Based in Normal Heights, singer/guitarist Chickenbone Slim -- aka Larry Teves -- is a bluesman living in San Diego. Founded in 2012, Chickenbone Slim and the Biscuits was named because biscuits are his favorite food. When Chickenbone was rehearsing his band in an office on Adams Avenue on Tuesday evenings, he noticed a food truck gathering called Tasty Truck Tuesdays at Smitty's Service. While the food was good, it was boring, so he started playing weekly, and this exposure and experience allowed CB to hone his bands skills.
The Smitty's shows became less frequent after ASCAP began demanding payment to perform cover songs. Slim now plays all over San Diego, though no amount of experience ensures that all shows go well.
"We played at an Irish pub downtown. We show up and play a set, went over really well with the crowd. I walk off stage and the manager calls me in the back and says 'Sorry, the owner has decided they only want Irish music in the club. We will pay you and you can go home.' Nothing more to say, so we got paid, and had to explain to the fans we were packing up and going home. Obviously, not a relationship we’ve maintained."
His album Gone was released in 2014, recorded at Big Tone records with Chickenbone Slim on vocals, Big Jon Atkinson on harmonica and guitar, Danny Michael on guitar, Mike Chiricuzio on bass, and Mary Dodson on drums. "We recorded live to tape, reflecting the songs I played and developed at my live shows," says Slim.
"The CD is named Gone not only for the title track, but all the aspects the word 'gone' represents in the material. Songs about leaving, returning, overindulgence, love, and survival share the common theme."
Bassist Mike Chiricuzio suffered a stroke on December 19, 2016. "I am receiving care in the hospital," he reported. "Unfortunately, I have some significant paralysis on my left arm and hand."
A new CD was released in September 2017, The Big Beat. Another called Serve It To Me Hot dropped via Vizztone Records in December 2021.