Escape From the Chicken Coop

Bill Homans (A.K.A. "Watermelon Slim") is one of the most intriguing bluesmen out there - first appearing on the music scene in the early 1970s as the only Vietnam veteran to record a full length LP during the war.

In subsequent years, Slim played with a variety of famous blues stars, but only recently has he become a full-time bluesman.

Less than six months after leaving his last truck driving job, hauling industrial waste, Slim was making a living as a full-time touring bluesman. The decision was predominantly the result of a nearly fatal heart attack, and the renewed perspective on mortality that followed. Logically, why drive industrial waste around Oklahoma to dispose of when one can drive band mates around the U.S. to play music & entertain?

Now that Slim has received a record sixteen Blues Music Award nominations in the United States, he is the new "King of the Blues".

'Escape from the Chicken Coop' features some of the best musicians in Nashville, and was recorded at the same studio as 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?'. Two songs were co-written with Gary Nicholson, who writes a lot of songs for Delbert McClinton (who came in to watch Slim record in Nashville).