Mixed-genre interpretations of 24 classic songs from the Poet Laureate of Rock’n’Roll’s matchless catalogue.
Chuck Berry was almost 30 years old when he began writing and singing for, and about, Young America. He may have been old enough to father some of those who bought his Chess singles in their millions from the mid-50s onwards, but Chuck knew how to write about stuff kids could identify with: timeless songs, as pertinent to future generations as they were to those for whom they were initially created.
Debate still rages about who is or isn’t the King Of Rock’n’Roll. There’s less debate about who is the King Of Rock’n’Roll Songwriters. And that’s why it’s a pleasure to welcome Charles Edward Anderson Berry to Ace’s Songwriter series at long last. “Rock And Roll Music” offers an across-the-board representation of his halcyon first decade. He didn’t stop penning great songs after that, but those years offer the greatest concentration of the classic material that has been a source of inspiration for his fellow musicians ever since.
Our selected tracks span more than 40 years, from very early covers such as Marty Robbins’ version of ‘Maybellene’ – released while Chuck’s own recording was scaling the charts – to Dwight Yoakam’s Tex-Mex-inspired take on Chuck’s Christmas song ‘Run Rudolph Run’ from 1997.
Now the elder statesman of rock’n’roll, Chuck has recently confirmed that he will shortly be releasing a brand new album to mark his 90th birthday. Whether his new material will stand the test of time as well as the proven classics on show here remains to be seen. No long-term Berry fan would bet against that, of course. While you’re waiting for that, why not reacquaint yourself with two dozen berries, carefully selected from the catalogue of one of the 20th century’s most significant songwriters.
TONY ROUNCE
