Search - Chuck Berry :: On the Blues Side

Nice package, original concept

Phil S. | USA | 12/03/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Uptempo R & R is Berry's forte - not one turkey in his whole Chess catalogue, in that vein. No such animal in his "blues", either, although the new fan might be a little put off by some of the downbeat, melancholy sounds emmanating from an artist so associated with high spirits and the best poetry in his field.

Ace has delivered a nearly perfect compilation of Berry blues, imperfect because in this reviewers' opinion, leaving out "Have Mercy, Judge", and "Baby, What You Want Me To Do" is a cryin' shame. The latter track features Chuck's Daughter, Ingrid - a wonderful recording session reuinion - my research shows they cut "Come On" 14 years earlier, of course, duly noted by Jagger and Richards.

Another suggestion for an imagined, expanded edition would be the inclusion of "Our Little Rendezvous", which utilised the melody the classic upbeat blues, "Good Morning, Little School Girl". "I Want To Be Your Driver" would be my second choice, also referencing said number. Give the set some more....drive. (Dig?).

The tracks seem to have been victimized by the varnish-remover and do not have that jump-out-at-ya "pop" heard on earlier l.p.s (such as "St. Louis To Liverpool". Still, clarity is important and these tracks are audible for all fans and historians.

Liner notes are excellent."