Albums often contain story songs. Broken hearts, lost love and perpetual hope frequently appear as themes in modern song writing. It's very rare however, when a collection of songs is also a man's journal, high-school yearbook and aural history rolled into one neat package. Such is the case with Hank Becker's Boogie Chillin' release.
Recorded and produced at Southern rock legend Johnny Sandlin's Duck Tape Studio, Hank's album showcases not only himself but also Mobile's finest musical talent.
Hank's electric, acoustic and slide steel guitar is joined by Voxtone/Gretsch Rockin' Cat alum Warren Wolf on guitar. Becker and Wolf have honed their guitar interplay through 20 years of collaborative effort and the result is two guitars woven together like the Harlem Globetrotters work a basketball. The entire project is anchored by Rick Long's always-in-the-pocket bass playing. As a child of the 60's, Long cut his teeth on the British Invasion and blues, and provides this album with its musical backbone. Former Will and the Bushmen drummer Jimmy Roebuck also brings his metronome accuracy and jazz feel to these sessions recorded over the recent holiday season. But it doesn't end here, The Boogie Chillin' is a big family. Add Ricky Chancey's harp slides from single note blues to church organ swells with ease. His appearance on all 10 tunes solidifies his reputation as this town's premier harmonica cat. Bo Roberts steps in line to round out the ensemble with his Hammond B3 organ and Fender Rhodes piano. His solo work on "Hot Sauce" is reminiscent of Dr. John and sews the whole sound together. But hold on, it's not over yet. The Boogie Chillin' can play and sing. Hank himself provides all the lead vocals, but the background voices are what puts the boogie in these Chillin'. Anchored by Hank's long-time friend and open mic partner Randy Landers and songbird Lisa Mills, their well-rehearsed harmonies provide a sweetness not often heard. The real treat is the inclusion of a member of Mobile's musical royal family, Donna Hall. Donna worked with her brothers in a band that got its start in Port City, Wet Willie. Her gospel style vocals serve to define the Chillin' sound. That's enough about the band's pedigree; now let me tell you about the music. Ten songs in all ("Hot Sauce" is featured twice, the full thrown"Mambo" version and the unplugged "Pig Meat" version), "Chillin' at Play" contains Hank's best know and most popular original compositions. Long-time Hankheads will appreciate "Henry's Truck" copywritten in 1977 as Becker's signature tune "Bull Bream Blues." But it's his new stuff that will turn heads and attract new listeners. His most recent writing shows maturity and refinement in his songwriting skills as well as an appreciation for our fragile existence on earth. "Long Time Coming", I Can't Give Up," and "Standing Around in the Rain" reveal a survivor who has been given lemons but rather than turn sour, Hank Becker and the Boogie Chillin' have made champagne! Hank's ready smile and can-do attitude when paired with his natural music talent have won him the respect and participation of Mobile's finest musicians. Give it a listen and see why.
