Two years after the release of Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lakes State, a fifteen song concept album, produced and performed by Stevens - about his home state he has returned with the second of his ambitious "50 States" project, the 74-minute spectacular Illinoise, his take on the Windy City.

A lush, excessive, strange and giant record, Illinoise is as accessible as it is challenging. It is an extraordinary musical achievement that is equal parts Yes, The Band, Aaron Copeland, Stephen Foster, John Philip Sousa and somewhere in there - a little Bob Dylan. Illinoise co-mingles folk-epics, rock and roll, and charming orchestral arrangements with lyrics that speak to some of Chicago's most historical people and events. And the release is more notable by the fact that Stevens himself plays almost every instrument with support from the "Illinoisemaker Choir."

Illinoise is truly remarkable; I can't wait to hear what he does when he records his Pennsylvania album.

Written by Bruce Warren

Release Date: July 5, 2005

Visit Artist's Official Site