Kanika Kress

Kanika Kress, a Chicago blues performer since 1986, was known for both her singing and guitar playing. A 1988 Tribune review of her performance at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn said: "There's a new blues artist on the scene who not only can wring out every last bit of emotion from a down-and-out tearjerker but also can play a very mean blues guitar. She may not have a typical blues name, nor with her Grace Jones haircut does she have a typical blues appearance, but make no mistake, Kanika Kress is ready to carve out her own niche in the Chicago blues world." Where`s a new blues artist on the scene who not only can wring out every last bit of emotion from a down-and-out tearjerker but also can play a very mean blues guitar. She may not have a typical blues name, nor with her Grace Jones-like haircut does she have a typical blues appearance, but make no mistake, Kanika Kress is ready to carve out her own niche in the Chicago blues world. It`s hard enough for female singers to gain respect in the largely male-dominated blues arena, so to be a highly regarded blues singer and guitarist is no small feat. Kress began playing guitar when she was 12 years old. She got her start, at 16, backing up soul singer Walter Jackson. Two years later, she formed an all-girl rock band, Girlathon International, where she opened for such performers as Bill Withers, the Staple Singers and Funkadelic-heady company for a South Shore High School teenager on the brink of adulthood. Also played with Roy Buchanan prior to her untimely death at 39 in 1993. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”