The track list for Playing Chess is nothing if not bold. The 11 tracks that make up Elise LeGrow’s debut LP represent some of the legendary Chicago Record’s biggest names, including Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Etta James. The collection of covers is both and a risky and savvy move for the singer. Of course, LeGrow’s not exactly new to the industry — the Canadian musician signed with Sony back in 2009, but this record, released early this month, marks a major step, after years of singles and LPs. It doesn’t hurt that, this time out, she’s joined by Betty Wright, Questlove and members of Sharon Jones’ legendary backing band, The Dap-Kings.In the lead up to the record’s release, LeGrow sat down to discuss her curation of covers and the pitfalls of trying to break into the music industry.

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