
Mud then selected a song he wrote from his latest album Deep Mud titled "Bring Me My Whiskey." That album featured members of tonight’s stage band and was produced by harpist Studebaker John. Guitarist Rick Kreher showcased his slide guitar proficiency on the song, much as he did back in the day when he was a member of Muddy Waters’ band.
It was back for a couple of Muddy Waters classics with "Hoochie Coochie Man" penned by Willie Dixon and "Just To Be With You" with Studebaker John playing a moaning harmonica. As Mud delivered an impassioned vocal, a nearby towel was needed to clear away the visible beads of sweat that dripped from his brow.
"Cosigner Man" - a song from Mud’s latest LP - was a funky soulful treat that featured Phil Perkins trumpet playing acumen while Melvin "Pookie Styx" Carlisle swung on the drum kit.
Mud followed with another song from his latest album "Strange Woman" co-written by his father. Mud’s vocal and Studebaker John's harmonica engaged in a call and response. Keyboardist "Ariyo" enriched the song with his exquisite musicality.
The Willie Dixon blues masterpiece "Wang Dang Doodle" was highlighted by guest singer Sonia Astacio. Dressed in a sparkling red dress, she flirted with the audience as she sang the "good times" lyrics and triggered a sing along:
We gonna romp and tromp 'til midnight,
We gonna fuss and fight 'til daylight,
We gon' pitch a wang dang doodle all night long,
All night long, all night long, all night long.
Mud returned to his latest album with a song he wrote titled "Ernestine." The tune’s protagonist begs his woman to marry him. Mud and Studebaker John continued their back-and-forth musical rendezvous on vocal and harmonica with additional brief solos contributed by other band members.
The Muddy Waters blues shuffle "Walking Through the Park" was a pure delight with Mud telling the story of two young lovers taking an enjoyable stroll. Mud contrasted that narrative by following with the song "Midnight Lover" from his 2012 album "Song of the Seventh Son." The latter song told a tale of two adulterous lovers and Mud sang this song with gusto.
The R&B standard "I Live the Life I Love" written by Willie Dixon (and recorded by Muddy Waters) featured Mud and Studebaker John engaged in their vocals and harmonica blues magic supported by the steady rhythm-keeping of bassist E.G. McDaniel and drummer Melvin "Pookie Styx" Carlisle. "Ariyo" lent his typically sublime piano sounds to the leisurely paced melody.
The pace quickened exponentially when Mud asked the house if they wanted to metaphorically "go to church" with the show stopping song "Got My Mojo Working." They did and he preached.
Red Foster - who authored the original song in 1956 - saw his version altered lyrically and musically a year later by Muddy Waters. Muddy's version is the one that became fabled. With the band still playing, Mud walked off the stage to hoots, hollers and calls for his return.
Retaking his stool, the band led into one of the most familiar intros to any song in music history. Everyone at Hey Nonny knew "Mannish Boy" was next. Muddy Waters co-wrote the classic with Bo Diddley and Mel London, but it became Waters' signature song. Mud emphasized the word "man" with each utterance to the wild approval of all in attendance.
Mud Morganfield is his own man playing his own music while enjoying and sustaining the legacy of his famous father. He is very proud that on April 4th this year, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson proclaimed it "Muddy Waters Day." Long overdue. From the great beyond, I'm sure Millie and Muddy are quite proud of their son, too.
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About The Author: Jim Summaria began professionally photographing rock concerts in 1973 at the age of 19 when he became the staff photographer for the Chicago rock concert promoter Flip Side Productions. Jim's photos have been published in numerous books, magazines and CDs. His rock ‘n’ roll photos have been viewed at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum and Hall of Fame on Rt.66 and the Grammy Awards. Jim and writer Mark Plotnick co-authored the books Classic Rock: Photographs From Yesterday & Today and the October 2024 release ‘70s Chicagoland Rock Concerts.
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