CD by Chico's Friends features the 'humor of life'
Lyrics examine everyday experiences
By Christina Killion Valdez
ckillion@postbulletin.com
Before you start wondering what Chico's Friends is and why isn't Chico your friend too, you should know who Chico isn't. art entertainmentp Lyrics examine everyday experiences
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By Christina Killion Valdez
ckillion@postbulletin.com
Before you start wondering what Chico's Friends is and why isn't Chico your friend too, you should know who Chico isn't.
While the word chico means "small boy" in Spanish, this three-piece, Elgin-based band should not be translated to mean "small boy's friends," according to Scott Bratberg, who plays lead guitar, bass and percussion.
They also don't have any ties to Chico's, the clothing store at Centerplace Galleria in Rochester, although they did see someone from the store enjoying their show at Barnes &; Noble Bookstore, Bratberg said.
Speaking of shows, before the release of their debut CD "When Chico Plays" in February, that was the only place you could hear the Chico's Friends sound.
"Contemporary, acoustic, folk pop, that pretty much does it," is what Doug Snyder calls it. Snyder provides the vocals, rhythm guitar and clavés; as well as lyrics.
The lyrics come first, he said.
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Think the story telling of Bruce Springsteen, Counting Crows, the Indigo Girls and even Dave Mathews, "You can feel or see what they are talking about," Snyder said. Same goes for Chico's Friends.
"The humor of life," is what it's all about, he said.
Vacations, relationships, and a fictional story about a stewardess on Icelandic Air are just some of the things Snyder writes about.
The vehicle for these lyrical journeys through everyday experiences is strong instrumentation, Bratburg said.
Bratburg picked up the guitar eight years ago and has been noodling on it ever since. He received some pointers from his brother and four lessons that reiterated his brother wasn't kidding. "Siblings do that," he said. A visual learner, Bratburg said watching grunge bands taught him the most.
In an interesting aside, after playing drums in high school Snyder picked up the acoustic guitar in college, then joined a grunge band.
Lynelle Snyder, Doug's wife, is the only member of the group professionally trained on guitar. Lynelle grew up on music including singing in choir, playing piano and taking guitar lessons after school. She adds vocals, harmonica and chimes to the group.
Then there's Chico. He's an imaginary monkey who started popping up during rehearsals, they explained.
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When someone would mess up they'd play a guitar riff and say "There goes Chico." Now, the last song of each show is usually dedicated to Chico.
If you have local CD release information contact Christina Killion Valdez at ckillion@postbulletin.com.
