Karina Rykman and Neal Francis Share the Stage in Chicago

New York-based bassist and singer Karina Rykman recently completed a pair of notable performances at Garcia’s in Chicago, spotlighting her sophomore album, Late Checkout. These concerts, held on consecutive nights, showcased Rykman’s evolving sound and her deep engagement with Chicago’s musical heritage.

The first evening’s set included a distinctive rendition of “Spiders (Kidsmoke),” a track originally by Wilco from their album A Ghost is Born. This choice underscored Rykman’s long-standing connection with the Windy City’s music scene, as she has incorporated the song into her repertoire since embarking on her solo career in 2019. Interestingly, Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy was performing nearby at the Chicago Theatre during the same evening, further emphasizing the city’s vibrant live music ecosystem.

Rykman’s affinity for Chicago sounds was further emphasized during her second night at Garcia’s, when she invited keyboardist and vocalist Neal Francis, a prominent figure in the local music community, to join her band. Together, they performed Rykman’s own composition “Spacecase” as well as a cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Cool It Down,” blending contemporary songwriting with classic rock influences.

Adding a layer of historical resonance to the shows, Rykman shared a moment before the second concert playing Jerry Garcia’s famous Tiger guitar, a symbol deeply associated with the Grateful Dead’s legacy. This gesture aligned with her recent appearance in San Francisco, where she sat in with My Morning Jacket at The Fillmore, performing covers spanning the Grateful Dead and Radiohead catalogs.

Rykman’s Chicago performances did not stand in isolation. Shortly after the two nights at Garcia’s, she proceeded to perform at Minneapolis’s 7th St Entry. There, during her song “Easy, Rider,” she seamlessly integrated a segment of Prince’s 1984 funk track “Erotic City,” demonstrating her versatility and willingness to bridge her original work with iconic regional sounds.

These series of performances highlight Rykman’s ongoing exploration of American musical landscapes, blending her jazz-inflected bass style with rock and funk influences. The collaboration with Neal Francis, an artist known for his soulful keyboard work rooted in Chicago’s vibrant scene, further cements this cross-pollination of styles.

Looking ahead, Rykman is scheduled to appear at Nashville’s Row One Stage, continuing her tour and expanding her audience across key musical cities. While details about this upcoming show remain limited, her recent engagements suggest a trajectory of deepening artistic connections and genre-blurring performances.

Karina Rykman’s recent concerts and collaborations reveal an artist actively engaging with diverse musical traditions while promoting her latest album. Through these performances, she honors her influences and contemporaries, enriching her own sound and contributing meaningfully to the contemporary music scene.