The Chuck Berry Collectors Blog

Sunday, December 22. 2024

Rhythm and Rhyme - Chuck Berry’s poetic heartbeat

Chuck Berry once said ‘Poetry is my lifeblood.’ Never a truer statement has been made. He has been variously described as the 'Poet Laureate of Rock' and the 'Shakespeare of Roll'. A master wordsmith, his best compositions are poems set to music, not lyrics to fit the beat. Where a word he needs doesn’t exist, he invents one. Thus in his very first recording ‘Maybellene’ we find ‘motorvating’, a word created to perfectly evoke the speeding cars of the song’s story. In his autobiography he explained,

“I tried to use (or make up) words that wouldn’t be hard to decipher by anyone from the fifth grade on. I hadn’t received any kickback about using ‘motorvating’ in ‘Maybellene,’ so why not compete with Noah Webster (of dictionary fame) again?”

Troubles became botherations in another early classic ‘Too Much Monkey Business’. In ‘You Can’t Catch Me’ he invents an air-mobile he dubbed a ‘Flight DeVille’, mimicking the famous Caddy, later to become his favourite wheels. Chuck always carefully selected his words, why use refrigerator when coolerator was – well much cooler? (incidentally coolerator isn’t a Berryism – it was the trade name for a fridge made from 1948 by the Gibson Refrigerator Company.)
As a child, Chuck's father Henry would recite poetry to him, while his mother Martha’s singing of Baptist hymns also helped instilled a love of words, rhyme and metre in the boy.
Poetry was commonplace, the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Paul Laurence Dunbar and Theodore Tilton were lingua franca in the Berry household. As a child, he memorised and would recite verbatim long, multi-versed epics such as Theodore Tilton’s ‘The King’s Ring’ (also known as ‘Even This Shall Pass Away’). Tilton, newspaper editor, poet, and abolitionist, wrote the poem in 1867 and a century or so later Chuck recorded it as 'Pass Away', the last track on his 1979 Atco 'Rockit' album. In 2006 the box-set DVD of the movie ‘Hail Hail Rock And Roll’ was issued. The final part of Disc 3 is ‘Chuckisms’ focusing on Berry’s vocabulary and poetry which includes a lengthy, word perfect recital of the poem accompanied by Robbie Robertson on acoustic guitar. (The Led Zeppelin fan reading this may also be interested to know Robert Plant recorded ‘Even This Shall Pass Away’ in 2010 set to a funky beat!). In a 2016 interview with Peter Guralnick published in Rolling Stone magazine, Chuck discussed poetry and ‘Even This Shall Pass Away’ in particular. Asked about the poem Berry said he first heard it recited by his dad around the age of six or seven. Peter continues:

With very little prompting, Chuck recited the poem, and as he did, he got more and more choked up. "My dad," he said, "was the cause of me being in show business. He was not only in poetry but in acting a bit. He was Mordecai in the play A Dream of Queen Esther. He was very low in speech and music, and he came out onstage, he came out to tell the king, 'Sire, sire, someone is approaching our castle.' And I knew his voice. I'm five years old right now. I knew his voice and I hollered out in the theater, 'Daddy!' I don't remember it, but they tell me I did. His position in the choir was bass. Mother's was soprano and lead. That's all there was in our house, poetry and choir rehearsal and duets and so forth; I listened to Dad and Mother discuss things about poetry and delivery and voice and diction – I don't think anyone could know how much it really means." Who were some of his favorite poets as a kid? I ask. Edgar Allen Poe, he said after some consideration "I can't think of them [all], my memory's really bad", and Paul Laurence Dunbar was his mother's. On second thought, he offered, Dunbar was his favorite, too.

In an earlier 1969 Rolling Stone interview Chuck talked of a 45-minute poem he had composed called ‘Vagabond's Horse’. This is a miss-transcription and what he said was ‘Vagabond’s House’ which in fact, wasn’t his composition but a 1928 poem by Donald Benson Blanding (dubbed the poet laureate of Hawaii) about an idealised, yet to be built, dream house. Chuck clearly found resonance in the poem due to his building skills and knowledge developed from working pre-fame with his carpenter dad. He wrote his own version of the poem called ‘My Dream’.

‘The roof of it will have peak lines / And contours that dip / And form shadowy eaves / Where the little raindrops can drip’

might be called doggerel by some but the sincerity of delivery cannot be denied. ‘My Dream’ featured on Berry’s 1971 San Francisco Dues album as a six-minute tone poem recited over a background of bass, guitar and drums well down in the mix, overlaid with Chuck's own free-form piano playing. Chuck had cut an alternative version with completely new words titled ‘My Pad’ in 1970 which remained unheard until issued on ‘Have Mercy: His Complete Chess Recordings 1969 To 1974’ the third Hip-O Select box-set in 2010. This was slightly longer than ‘My Dream’ and had no instrumentation whatsoever, just Chuck’s dulcet voice reciting words that clearly meant so much to him.
One of the most idiosyncratic songs of his whole recorded works was Chuck’s 1955 ‘Down Bound Train’. Chuck claimed to have written the song and no doubt the musical accompaniment, with its racing rhythm and jagged guitar, is all his but the weird and wonderful lyrics have had a much longer life. ‘Downbound Train’ started life as the poem ‘Tom Gray's Dream’, by Retta M. Brown (born September 18, 1893). This came about due to her uncle Tom Gray’s experience, who in a drunken stupor had a nightmare dream that caused him to quit the demon drink. The theme was embraced by alcohol abstentionists (Chuck’s lay preaching dad maybe?) under various titles, ‘Drunkard’s Dream’, ‘Stranger’s Dream’ and ‘Texas Cowboy’s Dream’ amongst others, and perpetuated by oral transmission. In his book 'Long Steel Rail', Norm Cohen describes an old cowboy song titled 'Hell Bound Train' collected by John A Lomax and included in his book 'Cowboy Songs' (1910). It is said to be written by J W Pruitte (or Pruitt), the 'Cowboy Preacher' in 1909, but I think it is from the turn of the century, developed from earlier versions, as a poem titled 'A Drunkard's Dream' by John Andrew Howell, a blind poet of Scottish extraction from Webster County, West Virginia. One thing's for sure, some of the verses are virtually identical to those in Chuck's ‘Downbound Train’, even to the brimstone lamp and the boiler filled with lager beer. Perhaps, quite sensibly, Chuck did however amend the couplet ‘The passengers made a motley crew / church member, atheist, gentile and Jew’ to the more banal ‘The passengers were most a motley crew / Some were foreigners and others he knew’. The song / poem has been recorded many times in various styles. As ‘Hell Bound Train’ Berry acolyte, George Thorogood waxed it as ‘Downbound Train’ as did slide guitarist Steve James, both rocking versions. The Cuck-A-Lucks, a pretty dire white vocal trio, cut it as ‘The Devil’s Train’. Don Edwards’ version was pure country, as was working cowboy Glenn Ohrlin’s. In 1945 gospel group Sunset Jubilee Singers recorded it in sacred style. On a 1970’s Memphis based Marble Hill 45, Marie Robertson recites the composition, containing additional verses excluded from other versions, over a chunky country rhythm and in addition to Chuck, claims composer credit.
Following the release of his ‘Rockit’ album, Chuck more or less gave up recording and jumped aboard the rock and roll oldies touring treadmill. The money was good and money counted highly in Berry’s life but his active mind must have felt stupefied singing his oldies but goodies. To relieve this somewhat he would sometimes add new lyrics to his compositions and at the opening concert of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Museum in Cleveland in September 1995 (bootlegged) he introduces some new lyrics reflecting on a life well spent in ‘Rock And Roll Music’. ‘Sometimes it's loud and gets out of control / Can't even understand the story told / But if you love it, you ain't never too old / To cut the mustard with rock and roll!’ and again later on, ‘Some people say rock and roll is dead / It's forty years since that remark was made / I'm here to show it's live and well / And all‑American like ringing a bell.’ (incidentally this recording is dire!)
Chuck Berry’s idiosyncratic musings can be heard in many recordings

(vis. Milo Venus was a beautiful lass, she had the world in the palm of her hand / But she lost both her arms in a wrestling match to win a brown eyed handsome man)

and also in his prose as can be read in his autobiography containing many quirky expressions including the introductory poem

‘To the many who never knew / And to any who’ve wanted to / Know what is true praised or taboo / here are a few things that I do exposed to you for your review’ .

This trait continued all his life and his last, posthumously released, album simple titled ‘Chuck’ contains two such delights for your attention.
In 'Eyes Of Man', he gets all metaphysical; it’s a philosophical manifesto to the innate power of woman which he declares 'is seldom seen in the eyes of man'. A text in praise of womanhood which transcends that of man. Chuck cites lines from an ancient Persian proverb collected by Sir Richard Burton (he of the Kama Sutra, The Perfumed Garden and other saucy works and not Liz Taylor’s other half) published by his wife Isabel in 1893 in 'The Life Of Captain Sir Richd. F Burton'. Chuck freely adapts the Persian lines to suit his style but the meaning of the original assertions are maintained.

Persian :- He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him.
Chuck :- Those who do not know, and do not know that they do not know. Are fools. Avoid them.
Persian :- He who knows not, and knows they do not knows not, is a student; Teach him.
Chuck :- Those who do not know, and know that they do not know. Are children. Adopt them.
Persian :- He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; Wake him.
Chuck :- Those who know and do not know that they know. They are asleep. Awake them.
Persian :- He who knows, and knows that he knows, is Wise; Follow him.”
Chuck :- Oh those who know and know that they know, are wisdom. Acclaim them.

In counterpoint to all this esoteric pontification the half sung, half spoken words are supported by an easy loping bluesy melody containing some fine Berry guitarisation.
'Dutchman' is cut from coarser cloth, a cautionary tale recited by Chuck. The scene is a bar-room full of drinkers including the enigmatic Dutchman who are interrupted by a tall dark dude who the patrons initially wish to see off, siccing a Great Dane on the guy. However, for the price of drink offered by the Dutchman the stranger imparts his story of fame and fortune now lost all because of his unrequited love for a femme fatale, a Cleopatra with luxurious hair who, when she allowed him to kiss her, near petrified his heart. The tension of the tale is intensified by the sparse grungy blues rhythm, just guitar, bass and drums, that accompanies Chuck's perfectly enunciated narration. A great vignette beautifully told.
Later in life the tributes and awards to Chuck came thick and fast including the American Music Award of Merit in 1981, his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall of Fame in 1982, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1985 (accepted on Chuck’s behalf by Berry acolyte Dave Edmunds) and his induction into the inaugural Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1985 plus the later American Music Masters Award from the same organisation in 2012. In 2002 he got an ICON award from the BMI performing rights organization. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame appeared in 1987 and a similar star rose on Delmar Boulevard in his home-town St. Louis in 1989, not to forget the unprepossessing statue opposite Blueberry Hill restaurant / bar where Chuck performed 207 times. He was honoured at the Kennedy Center Honors for performing arts 2000. More relevant to Chuck’s poetic prowess was the PEN Literary Award he received at John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in 2012 and the Polar Music Prize 2014, the so called ‘Nobel Prize for Music’ with the added $100,000 bounty that must have undoubtable pleased Chuck.
In addition to the institutional awards, literary luminaries also praised Chuck’s way with words. Paul Simon, who presented Chuck with his PEN medal, said how much Chuck’s songwriting had influenced him and read the lyrics of ‘Maybellene’, ‘Too Much Monkey Business’ and ‘Johnny B Goode’ as though they were poems. Simon was no mean poet himself, forget ‘Hello darkness my old friend’ but dig

‘Just slip out the back, Jack / Make a new plan, Stan / You don't need to be coy, Roy / You just listen to me / Hop on the bus, Gus / You don't need to discuss much / Just drop off the quay, Lee / And get yourself free’

– worthy of Chuck don’t you think?
Bob Dylan messaged to the proceedings:

‘To Chuck, the Shakespeare of rock and roll, congratulation on the Penn award – that’s what ‘To Much Monkey Business’ gets you. You’ve written the book with a capital B’.

