Search - Ronnie Wood & Bo Diddley :: Live at the Ritz

Fun, rough live album

Docendo Discimus | Vita scholae | 01/03/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This 1987 recording captures bluesman (and rock n' roll pioneer) Bo Diddley performing at the Ritz in New York City with the Rolling Stones' Ron Wood.

The sound is good and clear, with emphasis on vocals and guitars, and while neither of these guys aspire to be Les Paul, they lay down some really rough, tough grooves, particularly on a lenghty rendition of Diddley's "I'm A Man" (which features fine harp playing by keyboardist Hal Goldstein), on the classic "Hey Bo Diddley", and the eight-minute version of "Crackin' Up".



Most of these ten songs are Bo Diddley originals, but Ronnie Wood takes centre stage for three songs, including a hoarse, ragged reading of his and Ronnie Lane's "Ooh La La", and an incredibly sloppy take on "Honky Tonk Women" (which is actually pretty cool, in spite of Wood's vocal delivery, which can match Keith Richards for roughness).



"Money To Ronnie" and "Plynth" are instrumentals, showing off the two guitarists' slash-and-burn approach, and "Money" is especially enjoyable, featuring some good slide guitar playing.

"Live At The Ritz" is not excactly a polished album, but drummer Mike Fink keeps the performances from unravelling completely, and there are several really tough and very enjoyable moments of genuine rock n' roll here.

They don't make 'em like this anymore!"

Buy this one if you can find it

R. Serpico | St. Paul, MN United States | 08/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bo Diddley and Ron Wood play together very well. It's also interesting to hear Ron singing. Good line up of songs too. If you're a Bo Diddley fan, you got to have this one in your collection! It's out of print, so you must buy it used on Amazon!"

Brother Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones and Mr. Bo Diddley hi

Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 06/06/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is an album by Ronnie Wood and Bo Diddley recorded live at the Ritz New York City. Songs played by the two guitarists include songs by Ron Wood, Bo Diddley, the Faces and the Rolling Stones. The songs tend to be long and "jammy", with some of them being stretched to 7 or 8 minutes. Some of the songs are ragged, but they are still enjoyable. Must have been great to see live."