Stefan Hillesheim Band - Live at the Chicago Blues Festival

Release date: March 15, 2026

Stella Blue Music

By Mark Plotnick

Photo: Jim Summaria

Long ago, the Chinese philosopher Mencius said, “The best things in life come in threes.” Just ask singer, songwriter and guitarist Stefan Hillesheim. He and his wife Shadae recently welcomed daughter Layla into the world. Stefan also became a naturalized American citizen and now, the lanky guitarist and his band of seasoned musicians have just released a new album, capturing their performance at the 2025 Chicago Blues Festival.

 The festival was created years ago by then Chicago Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Lois Weisberg following a meeting with Bruce Iglauer, founder of Alligator Records. Now approaching its 42nd year, the festival is billed by the city as the world’s largest free blues festival. And it is a vehicle that brings out the best among those who appear, and the Stefan Hillesheim Band is no exception.

From Koblenz to Chicago

Born in Koblenz Germany in 1987, Stefan’s father introduced his young son to the first wave of “Rock Guitar Gods.” Then came the discovery of legendary American bluesmen like Elmore James, Howlin’ Wolf and Albert King.  Blues music was a way for young Stefan to express himself before his exploration led him to classical music.

In 2014, he moved to Los Angeles and attended the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood where he was awarded “Most Improved Student.” His guitar playing agility, tone and technique (fingers vs. pick) led to an array of gigs including gospel churches and session work with esteemed artists.

But in 2022, his desire to get closer to the blues brought Stefan and Shadae to the Windy City. He likened Chicago to the place where rural acoustic blues made the evolutionary leap to electric blues. And Chicago has been his home ever since.

The Music 

The band’s new recording on Stella Blue Music captures the quartet’s performance on Rosa’s Lounge Stage at Millennium Park in Chicago. With Stefan Hillesheim on guitar and vocals, Japanese born Sumito “ARIYO” Ariyoshi on keyboards, Chicago’s Darryl Wright on bass and Dionte McMusick on drums, the Stefan Hillesheim Band is a tightly knit group of professionals who bring their best to every performance. But on this new release (available on CD, vinyl and download), they found additional inspiration from the “ready to party” festival assemblage.  

This CD features ten songs (eight credited to Hillesheim) that cover 42 minutes of music. Eight of the ten songs appeared previously on the band’s 2023 studio album titled When I’m Gone. But hearing them performed at one of Chicago’s premier music festivals is an elevated listening experience. Hats off to Pete Galanis and Stefan Hillesheim for the exceptional mixing and mastering.  

The opening song “Always Get to Hear from You” is a rhumba rhythm-infused blues with a humorous narrative about loving couples who have differences of opinion.

“You know I really love you baby, it doesn’t mean you’re always right…I really do, always get to hear from you.”

I’d love to know what Stefan’s wife thinks of this ditty.

The mood changes with the fast-paced minor key blues “My Poor Heart.” Stefan’s jazzy and rhythmic chords set the tone. Wright’s bouncing bass line and McMusick’s percussive beats propel the tune forward while the ever-present piano sounds of ARIYO lurk in the background until it’s his turn to solo.

Across all songs, Stefan’s breathy vocals find a home in the upper voice register with additional expression derived from his natural vibrato. Occasionally, he departs from this zone with more vocal aggression and when he does, it adds welcomed contrast. I’d like to see Stefan partake in more growls and grunts but for the record, he’s said in the past, “I want my vocals to compliment my guitar playing and vice versa. Like having a conversation.” 

But the most potent weapon in his arsenal of skills is his electric guitar. On “My Poor Heart,” his solo is both tasty and complex. He knows how to keep solos interesting with an array of subtle fills.

The moving ballad “The Love I Had for You” opens with a rapidly rising/falling seventh chord progression that recalls the opening bars to the Derek and the Dominoes song “It’s Too Late” (originally written and performed by Chuck Willis in 1956).  It’s an effective introduction to a tender tune about the fading memories of a past love, but in the end, the song’s protagonist says he’ll be OK.

“As seasons change, I find it hard to remember your face.  It feels so strange, I can’t recall your favorite place. But I’ll never forget the love I had for you.” 