Poet and wordsmith Leonard Cohen, who was the joint recipient of the PENN award, also voiced his appreciation:

‘If Beethoven hadn’t rolled over, there wouldn’t have been room for any of us.’

Cohen’s award was presented by renowned novelist Salman Rushdie, who said,

‘I’ve wanted for a long time PENN to understand that literature moves with the times, literature doesn’t remain poets, essayists and novelists, new forms grow, new art is made in new ways, and some of the greatest art, certainly in my lifetime, has been made in the form of the song lyric. It’s way, way overdue that we recognise this is a contribution to literature at least as important as that of poets, playwrights and novelists and two of the great exponents of that are honorees today.’

We all know the famous John Lennon quote on the Mike Douglas TV Show in 1972:

‘If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it Chuck Berry.’

but he also said in relation to Chuck’s lyrics:

‘He's the greatest rock'n'roll poet. When I hear rock, good rock of the calibre of Chuck Berry, I just fall apart and have no other interest in life.’

Lennon’s partner in rhyme, Paul McCartney added

‘Chuck Berry is one of the greatest poets America has produced. His songs hit us like a bolt of lightning.’

In a 2016 Rolling Stone article ‘Why Chuck Berry Is Even Greater Than You Think’ Peter Guralnick recalled a conversation with Allen Toussaint:

‘Perhaps the most persuasive tribute I ever encountered was delivered by the highly cerebral New Orleans singer, songwriter, arranger and pianist extraordinaire, Allen Toussaint. I was trying to get at some of the reasons for the dramatic expansion of his own songwriting aspirations (musically, poetically, politically) in the seventies, when he graduated from brilliant pop cameos like ‘Ride Your Pony’ and ‘Mother in Law’ to more ambitious, post-Beatles, post-Miles, post-Civil Rights Era work. Was it the influence of Bob Dylan, say, that allowed him to contemplate a wider range of subjects, a greater length of songs? Oh, not at all, Allen replied in his cool, elegant manner; he wished he could agree with me, but his single greatest influence in terms of lyrics and storytelling from first to last was Chuck Berry. And with that he started quoting Chuck Berry lyrics, just as you or I might, just as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis do on the fabled “Million Dollar Quartet” session. “What a wonderful little story that is,” he said of “You Never Can Tell,” Chuck’s fairy-tale picture of young love in Creole-speaking Louisiana, “how he lived that life with that couple, you know. Oh, the man’s a mountain,” said Allen unhesitatingly.’

A very astute reflection of Chuck’s poetic skills, one that could only be made by a poet about a poet, came from the peoples’ punk poet, the bard of Salford himself, Dr. John Cooper Clarke. Discussing enjambment (the continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza) the good doctor said:

‘A great exponent of enjambment was Chuck Berry, one of my lyric-writing heroes. If you read Chuck Berry's lyrics, you're singing the song, there's no other way to go. He writes them that way. You can take away all the music and recite it as poetry, and it will still sound like a song. Check it out with any Chuck Berry song. Another great example of his enjambment is in the song, ‘Brown Eyed Handsome Man’, where it says ‘Way back in history, three thousand years, in fact, ever since the world began’. Now that ‘in fact’, tells you that's the point of Chuck's expertise, everybody else in the rock and roll world would have said ‘Way back in history, three thousand years, ever since the world began’. But that, ‘in fact’, which shouldn't really work, makes it more conversational. He’s recounting a story, trying to prove a point, and that, ‘in fact’, gives it the personal touch. That's what they call enjambment. It shouldn't work but it does. There are too many words for the space, the rhythmic space, to allow but it makes the song’.

Incidentally, those who enjoy anarchic poetry, should check out Clarke’s ‘Evidently Chickentown’ – it’s bloody good.
In the spring of ‘62, on the way to forced incarceration for the second time to the Federal Medical Facility in Springfield, Missouri, ‘Somewhere near the Ozarks of Misery’, Chuck’s poetic muse arose. He wrote, ‘I was thirty-five years old, really set back, feeling more black but still intact’ and composed this plaintive poem,

‘Down from stardom, then I fell, to this lowly prison cell / Far from fortune, far from fame, where a number quotes my name / I among these men in grief, must be firm in my belief / That this shall not be the end, but my chance to rise again / So with patience day by day, I will move to prove a way / Back to freedom. Maybe fame, clearing my encumbered name’.

He didn’t altogether wipe his plate but while in that ‘rotten funky jail’ he did write a quartet of his most vivid and literate songs.
Nadine:

‘I saw her from the corner when she turned and doubled back / Started walkin' toward a coffee coloured Cadillac / I was pushin' through the crowd tryin-ta get to where she's at / I was campaign, shouting like a southern diplomat.’

No Particular Place To Go:

Ridin' along in my calaboose / Still trying to get her belt a-loose / All the way home, I held a grudge / But that safety belt it wouldn't budge.

You Never Can Tell:

They furnished off an apartment with a two room Roebuck sale / The coolerator was crammed with tv dinners and ginger ale / But when Pierre found work, the little money comin' worked out well / C'est la vie, say the old folks, it goes to show you never can tell.

The Promised Land:

Sure as you're born he bought me a silk suit / Put some luggage in my hand / And I woke up high over Albuquerque / On a jet to the promised land.

Interviewed by Rolling Stone reporter Patrick Doyle, when life was a little closer to the bone, Chuck said he was hard of hearing and wondering about his future, but still had the presence to recited a little poetry about his condition,

‘I'll give you a little piece of poetry’ he said. ‘Give you a song? / I can't do that / My singing days have passed / My voice is gone, my throat is worn / And my lungs are going fast.’

Finally to return to the start – ‘Maybellene’. The song’s success led to seemingly endless touring, and within twelve months, most likely to break the monotony of singing his two hits verbatim night after night, Chuck added new lyrics to the classic composition as good as the original verses:

‘I peeped in the mirror at the top of the hill / ‘Twas just like swallowing a medicine pill / First thing I saw was that Cadillac Grille / Doing a hundred and ten dropping over that hill / Uphill curve, downhill stretch / Me and that Cadillac was neck and neck’.

More variation to the song came in Chuck’s 1987 autobiography where he added a whole new set of lyrics to Maybellene’s frame with scansion that suited her to a tee:

As I was watching from the windowsill / I saw pretty girls in my dream De Ville / Riding with the guys, up and down the road / Nothin’ I wanted more’n be in that Ford / Sittin’ in class while they takin’ rides / Guys in the middle, girls on both sides.
Oh pretty girl, why can’t you be true / Oh pretty girl, that it’s me with you / You let football players do things I want to do.
Girls in my dream car, door to door / My Ford bogged down wouldn’t hold no more / Ring goes the last school bell of the day / Hurrying outside, see ‘em pulling away / Backseat full even sittin’ on the hood / I knew that was doing my motor good.
Oh pretty girl, why can’t you be true / Oh pretty girl, that it’s me with you / You let football players do things I want to do.
The guys come back after all that fun / Walking with pretty girls, one by one / My heart hangin’ heavy like a ton of lead / Feelin’ so down I can’t raise my head / Just like swallowin’ up a medicine pill / Watching them girls from the windowsill.

I’m surprised some Berry disciple hasn’t recorded this but it’s proof, if proof be needed, that poetry is truly Chuck Berry’s élan vital.

Posted by Fred Rothwell in Chuck Berry Lyrics at 11:17 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

Friday, November 1. 2024

CBID - 6034 and counting ...

CBID is the Chuck Berry International Directory, a 2.200 page pile of Chuck Berry records information published in four volumes between 2008 and 2013. For details see the bibliography section of this site.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: In July I finished listing my stack of additional Chuck Berry cover versions and came up with a total of 6034 recordings. But still new covers turn up, this time even from famous names such as the Dire Straits, Jim Reeves, or the Police.

GILDAS ARZEL (France)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, born 1961. Has released several singles and albums since 1991.

You Never Can Tell (C’est la Vie) (3:32) 2015

CD: Greneville [self-released GA1961/1/1] ● France, 2015

I haven’t heard the actual recording but seen a live performance from 2017 on You Tube. And I must say it was pretty amazing. Tight rockin’ band too.

BABY BÁTIZ (Mexico)

See Volume 3, page 1061, for biographical info. However, I had very little info back then so here’s an update and also adding "Rock And Roll Music" to the list.
Real name Maria Esther Medina Núñez, born 1949 in Tijuana, Baja California. Blues, soul and rock’n’roll singer. She has released several singles and albums since her start in the mid ‘60s. She even had an Anthology CD out in 2008. She’s the sister of Javier Bátiz (see page 1061).

Johnny B. Goode (2:40) 2003
Rock And Roll Music [as “Musica De Rock”] (2:21) 2003

CD: De Veras Me Atrapaste [Discos Y Cintas Denver CD-DSD-6274] ● Mexico, 2003

The lady has a great voice on these two Berry covers and the music is straight rock(’n’roll).

BIG BAG Of BLUES (Sweden)

Blues band from Halmstad.

Back To Memphis (as “Going Back To Memphis”) (4:18) 2011

CD: “III” [BBB 90 0879 87932 5 9] ● Sweden, 2011

Probably self-released. But it’s a good version and I reckon it was taken from The Tottas Blues Band repertory since they have used the same misspelling of the title.

BLUESAHOLICS (Switzerland)

Blues-rock band consisting of four musicians, Benno Riis (guitar, blues harp), Levi Bo (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Willi Basler (bass), Marcus Keller (drums), and two vocalists Monika Schär and Rene Zobrist. The band had a maxi single out in 1993 and 8 albums since 1995, the first 5 on the Phonag label. They tour as an acoustic version and as an electric version.

Oh What A Thrill (3:52) 2021

CD: Closed Doors [Bluesaholics self-released] ● Switzerland, 2021

This is arranged a little slower than Berry’s.

KEL-ANNE BRANDT (Australia)

Country singer, songwriter from Umina Beach, New South Wales. Nicknamed “The Little Dynamo”. She has released five albums and three EPs since her start in 1998. Has received music Awards and has had National hit singles. In 2020 she had a Top Five hit with the title song from the album below.

Back In The USA (3:05) 2019

CD: Let The Music Give You Wings [KAB self-released] ● Australia, 2019

I am sure she’s been listening to the Linda Ronstadt version from 1978. But still good work.

CAJUN ROOSTERS (Germany etc.)

Etc. means that the band is a mixture of musicians from different countries like France, Germany, Belgium, Scotland and England. But both albums below were recorded in Germany and released in Germany.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:37) 2016

CD: Hell Yeah [Whoopee WR-61527] ● Germany, 2016

A good uptempo cajun version. Unfortunately with a little Buddy Holly twist.

Promised Land (3:42) 2006

CD: Crank It Up [Whoopee WR-61493] ● Germany, 2006

Ordinary cajun version.

JUNE CARTER with Jim Reeves (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1116 for biographical info.

Thirty Days (2:46) 1959 (live)

DVD: The Jim Reeves Anthology [H&H Music HHDVD-815 ] ● UK, 2014

Yes I know, but this is so special that I wanted to have it in here. Recorded live at the Ozark Jubilee TV-show 15 August 1959. 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition. Reissue and remastered in Stereo, The original release of the DVD came in 2009, but this is a better version. It includes the very last concert of Jim Reeves performed in Oslo, Norway, 1964. The timing above also includes the introduction of June by Jim and the outro. The song itself lasts a little under 2 minutes, and Jim is only singing in harmony with June on the Thirty Days title. I thought that the 1960 performance from Louisiana Hayride 4 June 1960 was unusual, but this is even more special as it includes Jim Reeves, finally getting him in the Chuck Berry Cover survey.
I am saying unusual and special which has nothing to do with the performance itself which is neither.

