Mad Lad
Its no secret that Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood is a huge Chuck Berry fan, let’s face it, without Chuck Berry rock and roll quite simply wouldn’t exist, or it would be a very different beast. So, imagine my delight when I learnt that he was releasing a tribute album to the late great guitarist. I couldn’t wait to get my teeth into this one.
The album is a live album recorded last year at the Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre and featured Ronnie on lead vocals and guitar as well as guest pianist Ben Waters and Imelda May also joins the guys for a song or two, but more on that later.
Opening with Ronnie’s self penned musical tribute to Chuck Berry, it’s a moving introduction to the album. It really sets the tone and the listener is drawn in and realises that Ronnie Wood is just as much of a fan of Chuck Berry as we are!
Next up is ‘Talking About You’. Beginning with a bassy guitar sound, that is so associated with Chuck Berry, you’d think it was Chuck himself. Then Ronnie’s guitar comes in, with all his flare. What a player. Can this guy turn his hand to anything? Vocally as well, Ronnie is right on point. Even having all the vocal idiosyncrasies that Chuck Berry had when he was singing. It could be Chuck up there. Then, my oh my, that second guitar solo comes in, well I nearly melted. Rock and Roll at its best.
Imelda May joins Ronnie for a number of songs, the first being the ‘Wee Wee Hours’. I wasn’t overly familiar with Imelda May, I knew her name, but that was about it. She wasn’t on my musical radar so to speak. Well, she bloody well should be. What a voice. Deep, sultry and sexy and with an incredible top end. This song is a slow blues and she absolutely kills it. I’m blown away, and I am only on track four! Everything you would expect, honky tonk piano to die for, blues guitar turnarounds and my god, that voice! Wow.
Another highlight is ‘Back in the USA’ opening with that classic Chuck Berry guitar run that we all associate with another Chuck Berry song, it is just cool. In fact, I would say it’s the coolest song of the album. I’ve never reviewed anything as just cool before, because I think it’s a terrible use of the English language. But, this is cool. Its rock and roll at its finest.
Ronnie plays a great rendition of ‘Little Queenie’. The energy is great. This is a live show, and believe me, at this point, I would be bouncing! ‘Rock and Roll Music’ is the penultimate track on the album and it really swings. Imelda May takes lead vocal on this one and the band are absolutely on fire.
And finally the song that we are all waiting for. Johnny B Goode. What a rendition. Its punchy, energetic and exciting. I love it. Imelda May joins in on the chorus and just completes the song. The solo in the middle is played with so much finesse. Ronnie Wood really sets the song on fire. Truly stunning stuff!
What a cracking album. It’s a live album and to be honest, that only adds to the greatness. One of the best things about the album though, is not Ronnie Wood, Imelda May or the incredible band, but actually Ronnie’s choice of songs. They weren’t the go to Chuck Berry songs that everyone immediately thinks about. There were some deep cuts in there and I loved it. What a wonderful tribute to the Godfather of Rock and Roll, Chuck Berry
Released on: 15th November
Released By: BMG