Stefan’s tonally perfect slide guitar punctuates the song’s key sentiments. To borrow from a Canadian saying about a spectacular hockey goal, “this song’s a beauty.”

We’re then treated to the first of two consecutive tunes not credited to Hillesheim. The smoking blues “Big Legged Woman” was written by Israel Tolbert, but rock fans likely know the blistering version performed by the late, great Freddie King:

“I love the tip, I love the top, I love you better than a hog loves slop, ‘Cause you’re a big legged woman with a short, short miniskirt. Promise me darlin’ you’ll never make me feel like dirt.”

Venturing into “Texas Cannonball” territory takes courage, but Stefan and the guys avoid direct comparisons by turning the song into a bouncy, funky romp around the tune’s familiar guitar hook. And when it’s time for the finger picking axman to let his Heritage guitar loose, Stefan brings the fire. Interestingly, Tolbert’s original was titled “Big Leg Woman” before future versions showed up as “Big Legged Woman.” 

“It Hurts Me Too” is another familiar blues song covered over the years by dozens of famous blues artists. First recorded by Tampa Red in 1940, the version most contemporary rock and blues artists hold dear is the Elmore James version.  It just so happens that Elmore’s version is one of the first blues songs that influenced young Stefan.

Original music returns with the traveling song “On Down the Highway.” It opens with a swampy delta-style slide riff that Hillesheim doubles on vocal. The song shuffles along thanks to the “locked in” drums and bass of McMusick and Wright respectively.  ARIYO adds color with the well-placed sounds of his Nord piano. He’s a master at knowing when to jump in and pull back with exquisite runs and syncopated chords.

The next cut is one of my favorite Steve Hillisheim Band songs. “You’re My Family” is a joyful, upbeat countrified excursion that would fit nicely on the 1973 Allman Brothers Band album Brothers and Sisters. Hillesheim’s vocals, sublime rhythm guitar playing and creative single note fills are from the school of less is more. Tone is the name of the game. Once again, ARIYO, McMusick and Wright provide a solid instrumental foundation for Hillesheim to work with.

“When I’m Gone,” is an unhurried and deep Delta blues with an infectious slide riff.  Midway through, the tempo quickens and Hillesheim unleashes a flurry of Johnny Winter style slide guitar riffs before the song returns to its unhurried pace.  ARIYO’s playing takes a page from the masters of traditional Chicago style blues piano. 

The slow burning, minor key blues drama “Better Man” displays Hillesheim at his inspirational best on vocals and guitar. Whether its short stinging notes, sneaky rapid runs or a stretch that wails like a hellhound, his guitar tone bites deep into blues territory.

“Done you wrong, there’s no denying it.  You say it’s over, but it’s not such a crime. You know I don’t deserve another chance, but please let me be a better man…better man.

Not to be overlooked on this confessional tune is ARIYO and his sublime keyboard figures and passing chords.

The CD concludes with “Sick of Your Love,” an interesting contrast to the prior song “Better Man.” McMusick’s drums and Wright’s bass deliver a funky groove that provides room for Hillesheim’s guitar to roam between jazz, blues and rock riffs.  ARIYO’s improvisational polyrhythms are the finishing touches to this CD’s most jam-like cut.

When the song concludes, Hillesheim introduces his superb supporting cast to well-deserved applause. For me, a band’s ability to deliver the goods in a live setting separates the men from the boys…or in some cases, the women from the girls. You get the idea. That’s what makes this CD so enjoyable.

Meanwhile, Stefan Hillesheim continues to build his reputation the old-fashioned way: song by song, gig by gig, album by album and by word of mouth. This live album, a memorable keepsake from the World Capital of the Blues’ largest festival, keeps the tradition going.

For info or to buy the music: www.shblues.com

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, available on Amazon. Jim and Mark also co-host the radio podcast That Rock Show on the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum platform. Summaria took the cover shot for Stefan's new Live at Chicago Blues Fest album.

To hear the music, visit: Spotify, Amazon music, Apple Music, YouTube music

For info:

www.shblues.com