NANCY CARTWRIGHT (USA)

See Simpsons page 1507 CBID Vol. 3.

I am mentioning it since this lady’s name pops up on secondhandsongs under “School Day”. She is the vocalist but performed under Simpsons.

TONY CASPAR (UK)

Pop singer, songwriter from Oxford.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:48) 1981

LP: Take It Easy [Ellie Jay Records EJSP-9573] ● UK, 1981

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1978

LP: Bed Of Roses [Ellie Jay Records EJSP-8628] ● UK, 1978

COPPSUS JURIS (Norway)

Big band that in 1976 celebrated their 13th Anniversary. So they released an album with 5 songs from the actual concert and the rest of the tracks were recorded at Arne Bendiksen Studio in Oslo, including the medley below.

Johnny B. Goode (1:10) 1976 (medley) as Crossnash, Stillby, Hermansen & Tom

LP: Vi Spiller Opp [Coppsus Jupis CJ-110177] ● Norway, 1977

The “medley” (recorded October/November 1976) consists of ”Oh Lonesome Me”, “Johnny B.” and “Burning Love”. It’s printed medley on the cover, however, they are separate recordings actually. Performed by Sverre Lunde (vocals, banjo), Odd Rustad-Nilssen (vocals, piano), Tom Danielson (vocals, bass) and Svein Hermansen (drums). It’s Sverre who sings on the Berry cover.

DIRE STRAITS (UK)

As told before on this blog. Dire Straits sometimes performed “Nadine” on stage, but so far no legally released version has appeared. But finally in November 2023 a box-set came out including a cover of this Berry classic.
Mark Knopfler is Dire Straits, singer, songwriter and eminent guitarist. One of the most popular British rock bands of all time. Formed in 1977. Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler, John Illsley and Pick Withers. They split up in 1988, reunited in 1991 and disbanded in 1995. Songs like “Sultans Of Swing” (1978), “Money For Nothing” (1985), “Walk Of Life” (1985) are just three of their greatest hits.

Nadine (3:47) 1979 (live) feat. Phil Lynott and Tony De Meur

8-CD box: Live 1978-1992 [Mercury/Vertigo (Universal) 5553922] ● Europe, 2023

Live at The Rainbow 21 December ’79. The sound is not good, the vocals are almost drowned in the music.
Also released as a 12-LP box-set (180 gram), Mercury/Vertigo (Universal) 5540596.

MASON EMBRY TRIO (USA)

He’s a jazz pianist based in Nashville.

Run Rudolph Run (3:30) 2015 (instr)

CD: Martinis & Mistletoe – Christmas Jazz [Green Hill GHD-6070] ● USA, 2015

Swingin’ piano music with not a rockin’ beat in sight. You will have to listen carefully to find the Berry melody in this one. Very unusual indeed.

FLAMES (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1190 for biographical info.

Tulane (3:15) 1990

45 EP: Twang FL-002 ● UK, 1990

Pretty good cover of this which features the original line-up from 1988.

CD: The Versatile Flames [Lone Rider Records LLR Flames 022] ● UK, 2010

Contains 29 released and unreleased tracks. Only Tulane is from Berry.

GADABOUTS (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1206 for biographical info.

Too Much Monkey Business (1:47) 1956

78rpm: Mercury 70978 ● USA, 1956

It came to my attention that the 78 version of this differed from the 45 regarding the monkey sounds which are missing on the 78.

BARRY HAY & JB MEIJERS (Netherlands)

Barry Hay, musician and singer who was born in India in 1948. He was the lead singer of the Dutch rock band Golden Earring from 1967-2021. Jan-Bart Meijers is a multi instrumentalist, singer, songwriter born 1972. He currently resides in Bonaire (Dutch island near Venezuela) where he operates a studio. Besides work with his band and solo work he has played with a lot of famous Dutch bands.

You Never Can Tell (3:18) 2022

CD: Fiesta De La Vida [Zip Records ZIP-293] ● Netherlands (Europe), 2022

The song is performed pretty ordinary, a little dull actually which is kinda strange considering the backgrounds of the two. To be quite honest it sounds like a dance band version (!) but with organ and guitar instead of the saxophone.

HOU-LOPS (Canada)

1960s pop quintet from Québec. Also known as Les Hou-Lops.

Nadine (3:03) 1966

LP: Off [Apex ALF-71591] ● Canada, 1966

Sorry guys, but this is awful in all due respect. But still a very early cover though.

INSENSIBLE EGGS (Italy)

Garage punk quartet from Cagliari. Again, they come up with some strange band names!

Around And Around (2:32) 1993

EP 45: Psych-Out Records PO-45008 ● Italy, 2000

500 hand-numbered copies. Also available on a one-sided 6-track self-released cassette in 1993 titled “Here Are The Insensible Eggs”. Pretty wild version.

KA-NIVES (USA)

Garage rock trio from Houston, Texas: Will Adams (guitar, vocals), Tony Hall (bass, vocals), Matt Murillo (drums, vocals). Apart from the single below they also have an album out (LP & CD) on Lance Rock titled “Get Duped!” but the two songs mentioned below are not on it.

Dear Dad ( : ) 2009

45: Lance Rock Records LRR-037 ● Canada, 2009

The Berry cover is the B-side. The A-side is titled “Weasel”.

KIT KATS (USA)

This group is already on the blog with a version of “Sweet Little Rock And Roller”.

Little Queenie (3:30) 1969 (live)

LP: The Kit Kats Do Their Thing Live [Jamie LPS-3032] ● USA, 1969

To me the ‘60s music, especially after ’65 was kind of rubbish. What became of the beat, the beat, the beat?

LATCHES (Netherlands)

Six piece rock’n’roll group. Formed in 1963 as The Blue Rhythms but was changed to The Latches in ‘65.

Johnny B. Goode (3:00) 1973 (live)
Sweet Little Sixteen (2:26) 1973 (live)

LP: Long Tall Sally [Northern-Productions PDO-0173 SJ] ● Netherlands, 1973

Okay versions, unpolished and raw but still having that rock’n’roll beat.

LES BOURGEOIS DE CALAIS (France)

Beat/pop/instrumental quintet, later became Les Fleurs De Pavot.

I’m Talking About You (as “Je Veux Parler De Toi”) (2:02) 1964

CD: French ‘60s EP Collection [Magic Records 522702] ● France, 1995

16 tracks plus 8 bonus. I don’t know but can’t find this Berry cover on any of their records so this might be a previously unissued cut. It was included as a bonus track on the above CD together with 7 others.

LES ENNUIS COMMENCENT (France)

Rockabilly/rock’n’Roll/surf quartet from Decazeville, en Aveyron. Formed 1995.

Come On (2:25) 2010

CD: Superfriends [Buzz Buzz Records BBR-120 609] ● France, 2010
10” LP: Superfriends [Buzz Buzz Records BBR-160 877] ● France, 2010

GÖSTA LINDERHOLM & The Trad Brothers (Sweden)

Singer, songwriter, born 1941 in Stockholm, died 2020. He played clarinet in a Dixieland band in 1958 and up to 1973-74 sang and played in various jazz bands until he went solo. Has released a lot of albums.

Run Rudolph Run [as “Spring, Rudolf Spring”] (2:56) 2002

CD: Nu Är Det Jazz Jul Igjen! [Blå Ton BT CD-210] ● Sweden, 2002

Not much jazz here on this one, this is a rockin’ little tune with Swedish lyrics following Berry’s.

LOS DRACS (Spain)

Beat sextet already on this blog.

Carol (2:34) 1965

EP: En Tus Brazos [Alma 4008-XC] ● Spain, 1965

Sung in Spanish. Pretty ordinary beat version but they probably did their best.

TONY MAC (USA)

This is already on the blog but correction and additional info regarding time and year and a little extra comment at the end.

Johnny B. Goode (2:26) 1966

45: Jewel Records 806J-0928 ● USA, 1966

Record label out of MT Healthy, Ohio. Strange version in a country way, sounds unfinished.

MACH KUNG-FU (Japan)

Rock’n’Roll trio. Also known as The Fabulous Mach Kung-Fu.

Come On (2:17) 2001

CD: Teach A Chick To Dance! [Telstar Records TR-039] ● USA, 2001

Okay version with a solid bass work; more in the Berry way than most others.

NEY MATOGROSSO (Brazil)

Real name Ney de Sousa Pereira, born 1941 in Bela Vista. Singer known for his uncommon soprano or countertenor voice as Wikipedia puts it. Not quite sure what it means but he was ranked by Rollin’ Stone as the third greatest Latin American singer of all time. Has released a ton of albums since the mid ‘70s.

Johnny B. Goode [as “Jonny Pirou”] (3:32) 1982

LP: Mato Grosso [Ariola 201 648] ● Brazil, 1982

Strange version but still different from others.

EDDY MITCHELL (France)

See Volume 3, page 1367 for biographical info.

I’m A Rocker [as “C’est Un Rocker”] (4:24) 2019 (live) w/ Johnny Hallyday & Jaquez Dutronc

2-CD: as Les Vieilles Canailles - Le Live [Sony Music 0190295380618] ● France, 2019
3-LP: as Les Vieilles Canailles – L’Album Live [Sony Music 0190295382063] ● France, 2019

This is not one of the best versions by Eddy, maybe because there are three singers who fight for attention (?) But the French musicians know how to play rock! You can also buy it with a DVD, and a DeLuxe numbered Edition in a box-set with 2-CDs, 3-LPs, DVD and Bluray.

MYSTIC EYES (Germany)

This group is already on the blog with Memphis, Tennessee.
Beat band from Regensburg; active in the late ‘60s but reunited in 1997.

Around And Around ( : ) 1998 (live)

CD: Back To The ‘60s [GVR Records CD-005] ● Germany, 1998

Album recorded live at The Star Club in Hamburg.

CD: Flashback [GVR Records CD-006] ● Germany, 2001

TRACY NELSON (USA)

Singer, songwriter, born December 1944 in Madison, Wisconsin. She sings blues, r&b and country. She fronted the US rock band Mother Earth from 1967 to mid ‘70s. She’s recorded around 20 solo albums since her start in 1965.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:25) 2023

CD: Life Don’t Miss Nobody [BMG – 538870092] ● USA, 2023

A little slower, laid back good version. Featuring Marcia Ball, Irma Thomas, Reba Russell, and Dianne Davidson.
The album also features people like Willie “I sing with everybody” Nelson and Charlie Musselwhite. Voted Best Tradional Blues Album 2023. This is Tracy’s own Great American Songbook. Featuring songs from the likes of Hank Williams, Willie Dixon, Allen Toussaint, Doc Pomus, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Stephen Foster, Berry… The title song is a brand-new own composition.
Tracy: I haven’t made a record in over 10 years. I’ve been wanting to do every one of these songs for a really long time.

DOUG PARKINSON (Australia)

Douglas John Parkinson, born 1946, died 2021. Pop and rock singer, songwriter. Besides being a solo performer he has also been involved in several bands since the mid ‘60s. He had a powerful voice.

Reelin’ And Rockin’ ( : ) 2010
Sweet Little Sixteen (as “Sweet Little 16”] ( : ) 2010

CD: Not Fade Away – ‘50s Rock [Roy Boy Records RBR-4000] ● Australia, 2010

PETER ROSS OLIVER (Three’s Company) (UK)

Don’t know much, there’s three guys, Peter, Ross and Oliver who got together around 1966. It seems like Peter is a singer and guitarist (maybe bass?), Ross is also a singer and guitar player and Oliver plays the drums. They have at least three albums out, two in 1968 and one in 1969, and one EP in 1968.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 1968

LP: A Portrait Of Peter, Ross & Oliver [P.R.O. Records PRO-103] ● UK, 1968

POLICE (UK)

Very famous pop/rock band from London, active between 1977 to 1984 and back again from 2007-2008. Led by bassplayer and singer, songwriter Gordon Sumner aka Sting, who by the way has its own career.

