Celebrity Travel: Go Away With Johnny Iguana of The Claudettes
"Getting away from home gives me inspiration and perspective," says Johnny Iguana, keyboardist-pianist-songwriter-bandleader of The Claudettes. "I've gotten to play music in Beirut, all over Japan, all over Brazil, in Indonesia. ... Wherever I can find a piano in a faraway land, I like to sit down and sort of Ouija Board the piano - let my hands drift where they may. The root chords of many of our songs have begun in such situations." The Chicago-based musician was looking forward to touring to promote his band's latest CD, "High Times in the Dark." The tour dates, however, have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Find more information about the group at theclaudettes.com and facebook.com/theclaudettes.
Q. Do you work on music while traveling?
A. I frequently write on the road. Whole song ideas and lyrics occur to me on airplanes and in the front passenger seat of The Claudettes' van. Our "Naked on the Internet" from our 2018 album "Dance Scandal at the Gymnasium!" was written entirely in the van between tour dates.
Q. What role has Chicago played in your career?
A. I moved to Chicago when hired by Junior Wells. Chicago blues was a major part of my musical development as a teenager in Philadelphia. Being in Chicago now continues to inspire, with its great musical history and community.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. Japan and Spain are tied. I love both cultures and the food, oh my lord. I would go just for the food alone.
Q. What untapped destination should people know about?
A. Well, New Orleans isn't exactly obscure as a vacation destination, but I tell everyone who will listen that going to New Orleans feels like leaving the U.S. for a European vacation. The food, the nightlife, even that island with all the pastel-colored houses. It's like nowhere else here. And New Orleans restaurants and bars really could gouge you, but don't! It's like taking a European vacation for a quarter of the price, and a shorter flight.
Q. What was the first trip you took as a child?
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