Rich Mahan -- Hot Chicken Wisdom   (click on image to watch video)

 9 November 2019

Rich Mahan doesn’t mess around. On his sassy sophomore set, Hot Chicken Wisdom, this Nashville-based guitar slinger, and an all-star supporting cast spin forward at full throttle, never allowing any undue sentiment to stand in the way. The result is a kick-butt collection of songs that celebrate the joys of life and advantages of living to the fullest, expectations and propriety be damned. In essence, the song titles tell it all. Indeed, selections such as “Boots Off,” “Day Drinking,” “I Smoke Pot,” “Stoned as a Roman Slave,” and “Loose Lucy” -- the latter a Grateful Dead cover culled from the album Mars Hotel -- leave little doubt as to their subjects or sensibilities.

Which is just fine of course. For the most part, the songs are steered by an exceedingly funky groove, a slow sprawl or simply an easy saunter. A countrified take on the vintage Bee Gees classic “To Love Somebody” provides one of only two real exceptions, but here again, Mahan’s good old boy persona dominates the sound overall. Closing track “Open Up Your Heart” is the other genuinely emotional offering, a plea to a reticent lover to respond to an earnest entreaty.

Yet for all Mahan’s rowdy resolve, there is some search for solace residing at the album’s core. He notes in the liner notes that just prior to its recording, producer Brian “Brain” Harrison, a man Mahan considered his mentor ever since his arrival in Music City, died suddenly from a heart attack. Consequently, he dedicated the effort to his memory. Notably, he eschews any sense of sadness or sobriety but instead focuses on a cocksure attitude and all the other attributes that contribute to an individual’s ability to remain calm and carefree. 

That, then, becomes the essence of real wisdom in Mahan’s opinion -- simply striving to have a good time and offer up a real hoot and holler at every opportunity.  Don’t expect any grand revelations or serious soliloquies to intrude.On the other hand, that’s not to negate any takeaway.  Those that indulge ought to find Hot Chicken Wisdom a truly tasty and teachable experience regardless.

Lee Zimmerman

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