Rock And Roll Music (1:55) 1983

4-CD: Synchronicity [A&M Records 554 192-1] ● UK, 2024

This is a reissue of a single album which came out originally in 1983. Very special slow version where the music is focused on the bass playing. Previously unissued. Not sure exactly about 1983, it could well be 1982 or 1984. Don’t have the actual album set.

PROF. WASHBOARD & DR. HARMONICA (USA)

Prof. Washboard = Scott Alexander from Arkansas. Dr. Harmonica = Lance Wakely from Chicago.

Maybellene (2:38) in a medley with “Shake Rattle And Roll” (4:18) late 1970s (live)

LP: Prof. Washboard & Dr. Harmonica [Sartory 1] ● USA, late 1970s

Recorded live at Venice Beach, Los Angeles. There’s a 30 seconds introduction to the medley were he speaks of Berry’s influence on American music both musically and as a poet. And I bet you’ve never heard an acoustic version were the two solos are harmonica and washboard respectively.

RAAM (Ecuador)

Heavy metal/hard rock band (quintet) from Cuenca, Azuay, founded in 2012.

Johnny B. Goode (2:39) 2012-2015

MC/Flac: The Raam Rock’n’Roll Blues Tribute Vol.1 [Steel Hammer Records self-released)] ● Ecuador, 2016

“The Garage Rehearsals 2012-2015”. 5 tracks. Available on Bandcamp 20 June 2016.

School Day (2:27) 2012-2015

MC/Flac: The Raam Rock’n’Roll Blues Tribute Vol.2 [Steel Hammer Records self-released] ● Ecuador, 2016

“The Garage Rehearsals 2012-2015”. 5 tracks. Available on Bandcamp 27 November 2016.

JIM REEVES (USA)

See June Carter.

STEVE RIGO (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Ilion, a village in Herkimer County, New York, located in the Mohawk Valley region.

Carol ( : ) 2023

CD: Surf And Turf [Steve Rigo self released] ● USA, 2024

ROCK HOTEL (Estonia)

Rock quintet formed in 1978.

Anthony Boy (as “Mängudemaa”) (2:50) 1987

LP: Ansambel “Rock Hotel” [Melodija C60 24421 009] ● Estonia,1987

Pretty good rockin’ version, and there aren’t many. This is actually (so far) the third cover version found.

MICHAEL SCHENKER (West Germany)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, born 1955 in Sarstedt. He’s been a member of the Scorpions in the early ‘70s, and UFO later on in the ‘70s. In the ‘80s and up have had his own group The Michael Schenker Group (MSG). But has been in and out of UFO several times. Trivia: the album below was a product of recording by Father Schenker and administration by Mother Schenker, a solid Schenker family product.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:56) 1966 (live)
Oh Baby Doll [as “Baby Doll”] (1:46) 1966 (live)

CD: “Live” At Age 11 With The Enervates [Positive Energy Records POS-148CD2] ● USA, 1996

Recorded live 13 September, 1966 at Beat Club Elze. The Enervates were Norbert, Rolf, Achim and Michael. They all do turns in singing, Michael on Bye Bye Johnny and Norbert on Oh Baby Doll. I haven’t been able to listen to this so can’t comment. However, there are source comments to each song, and in 1966 they got Bye Bye Johnny from The Rattles and Oh Baby Doll from The Pretty Things who both had done covers at the time of these Berry songs.

SUGAR TRADITION (USA)

Psychedelic blues/rock quartet from Detroit, Michigan formed in 2017.

Come On (1:54) 2023

12” 45: More Sugar [Feel It Records FEEL IT-115] ● USA, 2023

They have followed the Stones version but with much more noise. 6 tracks.

SUNDOWNERS (USA)

Garage/beat quintet from Lake George, New York. In the ‘60s they had 6 singles out, 4 on Decca. Also one album on Decca in 1969.

Around And Around (2:13) 1965

45: Coed CO-603 ● USA, 1965

Think about it. This just happened to turn up on 24 September 2024 when searching the net. We are talking almost 60 years and I didn’t know about this, and nobody told me either. So how does it sounds? Well like most of the ‘60s beat versions, a little messy and the guitar player was no rock’n’roller.

MASAYOSHI TAKANAKA (Japan)

Rock guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer. Collaborated with various bands in the early ‘70s and also worked as a studio musician. He released his first solo album ”Seychelles” in 1976. Has recorded many albums since then. Is also known for his flashy guitars. Lagoon Records is/was his own label.

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2013

CD: Takanaka Sings [Lagoon Records LAG-0014] ● Japan, 2013

Posted by Morten Reff in CBID Updates at 12:58 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

Friday, July 5. 2024

CBID - 6034 cover versions of Chuck Berry songs

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: It's time to update the summary pages of CBID which showed the number of artists who covered a certain Chuck Berry song as well as the top list of Berry songs most often covered.

As of May 2024, Morten Reff's counting results in this top list of Berry songs covered. Included are only those cover versions which have been released on Vinyl or CD to the public more than one hundred times. Other recordings such as those from live performances, TV shows, bootlegs or Berry's multiple own recordings do not count in this regard.

Rank	Chuck Berry Song	Cover Versions Count
1.	JOHNNY B. GOODE	814
2.	MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE	536
3.	ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN	438
4.	SWEET LITTLE SIXTEEN	317
5.	MAYBELLENE	273
6.	YOU NEVER CAN TELL	268
7.	RUN RUDOLPH RUN	248
8.	ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC	243
9.	PROMISED LAND	220
10.	LITTLE QUEENIE	157
11.	NADINE	156
12.	TOO MUCH MONKEY BUSINESS	150
13.	CAROL	148
14.	NO PARTICULAR PLACE TO GO	145
15.	THIRTY DAYS	143
16.	BYE BYE JOHNNY	142
17.	AROUND AND AROUND	141
18.	SCHOOL DAY	133
19.	BROWN EYED HANDSOME MAN	126
20.	LET IT ROCK	122
21.	I’M TALKING ABOUT YOU	116
22.	REELIN’ AND ROCKIN’	109

In comparison with page 1030 in Vol. 3 of the Chuck Berry International Directory (2012), except for #1 - #6 who are still at the top with the highest numbers of covers there are several changes to the rest of the above list. “Run Rudolph Run” especially! “Let It Rock” and “Reelin’ And Rockin’“ are new entries.

“I’m Talking About You” didn’t have that many covers at the time of publishing Vol. 3 in 2012, but it was included back then as 20 song titles sounded better than 19 (!).

Lesser known Chuck Berry songs, even the most obscure ones have been covered as well. Here is the complete list as of May 2024 which once again proves the importance of Chuck Berry’s lyrics and melodies to the evolution of pop and rock music throughout the decades.

'Run Rudolph Run' (Marvin Brodie-Johnny Marks), 'Too Pooped To Pop' (Billy Davis) and “Mad Lad” (Billy Davis) are included in this survey because they are Berry originals, even though they were not written by him (at least, that's what the composer credits say). Conversely, although Berry's versions of 'I Got To Find My Baby' (1960) and 'Too Late' (1975) were both credited to him, they were actually covers of originals by Little Walter and Jimmy Wakely respectively. In addition there’s a lot more cover versions of 'My Ding-A-Ling', but this is not an original song by Berry in the first place. Written by Dave Bartholomew and recorded by him in 1952, although Berry changed some of the lyrics and added new ones.

Song title	original year	no. of artists	no. of covers
ALL ABOARD	1961	8	8
ALMOST GROWN	1959	46	58
ANTHONY BOY	1958	2	2
AROUND AND AROUND	1958	116	141
BACK IN THE USA	1959	76	79
BACK TO MEMPHIS	1967	15	18
BEAUTIFUL DELILAH	1958	41	44
BETTY JEAN	1959	10	10
BLUE FEELING (instr)	1957	2	2
BLUES FOR HAWAIIANS (instr)	1958	1	1
BROKEN ARROW	1959	2	2
BROWN EYED HANDSOME MAN	1956	115	126
BYE BYE JOHNNY	1960	120	142
CAROL	1958	125	148
CHILDHOOD SWEETHEART	1959	2	3
CHRISTMAS	1970	1	1
CLUB NITTY GRITTY	1966	2	2
COME ON	1961	35	36
COUNTY LINE	1959	3	3
DARLIN’	1994	1	1
DEAR DAD	1964	17	18
DEEP FEELING (instr)	1957	5	5
DOWN BOUND TRAIN	1955	23	26
DRIFTING HEART	1956	3	3
FORTY DAYS (see THIRTY DAYS)
GO, GO, GO	1961	4	4
GO BOBBY SOXER	1964	2	2
GOOD LOOKING WOMAN	1969	1	1
GUITAR BOOGIE (instr)	1957	17	18
HAVANA MOON	1956	28	29
HAVE MERCY JUDGE	1969	1	1
HELLO LITTLE GIRL, GOODBYE	1973	1	1
HOW YOU’VE CHANGED	1957	4	4
IF I WERE	1979	1	1
I GOT A BOOKING	1965	2	2
I LOVE YOU	1972	1	1
I’M A ROCKER	1970	6	18
I’M TALKING ABOUT YOU	1961	102	116
I STILL GOT THE BLUES	1961	1	1
IT DON’T TAKE BUT A FEW MINUTES	1958	11	11
IT’S MY OWN BUSINESS	1965	14	14
IT WASN’T ME	1965	8	11
I'VE CHANGED	1958	1	1
I WANT TO BE YOUR DRIVER	1964	17	17
JAGUAR AND THE THUNDERBIRD	1960	14	14
JO JO GUNNE	1958	4	4
JOHNNY B. GOODE	1957	697	814
LA JUANDA	1957	2	2
LET IT ROCK	1959	100	122
LITTLE MARIE	1964	3	3
LITTLE QUEENIE	1958	141	157
LOUIE TO FRISCO	1968	3	3
MA DEAR	1968	2	2
MAD LAD (instr)	1960	1	1
MAN AND THE DONKEY	1961	3	3
MAYBELLENE	1955	242	273
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE	1958	484	536
MOVE IT	1979	2	2
MY DING-A-LING	1972	29	30
MY LITTLE LOVE LIGHT	1965	3	3
MY MUSTANG FORD	1965	3	4
NADINE	1963	149	156
NO MONEY DOWN	1955	60	65
NO PARTICULAR PLACE TO GO	1964	126	145
OH BABY DOLL	1957	14	16
OH LOUISIANA	1957	1	1
OH WHAT A THRILL	1979	12	13
OH YEAH	1958	1	1
OUR LITTLE RENDEZVOUS	1960	6	6
PROMISED LAND	1964	170	220
RAMONA SAY YES	1966	3	3
REELIN’ AND ROCKIN’	1957	101	109
ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC	1957	228	243
ROCK AT THE PHILARMONIC (instr)	1957	3	4
ROLL OVER BEETHOVEN	1956	376	438
RUN RUDOLPH RUN	1958	242	248
SCHOOL DAY	1957	115	133
SOUL ROCKIN’	1967	1	2
STOP AND LISTEN	1960	2	2
SWEET LITTLE ROCK AND ROLLER	1958	71	80
SWEET LITTLE SIXTEEN	1958	282	317
THE LITTLE GIRL FROM CENTRAL	1963	1	1
THIRTEEN QUESTION METHOD	1958	12	12
THIRTY DAYS	1955	128	143
TOGETHER (WE’LL ALWAYS BE)	1955	1	1
TOO MUCH MONKEY BUSINESS	1956	131	150
TOO POOPED TO POP	1959	2	2
TRICK OR TREAT	1961	1	1
TULANE	1969	22	25
VACATION TIME	1958	3	3
VIVA, VIVA ROCK & ROLL	1966	4	4
WEE WEE HOURS	1955	53	56
WHY SHOULD WE END THIS WAY	1965	1	1
WUDEN’T ME	1979	1	1
YOU CAN’T CATCH ME	1956	59	61
YOU NEVER CAN TELL	1964	255	268
YOU TWO	1960	1	1

Comparing this report to the same list of covers on pages 1635 to 1675 (Vol. 4) plus the additions on pages 2074-2085 and of course all the CBID Updates on this blog, there are 11 new Berry titles added to this survey. Which mean that a total of 96 titles have been recorded by various artists and groups. A total number of 6034 versions! And if you look at page 1675 you will see that in 2013 we had just 4556 versions, which means the total number has increased by some 1500 versions. Pretty amazing!
For those readers who don’t want to search the complete Volumes 3 and 4 as well as the updates in this site's blog for a specific cover version, we provide here a PDF file containing an update to the corresponding chapter in the book. It lists all the artists and recording dates which make up for the No. of Artists column in the table above. For more details about the corresponding album such as label and release date, read the books and the updates on this site's blog.

