Musical tribute to his agricultural roots from Midwest storyteller.
Cody Diekhoff (aka Chicago Farmer) grew up in an Illinois farming community in the tiny community of Delevan, and his grandparents were a pivotal part of his upbringing, with his grandfather being a master storyteller as well as a first-class farmer. Young Cody listened to these stories with fascination, and the effect they had on him has stayed with him all his life. Diekhoff has now recorded his debut album with the help of his recent touring band, The Fieldnotes. They are Charlie Harris on bass, Cody Jensen on keyboards and mandolin, Frank Kurtz on drums and Jaik Willis on guitar.
Listening to these songs, there’s a raw immediacy to them with Diekhoff’s vocals being delivered as though it’s his last day on earth. It’s fascinating to know that a long-term supporter was Todd Snider, and Chicago Farmer regularly supported the late singer-songwriter, and they make a perfect coupling. The songs here are atmospheric, highly accomplished and with fascinating lyrics, which show how much of a master storyteller Diekhoff is. The music is americana in its widest form; country, indie, singer-songwriter and rock songs intermingle, and his vocals are distinctive and powerful. Guitar and organ open up the first track, Tina Hart’s Mustang, an epic nearly six-minute track, and it’s a story of hot cars and a legendary driver. It’s a bold choice for a lead track, but it’s a canny one, as the song encapsulates everything Chicago Farmer are all about: storytelling amid a raucous, spirited sound.
A throbbing bass opens up Peshtigo – before an urgent and raw guitar blisteringly interrupts the mood, and a story emerges of a town that is burning in flames and everyone’s “praying like hell for the rain”. The guitar playing is magnificent, and the feel is edgy and vibrant. A song to take notice of. There’s a funky harmonica feel to Mattress, which, as it hints, is a song celebrating used mattresses, which tend to be left in many rural towns in America. Diekhoff became fascinated by these and decided to write a song dedicated to this unique form of detritus, and it’s a witty and original tune.
Battlecry has a lovely gospel feel to it, combining organ, acoustic and electric guitar in a song looking at the challenges and suffering we often encounter in life, with a plea that we simply accept it for what it is: “I’ve been crying, and I don’t know why”. Homeaid is a short and simple song mixing mandolin and electric guitar, about the joys of home. There’s a cover of one of Ted Hawkins’ most famous songs Sorry You’re Sick from his 1993 album Watch Your Step, and it’s a fine and respectful cover of a great song with some superb keyboard playing.
There are nine songs on this album, and it’s a wonderous introduction to the musical and lyrical talents of Diekhoff and the production by Chad Staehly, who worked with Snider on Cash Cabin Sessions Vol 3, is first class. It’s a very impressive album and, as they say, there’s something for everybody here.
