Bassist Chris Chew of the North Mississippi Allstars knows what it’s like to be a star. He’s been holding the band’s hard-rocking blues together with funky basslines and showy solos. He brings style to the band on stage with his big smile, gold teeth and “Big Chew” baseball cap.
Kit: What is your favorite place in the world?
Chris: Home and San Francisco.
Kit: Who was your favorite musician as a child? Is it the same artist now?
Chris: Sam Cook as a child and Fred Hammond now.
Kit: Your early albums were recorded at Zebra Ranch Studios in Coldwater, Miss., but Polaris was recorded in Ardent Studios, the same studio Luther and Cody’s father recorded in. Was the vibe more surreal at Ardent Studios?
Chris: It was a good vibe playing in the same room as so many different well-known artists. The Ardent is known for the great drum sound.
Kit: Favorite song to perform?
Chris: “Eyes.”
Kit: Are you a sports fan? If so, favorite team?
Chris: Yes, St. Louis Rams-but I am glad New England won the Super Bowl.
Kit: All time favorite venue to play at?
Chris: The Fillmore in San Francisco.
Kit: How have the Allstars changed your life?
Chris: Traveling the world and being able to play with great musicians. It takes a strong mind to do this type of work. You can easily fall in the cracks.
Kit: Shake Hands with Shorty and 51 Phantom were your first albums. What do you like the best out of all three albums?
Chris: Like all of them.
Kit: What are your future expectations for you and the Allstars?
Chris: A personal goal of mine is to form a choir in Hernando Miss. There is so much talent. All they need is a chance. Gospel is my soul and this will be a project to take on with the young kids out there.
Kit: Who is the favorite musician you have played with?
Chris: Dickie Betts last summer during Jazz Fest-set in a whole set with us.
Kit: How do you feel about this Southern run and how does playing down South compare to other places?
Chris: The South has the prettiest women in the world. In the South we know how to have a good time. The South has more soul.
Kit: When Duwayne Burnside stepped on with y’all in 2001, how do you think the sound of y’all’s music change?
Chris: We needed a rhythm guitar. He took us to a new level and gave Luther more of an open mind on the guitar.
Kit: What CD are you listening to right now?
Chris: The Funky Meters.
Kit: Where are you?
Chris: Travelling from Orlando to Jacksonville, Fla.
Kit: Life on the road can get hectic. How do you keep your cool?
Chris: Free time-time with myself to keep me motivated. Good to have some “you time.” Gets me to the next day.