As mentioned so many times before, this survey of Berry covers will never be completed in full since his catalog is always interesting for various artists without regard to musical genre. And also there will be covers that we still don’t know about.

Posted by Morten Reff in CBID Updates at 16:28 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

Monday, June 10. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 9

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: This is the ninth and ultimate post in our list of newly found cover versions.

First I have to give prominence to Bjørn Knudsen of Norway for all the work he’s done of finding Berry covers in the most unusual places. He has been of invaluable assistance.

A US singer, songwriter and guitarist James McMurtry has a song titled “Choctaw Bingo” (2002), you can listen on You Tube, which sounds like an extraordinary long slower version of You Can’t Catch Me, with new lyrics, clocking in at 8:47. It’s a selfpenned song but the verses are sung exactly like Berry’s. (Thanks to Fred Rothwell.)

Here’s a “new” Berry tribute as follows:

LEGACASTER (Spain)

Rockabilly trio consisting of El Lega (vocals, guitar), Daniel Nunes (ac. Bass), Berto Martinez (drums). Album below recorded at Kathrina Studio (Lliça d'Amunt Barcelona) October 2016.

Big Berry (Boss Man Guitar) (1:48) (Drake-Stokes) 2016

45 EP: Big Berry [Kathrina Records KRMNLP-002] ● Spain , 2017
CD: Big Berry [Kathrina Records KRLPCD-007] ● Spain, 2017

There’s a video on You Tube of this tribute. The EP has 6 tracks, the CD has a bonus track “Monkey’s Uncle” (Ray Sharpe).
The above Tribute is actually a cover of a song that was originally recorded and released in 1963 by Big Daddy G on Hyland Records. You will find this on the newly released compilation album “The Chuck Berry Sound” on Atomicat Records ACCD-162. (Thanks to Fred Rothwell.)

And here we go with our "new" Berry covers:

BUSTER SHUFFLE (UK)

Ska punk band from London.

You Never Can Tell (2:05) 2013

CD single: Century Media Records ● UK, 2013 (PS)

Very ordinary rendition in the way they are singing but it rocks all right.

THE OTHER HALF (USA)

Garage rock quintet from Pottstown, Philadelphia according to Secondhandsongs.. They were active in about two years 1965-67. Life as a Berry cover enthusiast is pretty tough. Searching for The Other Half shows a group from San Francisco that usually pops up which was active in the mid to late ‘60s. And to make things even harder, there was a group from Chicago by the same name at about the same period of time.

Carol (2:25) 1966
I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] (2:35) 1966

LP: The Other Half [7/2 Records HS-1 2] ● USA, 1966

1313 MOCKINGBIRD LANE (USA)

1989-1996 garage, punk band from Albany, New York. They released several 45s and two albums.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:51) 1990s

LP/CD: Unfinished Business (The Toilet Tapes) [Cacophone Records CALP/CACD-2030] ● USA, 2020

13 tracks previously unissued. Noisy rock music but with a good drive.

CATFISH JOHN TISDELL (USA)

Blues, folk-rock singer, songwriter, guitarist, harmonica player from Idaho. He has since the early ‘70s performed solo or in various bands. If you check out his catalogue on Bandcamp you’ll be surprised how many digital albums he has !!! You can’t ignore a man who’s so dedicated to his work and music.

No Money Down (3:58) 2009

Digital: Honky Tonk Blues [Catfish John ] ● USA, 2009
Digital: Workin’ Overtime [Catfish John ] ● USA, 2017
Digital single: No Money Down [Catfish John ] ● USA, 2018

Catfish John (vocals, guitar), Rick Martinelli (bass), Steve Wright (drums). A pretty good version. If I couldn’t have listened to this track I would have assumed they were different versions from different years.

Rock And Roll Music (3:29) 2016

Digital: Better Get It While You Can [Catfish John ] ● USA, 2016

Catfish John (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Dave Stang (lead guitar).

TRACY (Taiwan)

See TRACY HUANG

TRIMBLE TONES (Canada)

5 guys whose inspiratiom must have been the American golden age of popular music from the ‘50s and ‘60s. I saw the expression Old Time Band.

Johnny B. Goode (2:23) 1974

LP: Take 30 With The Trimble Tones [Soundaround International SSE-7425] ● Canada, 1974

They have a smooth sound as some of the American groups like the Four Freshmen, and I enjoyed this version because it’s different but a little boring. The album itself has too much polka and accordion.

Memphis, Tennesee [as “Memphis”] (2:15) 1976

LP: Whole Lotta Shakin’ [Soundaround SSE-7615] ● Canada, 1976

The LP title should indicate that this is a rock’n’roll album, however, it’s not. Although they include the title, “Rock Around The Clock” and “Memphis”, but that’s about all.

TURBOSOS (South Korea)

I have tried to find information about this but without any luck. There are many albums on Bandcamp and all of them seem to have been released in the Spring of 2017. In case, a very productive gang. But the reason I have included them is the fact that they are pretty good in what they do. And very versatile and varied in musical taste. Maybe they are just some studio musicians/friends who have recorded a lot of various tunes and hey! let’s just put them out on various albums. Their album “Red Face” and several others feature pop/crooner tunes sounding like Nat King Cole. Very professional and extraordinary if you compare them to the more rockin’ uptempo albums below. Are we talking about the same guys or what???

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Tennessee”] (2:33) 2017
Roll Over Beethoven (2:49) 2017

Digital: Music Ogg [Self-released ] ● South Korea, 2017

Released March 2017. These guys are quite good.

Sweet Little Sixteen (3:07) 2017

Digital: Tried Now [Self-released ] ● South Korea, 2017

Also released March 2017. Again a solid version.

TUULA-HELENA (Finland)

Tuula Helena Hooli, pop/country singer, born in Keuruu. Mainly active in the 1970s and ‘80s.

You Never Can Tell [as “C’est La Vie Sanoi Vaari” ( : ) 1982

CD: Uusilla Urilla – I Nya Spår [CWC Records CWC-1005] ● Sweden, 1982

TWANG (Germany)

Rock’n’roll, Americana, country, TexMex quintet from Braunschweig. Founded in 1998. They have released many singles, EPs and albums since 1999, even 3 Xmas ones including the one below.

Run Rudolph Run (2:19) 2019

CD: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Presents [Countryfied Records (Riptide) no cat no] ● Germany, 2019

It runs too fast and loses the soul of the song.

On the album “Ten Yeeehaws After” from 2008 they do a song by Baccara, “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie”, where they actually used the melody of Chuck’s “You Never Can Tell” throughout. To be quite honest it sounds like Berry’s with new lyrics. Maybe Berry is co-credited?

BOBBY TYLER (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from St. Louis. Country, rock’n’roll and rockabilly. Named “The Rocker” by Chuck Berry.

Johnny B. Goode (2:40) 2020

CD: Lonesome Ride [BT self-released] ● USA, 2020

Recorded at Graveless Studos, St. Louis, Mo., engineered, mixed and mastered by Michael Girard. Also available as digital for downloading. He’s also done “Rock’n’Roll Christmas” (Digital December 2023 on Bandcamp), the Berry soundalike from George Thorogood (see page 1903 Vol.4).

TYMON & THE TRANSISTORS (Poland)

Rock band led by Tymona Tymańskiego, founded in 2002.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:24) 2014 feat. Wojciech Waglewski

CD: Rock’n’Roll [Agora SA 97 8832 68136 7 2] ● Poland, 2014

Waglewski’s English pronunciation is not the best, however, they have at least done their own version and still keeping the Memphis beat, sort of.

MARVELOUS WONDERETTES (USA)

See WINTER WONDERETTES

HANK RASCO (USA)

See Wasted Rangers

U.K. SUBS (UK)

Punk-rock group (quartet) from London. They started out around 1976 as The Subversives, then U.K. Subversives and becoming U.K. Subs. First album in 1979 and have released many, several of them live. Many changes in the line-up during the years, so on the album below the band consisted of Charlie Harper (vocals, harmonica), Darrell Barth (guitar), Flea (bass), Matthew McCoy (drums).

I’m Talking About You [as “Talking ‘Bout You”] (1:52) 1990

LP: Mad Cow Fever [Fallout Records FALL LP-048] ● UK, 1991

They also do a cover of “Route 66” which sounds like a punk variant of Berry/Stones.

See also CHARLIE HARPER

UNSPOKEN WORD (USA)

A prog rock quintet (4 guys and a girl) hailing from Long Island, New York. Formed in the late ‘60s. Angus MacMaster, Denise Puma, Gene Boris Stashuk, Greg Buis and Les Singer.

Around And Around (5:17) 1970

LP: The Unspoken Word [Atco Records SD-33 335] ● USA, 1970

This is different from anything else I’ve heard so far. Very psychedelic and unstructured with much organ and distorted guitars. It’s Denise Puma who’s doing the vocals on this unusual Berry cover, always interesting to hear a female interpretation. There’s not many.

STAN URBAN (Scotland/Denmark)

See Volume 3, page 1582 for biographical info.

Little Queenie (3:25) 2014 (live)

Digital: Live From Graceland Randers [Memphis Mansion ] ● Denmark, 2015

Recorded live with Stan and his el.piano. Randers is a town in Jylland, Denmark. The recording place is a house (museum) built like Graceland in Memphis.

VULTURE CULTURE (Germany)

Punk Rock quartet from Paderborn, formed in 1989. Two ladies and two men.

Maybellene ( : ) 1997

7” EP: Hypocrite! [Flight 13 FLI-047] ● Germany. 1997

I have heard “Country Roads” (John Denver) in a terrible speed-ed up version. So I can just imagine what Maybellene sounds like (?)

HANNAH WADDINGHAM (UK)

Stage actress and singer, born 1974 in Wandsworth, London. She also goes by the name of just Hannah. She possesses a powerful voice.

Run Rudolph Run (2:19) 2023 (live) feat. Sam Ryder

Digital album: Home For Christmas – Soundtrack From The Apple Original [Self-released 50 5944 91515 3 3] ● UK, 2023

Recorded live at the London Coliseum backed by a big band, and featuring Sam Ryder on vocals (duetting with Hannah) and guitar.

WAILIN’ WALKER & THE HOUSEROCKERS (Canada)

Al “Wailin” Walker, from Vancouver, British Columbia. Singer, guitarist who’s been around since the late ‘70s. Regarded as one of the finest blues/rock guitar players in Canada. 3 & 4 March 1981 they were the opening act for George Thorogood & The Destroyers at Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, two shows each night.

Tulane (2:59) 1978

LP: Rock It Day & Night [Jitterbug Records 00666JR] ● Canada, 1983

According to Bandcamp and other sites it says that this was released in 1978, however, on discogs the LP label says 1983. Maybe a reissue? Anyway, you’ll find several albums by Wailin’ Walker for downloading on Bandcamp.

