Live Berry For Completists Only
Todd Baptista | Westport, MA USA | 12/16/2001
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Many reviews of Chuck's live shows since the 1980s have been critical, noting sloppy, out-of-tune performances with unrehearsed backing bands. Unfortunately, this disc does little to alter that image. Recorded in the UK in September of '83, Berry and the uncredited band stumble through classics like "School Days", "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Roll Over Beethoven" over 44 minutes. "Bio" and a soulful "Every Day I Have The Blues" are much better. However, when Chuck shifts back into his own songbook, the lyrics and meter are just way off. Daughter Ingrid Berry is the featured vocalist on several of the tracks, turning in credible renditions of "Keys To The Highway" and "Got My Mojo Working". Although the sound quality is good throughout, the package contains no liner notes or photos. Fans looking for an example of Chuck on stage would do much better seeking out his 1986 60th Birthday concert."