The chocobo is possibly one of the most recognized, and adored, creature in the Final Fantasy universe. Though its shape and design style have changed throughout the years, the layman’s description has been constant; “It's like… a chicken…. but yellow… and you ride it”.  When I heard about the Materia FF7 project, and that the deadline for arrangers to choose tracks was coming up very quickly, I remember holding my breath when going to the document and thinking “let there be a chocobo piece left… oh please let there be one”. I was so happy to see one remaining, and it was “Waltz de Chocobo”, the ‘elegant’ take on a wacky creature’s main melody.  It was obvious what I had to do.  Anyone familiar with the original Muppet Show, would know the name “Camilla”. Gonzo’s girlfriend in the series, she was a chicken with the heart of an opera diva. There were several instances throughout the series where a chicken chorus would do an arrangement of a musical theater tune, a popular pop song, etc. and if there was ever a soloist, it was her.

Originally, when I came up with the idea for “The Bwak Choir”, a play on the ensemble term “Bach Choir”, I had one solo role in mind, and that would be my Camilla. While I began recording it became obvious that breaking this up into a duet, or a battle over who gets the solo, would be more amusing, so the back and forth between soprano Liz Rishel and myself was born, with a chorus supporting underneath. Also, this would make for a much more entertaining music video when we get around to that bit. Fun sidenote; to be true to the Muppet Show analogy, the chicken chorus was not roosters, they were chickens. I think my guys did a fabulous job, and Jim Henson would be proud.

So, what exactly happens in the track?  We enter a choir room with an old piano, where the risers are in place, and the conductor's podium is in position. The doors open and a flurry of feathers barges in and a caucus of ‘bwaaaaks’ and other such chicken noises fill the air. They are all warming up in a fun chaotic vibe when, suddenly, the air is disturbed by the tapping of an angry baton.  The chickens quiet down as the two soloists take their place up front. The conductor clears her throat and counts us off to three. Thus begins the Waltz De Chocobo. Enjoy!

Appears on MATERIA: Final Fantasy VII Remixed