CLIFF WARD & THE CRUISERS (UK)

They were a ‘60s beat quintet. Clifford Thomas Ward from Stourport On Severn. Singer, songwriter, born 1955, died in 2001. As Clifford T. Ward he released his first album “Singer, songwriter” in 1972 and many others followed.

No Money Down (2:54) late ‘60s

2-CD: Path Through The Forest-The Secret World Of Clifford T. Ward 1964-71 [Wooden Hill WHCD-028] ● USA, 2009

This is a compilation CD-set of 57 tracks, containing recordings by Clifford T. Ward, Cliff Ward & The Cruisers, The Secrets, Simon’s Secrets, and Martin Raynor & The Secrets.

WASTED RANGERS (USA)

Country-rock group from Vancouver, Washington, fronted by singer and pianoplayer Hank Rasco.

Johnny B. Goode (4:19) 1978 (live)
Maybellene (5:22) 1978 (live)

2-LP: The Wasted Rangers [Wasted Rangers Self-released ] ● USA, 1978

Recorded live at The Last Hurrah in Portland, Oregon, 23 December, 1978. Album probably sold at gigs.
Reissued on CD in March 2021, again self-released. On bandcamp it says it was recorded live in 1977, but on the actual record it says it was recorded 23 December 1978, and released in 1978 (?) Something is wrong here…

Promised Land (2:48) 1976 as Hank Rasco & The Wasted Rangers

CD: Wasted: Dead Or Alive [Wasted Rangers Self-released ] ● USA, 2021

Released 6 March 2021 on Bandcamp.

WEIGHT WATCHERS (Italy)

Rock band, but actually I haven’t the slightest idea. The label Mellow Records was located in Piacenza, Italy.

Maybellene [as “Mabellene”] (1:55) 1995
Reelin’ and Rockin’ (3:09) 1995
Sweet Little Sixteen (00:29) 1995
Too Much Monkey Business (2:58) 1995

CD: Rock’n’Roll [Mellow Records MMFS-1004] ● Italy, 1995

Regarding “Sweet Little Sixteen”, it is the last track on the album and sounds like they have had too much jungle soda or whatever. It’s just a total mess. On the back sleeve it says: all songs were recorded live, but on the bandcamp site it says it was a studio album. Anyway, was released for downloading 26 April 2018.

RICK WETZEL’S GROOVIN’ HIGHER (USA)

Trumpet player who grew up in Garden Grove, California. He’s played and arranged for artists like The O’Jays, The Temptations, The Four Tops and more. Also a contractor for horn and string sections for national and international acts and various star shows.

Johnny B. Goode [as “Johnny Be Good”] (3:40) 2018

CD: Rockin It [Groovin’ High Records no cat no] ● USA, 2018

A solid rendition, with a good horn section and an excellent bass player. It’s a vocal version but I don’t know for sure who’s singing as nothing is mentioned, but should we indicate Rick himself(?)

WHISKY HOLLOW (Canada)

Country rock band founded in 1974. Very popular band. They released 3 albums and several singles many of them charted.

Promised Land (2:36) 1976

LP: Population 4 [Rowdy Records RMR-104] ● Canada, 1976
45: Shotgun Records SGR-711 ● Canada, 1978
LP: Lively Country [Shotgun Records SGR-717] ● Canada, 1979

WHISTLE BAIT (Finland)

Rock’n’roll/rockabilly sextet from Hamina. Formed back in 1984. Their first single came out in 1987, and several albums since 1990.

You Never Can Tell (2:58) 2008 (live)

CD: On Stage With Whistle Bait [Goofin’ Records GRCD-6151] ● Finland, 2008

A mini album (7 tracks), limited edition. The Berry cover sounds like everybody else’s.

TAM WHITE & THE DEXTERS (Scotland)

Thomas Bennett Sim White. Blues and jazz singer, guitarist and actor. Born 1942 in Edinburgh, died 2010. In 1968 he released singles on Decca and later on Deram, Astor and RAK. His first album came in 1970.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:20) 1985 (live)

LP: Tonite! Live At The Preservation Hall [SRT Records KCLP-001] ● UK, 1985

Album recorded 28 and 29 April 1985 in the Preservaion Hall, Victoria Street, Edinburgh. Featuring guitarist Jim Condie. A soul/rhythm & blues version with a big horn section. Also available on Bandcamp as digital 23 July 2022.

JOHNNY WILD AND THE DELIGHTS (USA)

From Orlando, Florida. It’s a seven piece band, four men and three ladies. So far I have seen three albums.

Johnny B. Goode (2:46) 2016

CD: One Night With You [Chesterwick Recording EPA-4237] ● USA, 2016

Pretty tough and goode rockin’ version.

MANOS WILD (Greece)

Rockabilly/country/pop singer, songwriter. He started his career in the rockabilly band Breathless in Thessaloniki in 2006. If you go to Bandcamp and search for this guy you wouldn’t believe how many “albums” and “singles” he has out !!!

Maybellene (2:45) 2021

CD: Rockin’ Days [Self-released ] ● Greece, 2021

Thirty Days [as “Forty Days”] ( : ) 2023

CD: A Session For Everyone [Rebel Music Records RM-5034] ● Germany, 2023

MARTY WILDE (UK)

Reginald Leonard Smith. He was one of the English rockers that really had hits and popularity. Besides hitting with a string of American covers, he did chart with an original song “Bad Boy” in 1959/60. In addition to all the singles, he‘s released many albums and his latest came in 2020, “Running Together”. He’s the father of Kim Wilde, Ricky Wilde and Roxanne Wilde.

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1996

CD: It’s Been Nice [Select Records SRCD-02] ● UK, 1996

I have always wondered why Marty has never appeared in this survey before. Strange that this album above slipped my attention? He often performed “Roll Over Beethoven” (YouTube) in his concerts, and also “Sweet Little Sixteen”.

MIKE WILLIAMS (USA)

Singer, pianist from New York State.

Johnny B. Goode (2:38) 1981
Roll Over Beethoven (3:08) 1981

LP: Pleasing You [Trackdown Records RR-42581] ● USA, 1981

Recorded at Trackdown Recording Studios, Glens Falls, N.Y. However, both sound like it was done in a living room, very amateurish and simple.

RANDY WILLIAMS, GEOLOGIST (Canada)

Randy Bruce Williams from Edmonton, a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, painter you name it. Has released a lot of albums and singles for downloading.

Memphis, Tennessee (4:27) 2003 (?)
Sweet Little Sixteen (6:35) 2003 (?)

CD: Rare Antiquity – Digging Down To The Past [Archaeology Communications Canada CD-41745 2 3] ● Canada, 2009

This I was about to forget completely. Sorry to say but he can’t sing and Sweet Little Sixteen is particularly bad. He’s off key most of the time. And 6 minutes? On YouTube it says 2003 not 2009 as on SecondHandSongs, and produced by Williams, but I have not made time to check any further. Do I have to?

WINTER WONDERETTES (USA)

A musical called The Marvellous Wonderettes that performs pop songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s used as a vehicle paying homage to the high school songleader squads of the ‘50s. The first musical opened in Milwaukee in 1999. It was revived in 2001, and then to Los Angeles in 2006, the first Off Broadway play was in 2008 and a revival in 2016. Different actors. It even got a UK premiere in 2019.
The album below is a variation of the group doing Christmas songs, therefore calling themselves Winter Wonderettes.

Run Rudolph Run (2:13) 2010

CD: Original Studio Cast Recording [LML Music CD-255] ● USA, 2010

This sounds a little tame, maybe since it’s reflected more to the female teenagers of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s.

WITNESSES (USA)

Punk-rock band (quartet), and the version below is a little bit too much although I have heard worse.

Run Rudolph Run (2:53) 2002

Various CD: The Night Before [Rich & Sexy Inc. RSI-001] ● USA, 2002

Subheading: A New York Christmas: Past, Post, Punk, Present & Future.

BERNIE WOODS & THE FOREST FIRES (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1613 for biographical info.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 2014

CD: Bernie Woods & The Forest Fires [Foot Tapping Records FT-143] ● UK, 2014

SHÕJI YOKOUCHI And The Beat Beat Beat (Japan)

Jazz guitar player, arranger, composer. Born 1933, died 1996. Released many albums, the first in 1962.

Rock And Roll Music ( : ) 1965 (instr)

LP: Let’s Go Guitar Beat [Polydor SLJM-1178] ● Japan, 1965

ZLATNI AKORDI (Yugoslavia/Croatia)

Rock quintet from Zagreb who started out back in 1963 but had several changes in the line-up. The album below must have been a reunion, since the band only lasted until the mid ‘70s.

Johnny B. Goode (2:45) 1999

CD: Povratak Ruku [Croatia Records CD-5256625] ● Croatia, 1999

Recorded at J.M. Sound Studio in Zagreb late December 1998 and early January 1999. This really rocks!

Posted by Morten Reff in CBID Updates at 15:40 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

Tuesday, June 4. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 8

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We're still continuing our list of newly found cover versions. You Never Can Tell how much covers are out there, e.g. of this tune.

WENDELL BRUNIOUS (USA)

Black jazz trumpet player and bandleader from New Orleans, born 1954. The Dave Donohoe Band: Teddy Fullick (trumpet), Dave Donohoe (Trombone), Frank Brooker (clarinet, saxophone), Malcolm Home (banjo, guitar), Tom Kincaid (piano), Jim Swinnerton (double bass), Bill Evans (drums).

You Never Can Tell (5:54) 2007 featuring The Dave Donohoe Band (UK)

CD: West End Blues [P.E.K. Sound PKCD-312] ● USA, 2007

Recorded live at the Keswick Festival, UK. Pretty unusual to include such a song, as most of his recordings are in the jazz field. Again I like it when people are doing their own versions in such a way. And almost 6 minutes! You can listen on You Tube. But nothing is mentioned who’s singing, Dave Donohoe? It reminded me a little of the fantastic live version Bruce Springsteen did in 2013 (You Tube), with the trumpet, sax and trombone solos.

LORNE DALEY (Canada)

Country singer, born 1948, from the Quyon-Pontiac area (Quebec), now living in Kanata.

You Never Can Tell (3:11) 2018

CD: Going With The Flow [Lorne Daley ] ● Canada, 2018

At the age of 70 he’s still got the punch.

FREDDY DELLA (France)

Born In Alger and moved to France in 1962.

You Never Can Tell (2:50) 2012

CD: Retour Aux Sources [Freddy Della ] ● France, 2012

DONALDZ (Sweden)

Danceband formed in 2018, a quintet, from Gislaved in Småland.

You Never Can Tell (3:10) 2020

CD: Spegelbild [Donaldz ] ● Sweden , 2020

Well, well, the English pronunciation is far from the best. And the music is pretty straight forward.

FRAMED (Sweden)

Danceband from Kungälv on the west coast just north of Gothenburg. A quintet, founded in 2008.

Johnny B. Goode (2:55) 2010
You Never Can Tell (2:39) 2010

CD: Varje Ögonblick [Atenzia Records ] ● Sweden, 2010

ADAM HALL & THE VELVET PLAYBOYS (Australia)

Singer and trumpeter from Perth. The band has played together since 2005. Mark Turner (guitar, saxophone, vocals), Tim Voutas (keyboards), Anthony Dodos (Trombone), Kane Shaw (bass), Bronton Ainsworth (drums). Their repertoire is rooted in the jazz and rhythm & blues music of the ‘40s and ‘50s.

You Never Can Tell (5:47) 2011 (live)

CD: When It’s Party Time Down South [Velvet Playboys VP-002] ● Australia, 2011

Recorded live 8 July 2011 at the Fly By Night Musicians Club in Fremantle. Five songs were included from the gig. The rest of the album contains seven studio recordings.

