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| Chicken Delicacies from Clarksdale 21 November 2008 The calendar shows, at least mine does, that it is almost December; so it sure is safe to say that James "Super Chikan" Johnson's newest cd "Sum' Mo' Chikan" is one of the best albums of 2008. The album is filled with Mississippi blues, genuinely self-made and sweetened with a great sense humour. In addition, tribute is paid to some of the greats, namely Freddy King and John Lee Hooker. Super Chikan, whose uncle by the way is last summer's Lakeside visitor Big Jack Johnson, has cut five albums in his decade-long career as an artist. He has been honoured with five Living Blues Awards as well as an art award from the Governor of Mississippi. He has also been nominated once for a W.C. Handy Award (Blues Music Award). |
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| One of Chikan's guitars is made of a gas can and broomstick. This innovative workshop mentality is obvious in his music, too. "Crystal Ball Eyes" acts as a perfect introduction. In the song, farm boy Chikan tells about his childhood among chicken; he even tried to talk to them and understand their language. The song also tells a grueling story how Chikan's favourite rooster met his maker on the way to the dinner table. In addition to the honest, rural blues, we get to hear some full-blooded juke joint stuff. "Yard Boy Blues", with a length nearing eight minutes, is the best sample of this. Chikan shows some guitar skills here, too. "Coochie Daddy" (with some nice piano from Laura Craig), a catchy "Mexico City" and a slide-powered "Sippi 'Seekan' Saw", again, are ones with a delightful, jumpy feel. Tributes are paid with "Freddy's Thang", which is based on "Hideaway" themes and adds more King ingredients from here and there. "Hookin' Up" does the same, being based on Hooker's smash hits "Boogie Chillen" and "Boom Boom". At the same time, Chikan draws parallels between John Lee Hooker's vocal style and the yodel tradition of the 'white folks'. Hilarious and skillful! Sound effects have been used to underline the humourous approach; there are chicken house sounds of course, in addition to which the car and truck effects on the travel-oriented songs (Peter Truck, Love Cruiser) work nicely. Lyrics are witty all along. The chicken house theme pops up repeatedly (and rightfully so), and bodily contact with the opposite sex seems to be high on Chikan's agenda as well. "Sum' Mo' Chikan", in its home-made and stripped-down nature, is a refreshing piece of work. Albums crowded with guest stars (more than one have been released lately) often end up lame; speaking of Chikan's new cd there is no danger of that. Only the artist, a three-piece band and a collection of original songs: that's the recipe for Super Chikan's tasty chicken stew. Super Chikan has toured as close as in Norway this year. One cannot but hope to see him at a Finnish festival next summer. Some more chicken, please! PASI TUOMINEN Super Chikan: Sum' Mo' Chikan. Chickan Howse Productions / Vizztone, 2008 Super Chikan (vocals, guitar), Daddy Rich (bass), Jameisa Turner (drums), Laura Craig (keyboards) Producers: Super Chikan, Lawrence Mitchell, Charley Burch Links: Super Chikan, Vizztone, Blind Raccoon Back to Main |