Sunday afternoon at Rosa’s Lounge in Chicago. Jamiah Rogers and his band take the stage for the first of their two sets. An electric hurricane of energy and powerful character is about to sweep through the audience. “Chicago Cowboy,” Rogers’ third release, blows apart any hint of predictability. Guitars dominate every corner of its twelve tracks, with Rogers forming a power trio alongside bassist Isaiah “Zay” Horne and drummer Tyvon “Tank” Rice. Together, they tear through mountains of rock and funk without restraint. This is the blues in 2026. Rogers sings like a hungry lion roaring, blending his voice with impossible riffs or announcing blazing guitar solos at precisely the right moment. This is an artist who deserves special attention from anyone who loves great songs, songs inspired by the long journey of a musician raised within the ever-present tradition of Black music, whatever its roots may be. Jamiah Rogers conveys to the listener a contemporary vision of the music that came before him. He does not forget its history, but his background allows him to emerge as a revelation, defining without prejudice the direction that African American music has taken today.
Let’s enjoy Rogers’ music with the conviction that his approach, genuine, compelling, and of undeniable quality, is essential to continuing to look toward the future with inspiration and force.