LASSE STEFANZ (Sweden)

See Volume 3, page 1308 for biographical info.

You Never Can Tell (3:37) 2022

2-CD: Världens Bästa [Mariann Records (WMS Sweden) 50541974 70707 ] ● Sweden, 2023

This is a little bit different from other danceband versions as it has a pretty tough guitar sound and really good piano.
It seems like it’s a compilation album but the Berry cover is a new recording.

GEORGE LEE JR. & THE CRAZED COWBOYS (USA)

Singer, multi-instrumentalist from St. Louis, Missouri in the country rock genre. In addition to George Lee on lead vocals, bass, piano and tambourine there are Bo “Fiddly” Chaldupek (fiddle), Paul “Lefty Z” Zahn (lead and rhythm guitars, organ, vocals), and Stuart “Crawdad” Heck (drums, vocals).

You Never Can Tell (3:07) 2001

CD: Damn! It Feels Good To Be A Cowboy [Crazed Cowboys Ent. 64412 2] ● USA, 2001

Pretty good traditional arrangement. Produced By Tom Lee.

SON LEWIS (USA)

He is already on this blog.
…and has released a lot of albums way back since 1974.

Too Much Monkey Business (3:28) 2016

CD: Talking With Ghosts [Silk City CD-2037] ● USA, 2016

Unusual country-blues version. Pretty cool stuff.

MOJO BLUES BAND (Austria)

See Volume 3, page 1371 for biographical info.

Promised Land (4:04) 2015 (live)

2-CD: 100% Approved – Live [Styx Records STYX CD-1085] ● Austria, 2017

Recorded at Metropol, Vienna, June 2015. You will find several performances on You Tube of the band doing this Berry classic.

MULE SKINNER BAND (Sweden)

Rock’n’roll/danceband from Karlskrona founded in 2014 by Gert Lengstrand. The band consists of former members of The Streaplers. So far they have released three albums.

You Never Can Tell (3:05) 2015

CD: Together Again [Athenzia Records ATZ-1531] ● Sweden, 2015

Okay version, however, the problem with many of the Swedish dancebands is that they are not the best in English pronunciation and the complete performance suffers from that.

Just for information as this cover was already listed before:

Go Go Go (2:32) 1965

CD: På Begäran [Mule Skinner self-released] ● Sweden, 2020

This is the original cover that The Streaplers did in 1965. (see pages 1538-1539). The Berry cover is a bonus track on the above CD.

NEIGHBOURS & FRIENDS (Denmark)

This is a collaboration of various Danish musicians, 11 to be exact.

You Never Can Tell (4:21) 2015

2-CD: Timernes Glas [Self released ] ● Denmark, 2016

Really good and swinging rendition. Recorded live at Velje Musikteater 16 November 2015. You also get a DVD at the same purchase. 26 tracks.

NEW RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE (USA)

See Volume 3, pages 1388-1389 for biographical info.

School Day [as “School Days”] (3:28) 1973 (live)

2-CD: 3/17/73 S.U.N.Y. StonyBrook – StonyBrook, NY [Kufala Recordings KUF-0268] ● USA, 2007

Recorded at Stony Brook University.

You Never Can Tell (5:44) 1977 (live)

2-CD: Winterland San Francisco CA, 12/31/77 [Kufala Recordings KUF-0340] ● USA, 2009

OZONE HAZE (USA)

Rock band from Bagley, Minnesota. They performed in Minnesota and North and South Dakota in 1972 and 1973. However, I have been unable to pinpoint the recording date of this Berry cover. However, there are several videos of newer dates on You Tube by the band. They also do “Route 66” in the classic Berry/Stones way.

You Never Can Tell (3:26) 2019 (?)

Digital: You Tube video ● USA, 2019 (?)

I know this is not the way I prefer to include Berry covers, however, they have made a video of old black and white footages from the ‘50s and Berry’s performance on the 1965 Belgium TV show (he didn’t perform the song there). Strange but you never see the band itself (?)

AISHLING RAFFERTY (Ireland)

Country singer, born 2002. Her victory on the 2022 edition of TG4's long-running country music show GLÓR TÍRE saw Knockshegowna's Aishling become a household name on the Irish country music scene. She’s had several singles being popular on iTunes. The CD below was her debut album which took home the Big Tom Inspiration Award at the 10th Annual Hot Country TV Awards concert.

You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (3:20) 2022

CD: Love Me When I’m Old [Self released ] ● Ireland, 2022

Sounds like most of the others, similar to Emmylou Harris. The Berry cover was also out as a single for downloading.

LOTTE RIISHOLT (Denmark)

Country/pop singer. She released four singles in the mid ‘70s and her first album came in 1977 titled “Lotte”. However, it took many years before releasing any new recording. In 2001 she had a single out and later more followed and also several albums.

You Never Can Tell (3:14) 2021

CD: Country With Love Vol.2 [LR Musik / Gateway Music ] ● Denmark, 2021

This is a little different as the fiddle and steel guitar are in focus, and backing vocals going wooh-wah-wah.

SCHOVANKY (Czech Republic)

Country group, formed 1971, consisting of 6 ladies plus guest singer Hana Lounová who is doing the vocals on the 1992 Berry cover. A popular group with several albums to their credit.

You Never Can Tell [as “C’est La Vie”] (3:14) 1992

CD: Schovanky [Studio Fontána CD-0009 2311] ● Czech Republic, 1992

Music-wise it’s quite good, but the Czech language sounds strange here.

Johnny B. Goode (2:08) 1990s

CD: Master Serie [Venkow Records 547 075-2] ● Czech Republic, 1999

A compilation album. Don’t know when this was recorded as nothing is mentioned on the cover.
They also have a DVD out (2012) featuring a version of “Johnny B. Goode”, recorded live in August 2011.

EVE SELIS (USA)

Country singer, songwriter. I found 11 albums by her since 1998.

Run Rudolph Run (3:10) 2012

CD: A Merry Little Christmas [Eve Selis self-released] ● USA, 2012

It rocks and she has a tough voice [YouTube]. In 1998 she released an album titled “Out On A Wire” on Stunt Records, containing a song called “Memphis” which turns out to be an original tune.

77s (USA)

Rock band from Sacramento, California. They have released many albums (and singles) since their LP debut in 1983.

Run Rudolph Run (3:10) 2001

CD: Happy Chrimbo! [Fools Of The World FOW-2001] ● USA, 2001

Good rockin’ version.

PHIL SEYMOR (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist and drummer Philip Warren Seymor was born 1952 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and died 1993 in Sherman Oaks, California. I spotted 2 albums and 8 singles during his lifetime but several albums (live and compilations) coming later. On his Archive Series Vol.5 album he is titled "The Prince Of Power Pop" (!)

I’m Talking About You (2:35) 1978

CD: The London And Los Angeles Unreleased Sessions [Sunset Blvd SBR-7902] ● USA, 2016

Phil Seymor Archive Series Vol. 4. Pretty good. Interesting that they extended the version with over 30 seconds as the usual timing is just under 2 minutes. This Berry number was produced in Los Angeles ’78.

SHAKEY JAKE (UK)

Rock quintet. There’s more than one out there who’s calling themselves Shakey Jake, so …

Tulane (2:58) 2017

Digital album: Demo – February 2017 [Self-released ] ● UK, 2017

The album contains 8 tracks of rock, soul and blues tunes. You can listen on Bandcamp.

SHIVERIN’ SHEIKS (Scotland)

Rock and roll/pop quartet from Glasgow.

Maybellene (2:17) 2013

CD: A Curious Case Of… [Holy Smoke Records ] ● UK, 2013

SILVER CADILLACS (Netherlands)

Quintet playing ‘60s music, mostly instrumentals.

Thirty Days [as “Forty Days”] (2:47) 2000 (live)

CD: First Gear [Caddy Records CRSC-7001] ● Netherlands, 2000

Recorded live in concert at Café Lombok, St. Agatha, Netherlands.

JOHN SINCLAIR (USA)

Singer, musician, poet, manager for the Detroit rock group MC5. Born 1941 in Flint, Michigan. Has released a lot of albums, solo and with various artists.

No Money Down (3:56) 2004

CD: No Money Down: Greatest Hits Vol.1 [Big Chief Records ] ● USA, 2005

Pretty good bluesy rock version and Chuck Berry even gets a namecheck at the end. I haven’t found this track on any other Sinclair releases. This album was made available for downloading 4 November 2020.

PETER SKANDERA & DAVE MAYBEE (New Zealand)

Multi-instrumentalists from Raglan. Kiwi musicians Skandera and Maybee playing delta-blues, swamp, gospel, country-blues all with slide, dobro, banjo, harp, acoustic and electric guitars.

Thirteen Question Method (3:51) 2023

Digital: Blue Grit & Rhyme [P&D Productions ] ● New Zealand, 2023

Recorded and produced by Peter Skandera and Dave Maybee at Kario Sound & Bridle Creek Studios, Raglan. Released June 2023. Very powerful acoustic folk-blues version. They surely made their own version of this Berry song.

SKIFFLE PARTY (Australia)

Floyd Thursby (lead vocals, ac.guitar), Adam Russo (el.guitar, washboard, vocals), Tom Flenady (ac.bass, vocals).

Maybellene (1:59) 2021

CD: Skiffle Party ! [Ang Fang Industries AFG-012] ● Australia, 2022

A true skiffle version. Recorded Sunday 5 December 2021 at Bungalow Business in Melbourne, released May 2022.

MARK T. SMALL (USA)

This is already on this blog, but I got to listen to the song and also found a little bit more info which I think is of importance.
Singer, songwriter, acoustic guitar blues performer. Award winning artist, Boston Blues Challenge 2016; Best acoustic Blues CD 2015 (“Smokin’ Blues”).

Maybellene (4:23) 2008 (live)

CD: Screamin’ & Cryin’ The Blues [Whaling City Sound WCS-043] ● USA, 2008

A winner! What a good acoustic version, almost a little guitar boogie (Arthur Smith) influence. This guy can play!

PAT SMILLIE BAND (USA)

Rock, blues, soul and funk singer, songwriter. Pat Smillie hails from Detroit. Influenced by people like Delbert McClinton, Mitch Ryder, Joe Cocker and such.

Back To Memphis (3:31) 2006

CD: Pat Smillie Band [Fat Bank Music FBM-1002] ● USA, 2006

Nice to see even another cover of this obscure Berry song.

SYLVIA SMIT (Netherlands)

Versatile singer in pop, country and even jazz from Volendam and based in Klazienaveen. She has released many singles on CD and digitally since 2012.

You Never Can Tell [as “C’est La Vie”] (3:05) 2013

Digital single: [Disclosure Music Productions ] ● Netherlands, 2014

Good big band version but her voice is pretty flat.

CHRIS SMITHER (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1514 for biographical info.

You Can’t Catch Me (4:25) 2011

CD/Digital EP: What I Learned In School [Signature Sounds – Self-released] ● USA, 2011

Six tracks. As usual with Mr. Smither the performance is excellent! Released November 2011. It’s available online and at Chris Smither concerts only.

SMYLE (Canada)

Psychedelic rock band (quartet) from Burlington, Ontario, formed in 1967 as The Smile.

Maybellene (2:29) 1971

LP: Smyle [Columbia ES-90017] ● Canada, 1971

Don’t know why, but the opening and ending are exactly like Lonnie Mack’s Memphis, unnecessary if you ask me.

SO MUCH FACE (USA)

This is Tom Bone Jenkins through his many incarnations. Chocolate Wolf Music is his own company (BMI). Has many albums on Bandcamp, especially live compilations. (I must say they come up with some unusual names for themselves!)

You Can’t Catch Me (4:30) 2015 (live)

Digital: Live At Tuxedo Junction Inn 5/9/15 [Chocolate Wolf Music ] ● USA, 2015

Pretty cool and long version.

