Larry Basil and John Heller have been performing music
together for almost 40 years. They first met as high
school students in Wilmette, IL and quickly realized they
shared an affinity for both traditional and contemporary
folk music.
Together they play several instruments,
including 12-string guitar, 6-string guitar, 5-string
banjo and upright bass. They combine these instruments
with high energy harmonies as they cover traditional folk
songs, contemporary folk songs, and folk/rock material.
Larry and John perform their
fast-paced, high-energy sets in clubs and other venues in
the Chicago area. They’re known for being interactive
performers whose infectious enthusiasm always gets the
audience involved with a couple of sing-alongs.
“Basil
& Heller have played CHARLIE’S 4-5 times and it
seems they always sell out. As a club owner, that’s
obviously a huge plus . . . but their performances
are so much more than that. These two guys are not
just good singer-musicians, their energy and
enthusiasm grab the audience immediately. They’re
having so much fun that you want to jump up and join
them on stage. They are always welcome at CHARLIE’S.”
Bob Danon
Owner, Charlie’s Coffee House
Wilmette, IL
“We had a fabulous night with
Basil and Heller in the house last week. Larry and
John evoke the Chicago folk scene of the '50s and
'60s with killer harmonies and fabulous strings, but
just as easily nail Elvis Costello in the next tune.
The crowd was big and loved what they were hearing
and seeing.”
Tom and Jamie
Club Z, Skokie, IL
Video clip courtesy of Fred
Sugimoto
Origins
The artists were originally influenced by such performers
as: Bob Gibson and Bob Camp, the Kingston Trio, Peter,
Paul and Mary, Simon and Garfunkel, Glen Yarborough and
Bob Dylan. Throughout their high school years, they
performed together at private parties, events and coffee
houses. They parted ways to attend different colleges, but
continued to perform in various groups and as solo
artists.
After a brief 37 year hiatus to pursue
other careers, Larry and John reunited in 2005. They
immediately recreated their original sound, and their
unique style can now be heard in venues throughout the
greater Chicago metropolitan area.
Basil and Heller are grateful to the
influence of the writing and arrangements of Bob Gibson’s
solo work, as well the work from his collaboration with
Bob Camp. To learn more about Bob Gibson’s music, visit
the website dedicated to preserving his legacy.
Awards and Recognition
2006 Gand Music Battle of the
Bands: Unplugged
Award for Best Vocal Harmonies
Featured in September/October
2005 issue of Satisfaction Magazine
“Basil
and Heller tear into a set that channels ‘Bob Gibson and
Bob Camp, Live at the Gate of Horn.’ Those in the
audience who remember the 1961 album by the two folk
greats – and there are some – hoot out in recognition
and appreciation. Heller and Basil are crisp, polished
and have nothing to prove. They put the crowd away.
They’ve done this before.”
