Chris Chew

Growing up in a rural area in Hernando, MS, Chris Chew started with humble beginnings. Raised on his grandfather’s farm, Chew followed his father’s lead as a musician. At the early age of six, Chris’ interest in music was sparked by watching his father play the guitar. It didn’t take long for his musical instincts to kick-in as he began to pick up the guitar and play, too.From there, his musical inclinations grew and by the time he was 14 he was playing bass guitar every Wednesday and Sunday for his church, Mt. Austin in Hernando, MS. Never having had any formal musical training, Chris soon developed a natural ear for music. Soon he was teaching vocal parts to a 30 member choir at Mt. Austin. It was not long before he was receiving requests from other churches in his community to direct and teach vocals for their choirs.Chris sat down at the organ to help lead the choir. He soon took interest in the organ and developed another of his untapped musical talents. Wanting to play more and direct less, he put his energy into learning more about playing the bass and organ.Earning his Bachelor degree from Northwest Mississippi Community College, Senatobia, MS, Chris briefly entered corporate America. He recalls his first and last day in the corporate world. “I was a manager at this company for four hours. I went in for orientation and had my own desk, office, and company car. Four hours later I realized that was not what I wanted to be doing with my life. So I left and the same day.”It was while Chew was making a living behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, when his old classmate Luther Dickinson. Luther offered the bass spot of the North Mississippi All-stars. Chris during the course of their conversation. “I instantly said to him, “When do I start?”. Five years later, Chew along with the All-stars are making rave reviews from fans and music publications. Dickinson replies “As soon as Chris joined the group everything got more exciting and we started to have a better reception that kicked the band up”. In these past five years the Allstars have produced two albums that have received positive press from the mainstream and underground media. Their two albums, Shake Hands with Shorty and 51 Phantom have both received Grammy nominations in the blues category.When the North Mississippi All-stars are not on tour, Chew dedicates to his solo projects. Chew has built his own band with fellow musicians from Jackson, MS to form Big Chew and the Crew. He describes it as a more funk/jazz type band than NMAS. Big Chew and the Crew have been touring several colleges in the Mississippi and Alabama region and have been doing work for a new production company in New Orleans called Sly Productions. Music production is another one of Chew’s talents. Working with artists such as Dwayne Burnside and Dave Kimbrough, the list of references just keep coming. An eager audience awaits the announcement of Big Chew Productions as he will be working with various genres of music, but mainly his roots of gospel music.Currently Chew is prepping for the Solid Blues Tour with Mavis Staples, Charlie Musselwhite, and Joe Krown, that will be touring over 30 date through November. Be sure to check out North Mississippi All-stars on their website to check for locations and dates.For more information or to contact me directly, visit his website at www.BassbyChew.com. God Bless!