With a new single, 'Swimsuit', swinging from their dirty blues-drenched chops, Chris Russell's Chicken Walk are once more marching across the country with what the press release says is: 'more Melbourne, money and Mississippi than ever before'.
The duo, who have supported Clairy Browne & the Bangin’ Rackettes, Tony Joe White and Jimmy Cliff to Santana and Gary Clark Jr in the past two years, list their top 5 recorded concert performances.
1. Muddy Waters: Live At Newport 1960
Red hot, yet cool as an arctic winter. This live album showcases the delicate interplay of real Delta blues. In between Muddy's deep blues singing, up to four instruments simultaneously play lead licks without stepping on each other’s toes. The players are able to appear out of the backwash of each others waves to create their own foam.2. The Rolling Stones: Ladies And Gentlemen The Rolling Stones
Stones at their peak. From the faux white gospel of ‘Sweet Virginia' to the apocalyptic air raid siren of ‘Gimme Shelter’ this is their finest hour. Mick and Keith are both at the top of their games and Mick Taylor is lightnin' in a bottle.3. Mahalia Jackson: Live At Newport 1958
The Mildred Falls Trio is just piano, organ and double bass but they give the feeling of a thousand-strong congregation. Mahalia is at her best, singing from a backwoods church to a windy city opera house in the same phrase. Breathtaking.4. James Brown: Live At The Apollo
Pre-funk Godfather. An incredibly tight band that plays like a jukebox. Up tempo R&B smashes into ballad, subtle as a (night)train crash and twice as captivating. Soul brother no.1 plays with the audience like a cat with a mouse.5. The Beasts Of Bourbon: From The Belly Of The Beast
Raw power. Carnal sex and vengeful violence. Burning like a supernova. Recorded at their live peak. Utter devastation.Chris Russell's Chicken Walk Tour Dates
Fri 7 Aug - Barwon Club (Geelong)Sat 8 Aug - Howler (Melbourne)
Sun 16 Aug - Bridge Hotel (Castlemaine)
Sat 22 Aug - Standard Bowl (Sydney)
Sun 23 Aug - Westernport Hotel (San Remo)
