Last night Chris Castino (from The Big Wu) and Chicken Wire Empire unveiled their new album (Fresh Pickles) at the Hook and Ladder. After talking to Chris earlier this week, it was great to see him perform new twist on some of The Big Wu favorite songs. He and the Chicken Wire Empire have put a Bluegrass spin on an album worth of songs. (The album will be released February 4.)
Even for Bluegrass, the energy from the stage was powerful. With a couple of kids (offspring of musicians I believe) the room even had a similar festival feel as The Big Wu show.
They warmed up the crowd with a few songs before diving into the album. They sounded great, again high energy. So may strings sounded so good together. But the best part was standing near fans, who would shout within seconds of the song starting the title of the new Jam turned Bluegrass song and the delight of fans of Chris and the Chicken Wire Empire. It’s fun to get a new look (or listen) at music.
Mostly Minnesota 