Chicago band the O’My’s make effortless, magical soul

The O’My’s sound like a band reincarnated from generations ago, as if they were dreamed up by a kid who knows too much about their grandparents’ past. How do they do it? Wisdom, skill, poise, restraint, and hazy fun pepper their music and demeanor. Their members may have been born after the “boomer” generation, but their soul and funk tunes explode with effortless swing and intention.

The Chicago outfit have been playing for more than a decade, moving between small clubs and big stages with a magical brand of experimental soul architected by their two core members, keyboardist Nick Hennessey and vocalist-guitarist Maceo Vidal-Haymes. Whether they’re crafting their own tunes or working with some of the city’s brightest stars (among them Chance the Rapper and Saba), the duo’s music always feels authentic and breezy, with melodies and arrangements straight outta the cloudy part of paradise. Getting on their page is a gift; their music as restorative as a warm bath after a particularly grueling physical day. 

On the recent O’My’s release No Swimming (Live), a live version of last year’s studio EP No Swimming, Hennessey and Vidal-Haymes are joined by saxophonist Kenneth Leftridge Jr., drummer Alfonzo Jones, and bassist William Corduroy. The music is as smooth and beautifully aligned as ever. When it’s loose it feels like an impromptu jam where everyone coincidentally knows which direction to take. When it’s tight it shines above its grooves, transporting us into that blissful musical space we all pine for—that floaty feeling where the vibes rule and nothing else matters.

The O’My’s Thu 12/1, 9 PM, Sleeping Village, 3734 W. Belmont, $15, 21+

Read More