Tone Deaf interviews the talk of the bubbling Melbourne Blues scene, Chris Russell of Chris Rusell’s Chicken Walk
What the hell is Chrississippi Blues?
Chrississippi Blues is NOT about hacking out crap versions of ‘Dust My Broom’ and ‘Mustang Sally’.
Basically, it’s North Mississippi Hill Country Blues (think Burnside, Kimbrough, Belfour) crossed with whatever the hell we feel like. Because Dean [Muller] is such an incredible drummer, he plays the songs differently each time. Also we play blues as the living, vital, conteporarey music it is rather than playing it as some weird time capsule come to life. Marrying authenticity and respect for what has come before us with own flavour and singing about our lives. I don’t sing about choppin’ cotton ’cause I haven’t done it.
Where the hell did you get the name Chicken Walk?
Honestly, have you seen me walk? I have a strange jerky gait that defies modern science. Alternatively, my wife, Miz Mojohand, was in a band and she suggested Chicken Walk as a name for them but they went with another name so, scavenger i am, i picked up on her good idea and ran with it. Also, it’s the name of a Hasil Adkins song and an African/American dance.
How did you get Dean Muller to join you on drums?
Rohypnol and blackmail. Next question.
Who the hell tells the worse Dad Jokes you or Dean?
Dean may be the world champion of Dad jokes and is actually a father so he beats me hands down. So, two cannibals were eating a clown. One turns to the other and says “Does this taste funny to you?”
How is Cherry Blues Sundays going for you?
Cherry Blues Sundays are an excellent way to come down off your Saturday night. They’re heaps of fun and are probably the best thing I’ve done since I killed my parole officer.
How is Max Crawdaddy’s DJing?
How is Max DJ-ing?….. with a hangover usually. I love the rare gems he plucks out of nowhere. Every week I pick his brain because he’s always playing cool stuff I’ve never heard before.
Is Ryan’s Chilli Con Carne hot as hell?
Ryan’s chilli is as hot as he is. Both make my mouth water.
When in hell is your album coming out?
Around August/September, and we’ve already started work on the second one!
Where the hell did you record it?
At Backrabanyule Hall. The town’s at least an hour north of Bendigo and has a total of about seven people living in it. Built in 1909 it still has the original flag in there. Also there’s a killer portrait of the queen in the 70s wearing an awesome crinoline pantsuit and let me tell you, the queen was 100% woman back then. We spent two days there and recorded it live. Dean engineered it and produced it so there was no rest for him.
What should we expect from you every Sunday at Cherry?
Cherry feels different in the daytime. It’s a nice relaxed arvo of blues in a great place. Max spinning discs, Dean beating the drums like they stole somethin’ from him, Ryan getting us all drunk. Debt collectors visiting me mid-set… genial goodtimes.
Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk plays Cherry Blues every Sunday from 2pm to 6pm at Cherry Bar AC/DC Lane Melbourne. Two live sets from 3pm with DJ Max Crawdaddy and Ryan’s famous Cherry Chilli Con Carne. FREE entry.
