JACKSON, Wyo. — Since the early 1990’s, Peter “Chanman” Chandler has not only been a staple in the local music scene, but an endearing tie to our local culture. You’ve seen him at the base of Bridger Gondola at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort with the all-weather band Tram Jam, his nine-piece reggae Chanman Roots Band, polka with The Hof Band, solo singer-songwriter, and for the upcoming livestream from the Center Theater, his old time jazz duo Papa Chan with bassist Johnny C Note.
Many of Chanman’s songs have become engrained in our local ski culture, for which he has adopted the self-pioneered “ski bum music.” Songs that have led the movement include “Gotta Take Some Turns,” “Skis, Boots, Poles,” and “Ski When it’s Time.”
But a world away from the rock-reggae-songwriter vibe, Papa Chan grabs inspiration from the Great American Songbook—”Our Love is Here to Stay,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “Body and Soul” among the classic tunes that match Chandler’s coat, tie and arch top electric guitar. He grew up listening to Bing Crosby and watching Fred Astaire movies, which led to a headspace that pays respect to the greats like Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Fats Waller.
Johnny C Note hitchhiked to Jackson in 1990 and studied upright bass with the great Bill Plummer for twelve years. Playing in the tradition of Ray Brown and Walter Page, C Note loves to “walk that dog,” and he’s been playing with Chandler for over a decade. The duo has maintained a Thursday residency at Teton Pines.
Papa Chan, livestream at 7 p.m. Wednesday (today) from the Center Theater stage via the Center for the Arts Facebook page and YouTube Channel. JHCenterForTheArts.org.
