Stefan Hillesheim Band

Live at the Chicago Blues Festival

Stella Blue Music

Chicago blues has long been loved around the world. Many artists have crossed the Atlantic chasing the American dream—Chicago style—with hopes of carving out a residency in the Windy City. One such artist is German native Stefan Hillesheim. He first arrived in Los Angeles to attend the Guitar Institute of Technology, where he earned the award for “Most Improved Student.” His signature fingerstyle tone and driving rhythm guitar skills quickly made him an in-demand session player.

During his time in California, Hillesheim performed with Ellis Hall of Tower of Power, Brent Carter of The Average White Band, Emerson Cardenas of Santana, and many others. After relocating to Chicago in 2022, he formed a band of seasoned Windy City musicians who perfectly complemented his style, passion, and deep love for the blues. The Chicago blues community welcomed him with open arms.

Best known for his expressive slide guitar, soulful vocals, and dynamic live performances, Hillesheim draws inspiration from Elmore James, Albert King, Otis Redding, and other legends. His musical partners include Sumito “Ariyo” Ariyoshi, a prominent Japanese blues pianist known for his innovative style; bassist Darryl Wright; and drummer Dionte McMusick. The album was recorded live in 2025 at Rosa’s Lounge Stage in Millennium Park, Chicago.

Eight of the ten tracks are originals written by Hillesheim, while two are carefully chosen covers that pay tribute to his influences. He opens with “Always Get to Hear from You,” singing, “You know I really love you, baby, I really do… you tell me what to do, you tell me what time to get out of bed.” The performance sets the tone with tight rhythm and confident slide work.

On “My Poor Heart,” with Ariyo on piano, Hillesheim reflects, “Sometimes I feel like leaving, but you know I want to stay… last night I got to feelin’ about how it used to be.” The track balances vulnerability with grit.

“The Love I Had for You” continues the emotional thread, with Hillesheim singing, “I shed a tear for the lost and found… I’ll never forget the love I had for you.” His vocal delivery carries both ache and resolve.

The first cover, “Big Legged Woman,” written by Israel Tolbert and famously recorded by Freddie King in 1969, serves as a tribute to that era of electric blues. Hillesheim delivers the tune with swagger and bite, honoring the song’s roots while making it his own.

The second cover, “It Hurts Me Too,” written by Melvin R. London and recorded by Elmore James in 1957, features Hillesheim’s slide guitar front and center alongside Ariyo’s piano. He sings, “Almost lost my mind when things go wrong with you, it hurts me too,” capturing the raw emotion that defines Chicago blues.

“On Down the Highway” is another original that leans into the restless spirit of the genre. “Going on down the highway, got to chase my blues away,” Hillesheim sings, blending classic themes with modern energy.

On “You’re My Family,” he softens the tone, offering warmth and gratitude: “She walks in the room… then I realize, you’re my family.” The band’s chemistry shines through in the relaxed groove.

“When I’m Gone” carries a bittersweet edge. “I hope you’re gonna miss me when I’m gone,” Hillesheim belts, his voice cutting through the driving rhythm section.

The slow-burning “Better Man,” clocking in at over six and a half minutes, allows Hillesheim to stretch out both vocally and instrumentally. “Because of you, I’m a better man,” he sings, building intensity through expressive slide lines and dynamic interplay.

The album closes with “Sick of Your Love,” where Hillesheim croons, “I don’t need no doctor to tell me I’m sick of your love.” The band locks into a gritty groove, bringing the set to a powerful conclusion.

This ten-song live recording fully captures the energy, joy, and excitement of a Stefan Hillesheim Band performance. With crying slide guitar, soulful vocals, virtuosic piano, emotionally charged lyrics, and a hard-driving rhythm section, the album takes listeners on a musical journey straight to Chicago.

Richard Ludmerer

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