Chicago blues guitarist and vocalist Dave Specter harnesses both his formidable musicianship and his social awareness on “The Times They Are Deranging (The Buck Stops Where?),” recorded live February 19, 2025, at SPACE in Evanston, IL. The song – featuring Specter on vocals and guitar, Brother John Kattke on organ, E.G. McDaniel on bass, and Marty Binder on drums – offers a direct, topical statement rendered with the spontaneity of a live performance.
SPACE (Society for the Preservation of Arts and Culture), co-owned by Specter, is designed as a listening room, emphasizing sound clarity and audience connection. “One of the things that I and my partners are most proud of is the way the room sounds, the way the room feels… It’s not like playing in a bar with televisions. We pride ourselves with the sounds and the vibe, and we’re just thrilled with how the customers love it and how much the musicians love playing here,” Specter said in a recent ABS interview. That immediacy translates to the track, giving the protest lyrics extra punch against the backdrop of crisp organ, driving bass, and dynamic drumming.
While Specter has long been celebrated for his guitar work, he has also developed a confident vocal presence over the past seven years. Here, his voice matches the bite of the lyrics, showing a seasoned musician fully in command of both message and medium. Written by Specter and published through SpecTone Music, BMI, it’s a striking addition to his ongoing body of work with Delmark Records, accompanied by a lyric video created by Seth Freeman.
