Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 279 - Some of My Music Favorites by Pros and Amateurs - Diving into What Makes “The Chicken” So Amazing Part 1

Listening to the Music of Yoichi Murata, One of Japan’s Leading Arrangers

The other day, I went to go hear a big band led by Yoichi Murata, composer, arranger, and producer from Shizuoka City who represents Japan. The lineup of the big band assembled by one of Japan’s leading arrangers was also made up of musicians who represent Japan. On drums was Yuichi Tokashiki, on bass Koichi Osamu, on keyboards Keiji Matsumoto, on percussion Tomohiro Yahiro, and other almost unreal members had gathered.

All of the pieces performed were Yoichi Murata’s originals, except for works by Duke Ellington. The sound created by a musician deeply inclined toward Brazilian music and funk was refined, and there was a sense of elegance to it as well. It was a live performance that conveyed the pride of a musician trusted by Sadao Watanabe. The encore performed at that live show was “The Chicken”. “The Chicken” played by a big band made up of such virtuoso members was powerful. “The Chicken” is also included in an interlude-like manner on Murata’s solo album Hook Up, and since it is performed on an album where he collaborated with Randy Brecker, one can imagine that it is quite a favorite piece of his.

Speaking of “The Chicken”… that “The Chicken”

It is that piece performed by Jaco Pastorius, the bassist who achieved a major breakthrough with Weather Report’s classic album Heavy Weather and is endlessly admired by everyone, played with his own orchestra. The bass line of the intro is unforgettable once you hear it. The striking melody that follows the brass stub–like hits in the A section, along with the final hit. Those melodies and phrases that captivate anyone after a single listen exist as one overwhelming mass, forming an invincible piece that is complete in itself. “The Chicken” is often taken up in various jam sessions and can be called a standard tune loved by everyone. Perhaps “The Chicken” is a piece in which all the elements that musicians love are fully packaged into that short composition.

■ Recommended Album: Jaco Pastorius Truth, Liberty & Soul - Live In NY (2015)

A live recording from the Cool Jazz Festival in New York in 1982. Originally, part of a broadcast recording made for a program circulated as a bootleg before being released on CD, making this a live album with a background story. Because of its outstanding content, it became well known among many Jaco fans and jazz fans. What stands out above all is the quality of the performance. Since the original source was recorded on 24-channel multitrack, the sound quality rivals that of a studio recording, allowing listeners to fully enjoy not only Jaco’s astounding virtuosity but also the gorgeous sound of the big band. Listening to this performance also brings Jaco’s talent to light as a producer and arranger.

Centered around members such as Weather Report compatriot Peter Erskine, along with Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer, and Don Alias, star players from the jazz world were brought together. In addition, the Caribbean steel drum sounds of Othello Molineaux were featured, as well as wind instrument players such as tuba and French horn, which are not usually called upon. Furthermore, the harmonica genius Toots Thielemans adds a flourish, making this a rare album that offers a glimpse into Jaco Pastorius’s producing prowess. The repertoire performed is also highly varied, including “The Chicken”, “Donna Lee”, “Three Views of a Secret”, “Liberty City”, “Sophisticated Lady”, “Giant Steps”, “I Shot the Sheriff”, and “Purple Haze”. From this selection alone, one can discern a neutral musical orientation that refuses to draw lines between genres.

Recommended Track: “The Chicken”

With this live album, “The Chicken” came to be recognized by many music fans. The continuous grooving phrases are pure Jaco Pastorius. This bass line later became the standard for “The Chicken”. The synthesizer effects applied to Randy Brecker’s trumpet are also perfectly fitting, and Othello Molineaux’s steel drums are highly effective as well. Naturally, Jaco’s bass supports the rhythmic backbone, and the drum playing of his close ally Peter Erskine, who was a key figure during Weather Report’s best era, is also superb. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the essence of “The Chicken” was created by the rhythm section of these two musicians.

■ Recommended Album: James Brown THE POPCORN (1969)

A classic album by the Godfather of Funk, James Brown, released in 1969. It includes the killer funk classics “The Popcorn” and “In The Middle”. Funky instrumental tracks surge through the entire album. “The Chicken” was included as the B-side of a single cut from this release.

Recommended Track: “The Chicken”

“The Chicken” was written by Alfred Ellis (Pee Wee Ellis), the saxophonist of the James Brown Band. It begins with a short brass intro, followed by a drum fill, after which the familiar melody appears. It’s not hard to imagine that this brief brass intro became the foundation that Jaco later seasoned and developed into an overture-like opening. The bass intro played by Jaco doesn’t exist in the original version. From the short opening brass to the drum fill, it is essentially a different piece. Or rather, Jaco’s bass image is so strong that it sets off question marks in your brain when comparing the two. On the other hand, the core of the James Brown version of “The Chicken” is the groovy guitar backing. It becomes clear that the original “The Chicken” is something completely different from Jaco’s version.

Musicians, Albums, and Recommended Track Featured This Time

• Artists: Jaco Pastorius, Peter Erskine, Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Othello Molineaux, James Brown, and others
• Albums: Truth, Liberty & Soul - Live In NY, THE POPCORN
• Recommended Track: “The Chicken”

⇒ Synthesizer Lineup

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