SOCIAL DISTORTION (USA)

Hardcore punk rock band formed 1978 in Fullerton, California.

Maybellene (2:19) 2007

Digital: Greatest Hits [Time Bomb Recordings 23736 1 7] ● USA, 2007

The above is the digital version for downloading (iTunes), however, the actual CD version does not include this Berry cover.

SOLITUDE (Austria)

Rock band from Hollabrunn, Lower Austria.

Johnny B. Goode (3:43) 2001 (live)

CD: Live Unplugged [Shiny Records CD-811036] ● Austria, 2001

Recorded live at Café Kino, Bisamberg.

RAY SOLO (Australia)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Toowoomba. A semi-retired professional musician. He’s into the rock’n’roll, blues, jazz and country fields. He has good help from his son William on guitar.

Johnny B. Goode (2:47) 2023
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:45) 2023

Digital album: Rock-Or Else! [Self-released ] ● Australia, 2023

Released 1 May 2023. He also does a version of “Route 66” in the Stones/Berry way.

SOMETHING ELSE (France)

Rock’n’roll singer Ervin Travis, also released records under the name Ervin Travis & The Virginians. Heavily influenced by Gene Vincent.

You Never Can Tell (2:56) 2013

CD: The Best Of ‘50s Rock‘n’Roll [King Cake Production KG SE-001 1]

SONS OF THE DELTA (UK)

Duo formed by South-Western UK bluesmen Mark Cole (vocals, slide guitar, harp) and Rick Edwards (guitar, vocals). Sometimes expanded to a quartet, adding bass and drums. Both Mark & Rick have a long history in the English music business.

Thirteen Question Method (5:39) 2016 (live)

CD: Red Hot At Peppers [SOTD self-released ] ● UK, 2016

Recorded live at Peppers Café during the Gloucester Blues Festival 2015. Released 31 July 2016. Authentic acoustic delta blues.

SÖRCERESS (Colombia)

Heavy rock band from Antioquia.

Maybellene (A Tribute To Chuck Berry) (3:34) 2020

Digital single: Maybellene [Self-released] ● Colombia, 2020

Released 26 July 2020. I appreciate all tributes to Berry, but this is a little too fast and noisy. Although they are just covering the song It’s good that they wanted it to be a tribute to Berry and they also made a pretty nice sleeve for it. Check it out on Bandcamp.

MILENA SOUKUPOVÁ Se Skupinou Pony Express (Czech Republic)

Country vocalist, born 1951.

You Never Can Tell [as “Serioznost Není Tvůj Styl”] (2:42) 1993

CD: Mám Skvělej Den [Duna Records DN-0208 2 311] ● Czech Republic, 1993

SPIDERS (Japan)

See Volume 3, page 1527 for biographical info.

Carol / Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1970

LP: Rock’n’Roll Renaissance [Philips FS-8100] ● Japan, 1970

JIMMY STALLINGS (USA) aka J.J. LIGHT

From Albuquerque, New Mexico. He played bass in The Sir Douglas Quintet. Had a successful single with “Heya” in 1969 as J. J. Light.

Johnny B. Goode (4:10) 2020

CD: Sings Oldies But Goodies Million Sellers [SRK Records unknow cat no] ● USA, 2020

Recorded at SRK Studios in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

STEADY ROCKERS (Spain)

Reggae band (sextet) from Madrid. They also have a couple of mini albums on Bandcamp for downloading.

You Never Can Tell (3:28) 2020

Digital single: Self released ● Spain. 2020

Recorded in Madrid at home during lockdown. They even have a video on You Tube of this. The singer’s English is up for debate, but they at least made a good tune out of it and even a video!

TED STEVENS (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist in the rock’n’roll/rockabilly genre from Sarasota, Florida. The band performing on the album below is: Ted Stevens (vocals, guitar), “Upright Butch” Alan (ac.bass, backing vocals), “Smokin’ Joe” Hendricks (drums, backing vocals). He played the Viva Las Vegas in 2018. He has 5 albums on Bandcamp.

Carol (3:11) 2016 (live)
You Never Can Tell (4:21) 2016 (live)

Digital album: Hits, Misses And Close Calls [TS Music Self-released ] ● USA, 2017

Recorded 10 September 2016 at Stragglers, Sarasota, Florida. Pretty different, no piano just guitars on You Never Can Tell.

JOE STILGOE (UK)

Jazz pianist and singer, born 1979 in Sevenoaks, Kent. He’s released around 10 albums since 2008. He is the son of the lyricist and entertainer Sir Richard Stilgoe and opera singer Annabel Hunt. Good genes.

You Never Can Tell (3:50) 2016

CD: Songs On Film [Linn Records AKD-577] ● UK, 2016

Now this is different, a little jazzy so to speak. And because of Pulp Fiction he chose this Berry classic. Well done.

NIKKI SUDDEN (UK)

Real name Adrian Nicholas Godfrey born 1956 in London, died 2006 in New York. Singer, songwriter, guitarist. He’s been around so to speak and done the most. Bands like Swell Maps and Jacobites are two he was involved in and he had his own backing band The Last Bandits. Also done a lot of solo works. He had several albums released throughout his career.

Bye Bye Johnny [as “Johnny B. Goode”] (2:43) late ‘90s

LP/CD: Fred Beethoven [Troubadour TRBLP/CD-019] ● UK, 2014

This version is okay and nothing more. However, I just can’t understand that someone actually could make this mistake of mixing the titles in 2014 ! Well they did in this case, and again if I hadn’t been able to listen to the track I would have settled for Johnny B. Goode.

SUPERNATURAL FAMILY BAND (USA)

Country band from Questa, New Mexico. Formed around 1970 by the family father, singer, songwriter Tommy Hancock.

Johnny B. Goode (2:28) 1973

LP: In The Beginning… [Sandyland A-3001] ● USA, 1973

Here they do covers from the variety of Hank Williams, Berry to John Fogerty and Jimmy Reed.

TODD TAYLOR (USA)

Singer and extraordinary five string banjo player from South Carolina. So far I have found 7 albums by him. He’s played with bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe and Jim & Jesse. In 2007 he held the world record as the fastest banjo player.

Johnny B. Goode [as “Todd Be Goode”] (5:14) 2001

CD: Something Different [TT (self-released) CD-97252 4 1] ● USA, 2001

If you wanna have a blast go to YouTube and watch and listen to the fantastic rendition of this classic.

TEXAS MAVERICKS (USA)

Shortlived rock’n’roll/country band from Austin, Texas led by Doug Sahm (vocals, guitar), John Reed (guitar), Alvin Crow (fiddle, vocals), Miller “Speedy” Sparks (bass), Mike Buck (drums).

Johnny B. Goode (4:02) 1987 (live)

2-CD: Doug Sahm Presents The Texas Mavericks: Who Are These Masked Men? / The Masked Men Live In Bremen 1987 [MIG Records MIG-23370] ● USA, 2017

CD2 contains a previously unissued concert recorded 13 April 1987 at Bürgerhaus Weserterrassen in Bremen, Germany by Radio Bremen, featuring the musicians mentioned above. On CD1, which by the way was a reissue of an original 1987 album, the studio drummer was Frosty Smith.
You’’ll also find another cover featuring Doug Sahm on page 1486 (Vol.3)

Posted by Morten Reff in CBID Updates at 17:06 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

Monday, April 22. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 7

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: While we're still continuing our list of new cover versions, Beyoncé recorded an obscure Berry song, even more obscure.

There’s a rock’n’roll quartet The Lady Shelters from Tokyo, Japan, who besides having released a few albums (no Berry though) also have a series of rock’n’roll covers on You Tube. Performed live in the studio. They do “Around And Around” and “Back In The USA”, BUT also a cover of the obscure rocker from Berry titled “I Will Not Let You Go” (2:55), performed in December 2022. They are good and enthusiastic musicians. The song was recorded by Berry himself February 1972 in London, and later featured on the “London Sessions” album, and as the B-side of the UK single “Reelin’ And Rockin’”.

There is also a newly found Tribute titled “Boogie For Chuck Berry” (1:50) by Jean-Paul Amouroux and Memphis Slim from 1984 featuring Slim on piano and Jean-Paul on organ. Written by Amouroux and Slim. Available on the album “Jean-Paul Amouroux And His Friends” Média 7 MDCD-201 (1989). Unfortunately I have not been able to listen to this so far so I can’t comment. The album is a compilation of tracks recorded from 1976 to 1989 featuring besides Slim also Jay McShann, Willie Mabon, Milt Buckner and Sammy Price. Amouroux has also done several Berry covers, you’ll find them below.

JEAN-PAUL AMOUROUX (France)

Jazz and blues pianist and songwriter in the boogie woogie style. Born 1943 and died in 2022. Released several albums since the mid ‘70s often in collaboration with other musicians.

Johnny B. Goode (2:21) 2015 (instr)
Memphis, Tennessee (2:50) 2015 (instr)
No Particular Place To Go (2:28) 2015 (instr)
Rock And Roll Music (2:14) 2015 (instr)
School Day (2:07) 2015 (instr)
You Never Can Tell (3:26) 2015 (instr) feat. Claude Braud on saxophone

CD: Plays Rock’n’Roll Hits In Boogie Woogie [Black & Blue BB- ? ] ● France, 2015

(10 Years Of Rock’n’Roll 1954-1964). 26 tracks including 6 by Berry !!!. Pretty good music, however, I have one complaint, “School Day” and “No Particular Place To Go” are very similar songs and as instrumentals they become even more similar. “Roll Over Beethoven” or “Promised Land” would have been a better choice.
See also Tributes

BEYONCÉ (USA)

Carter née Beyoncé Giselle Knowles. Born 1981 in Houston, Texas. Singer, songwriter, producer, actress. Very famous with a lot of credits to her name. She’s the best selling female artist of all time. 32 Grammy Awards and 26 MTV Video Music Awards and more. From 1990 she was a member of the popular Pop/R&B group Destiny’s Child. Her first solo album came in 2003.

Oh, Louisiana (0:52) 2023

CD: Cowboy Carter [Parkwood Enetertainment/Columbia ] ● USA, 2024

Would you believe, another one in the line of obscure Berry songs, this time covered by one of the most popular singers in America this side of 2000. Originally it was featured on the Berry album “San Francisco Dues” in 1971. I have always liked this song and especially the bass line that makes it special. Actually Beyoncé has used exactly the same arrangement and there is also a video of this on You Tube. Maybe it will help people to seek out the original song by Berry. HOWEVER! Why the chipmunk voice and why under a minute? The original runs for four and a half minutes. The album has 27 tracks. There is also another variant of this issue, 23 tracks, which does not include the Berry cover. And more; the original Berry cut of “Maybellene” is featured in about 3 seconds on “Smoke Hour” with Willie Nelson where he is talking about a radio show and a few songs (just seconds) are played. To sum it all up, this is a weird album by all means, and to set the record straight, has nothing to do with country music at all. People who say otherwise don’t know what country music is all about (and there are many out there, unfortunately).

CAGEY STRINGS (Germany)

See Volume 3, page 1109 for biographical info.

Johnny B. Goode (4:31) 2013
You Never Can Tell (as “C’est La Vie”) (4:12) 2013

2-CD: Vollgas [Gema 4034677186305] ● Germany, 2013

Run Rudolph Run (3:19) 2023

CD: Have Yourself A Cagey Little Christmas [Artists & Acts (Universal) ] ● Germany, 20237

D.J. BLUES BAND (UK)

This is already on this blog. However, I hadn’t heard the cover back then, but I have now, so read below.

I Still Got The Blues (2:53) 1965 (?)

4-CD set: Something Inside Of Me [Wienerworld Presentation WNRCD-5114] ● UK, 2021

“Unreleased Masters & Demos from the British Blues Years 1963-1976”. This is really a different approach from a UK band in the ‘60s, almost big band style with a trumpet solo! in the middle. It’s Jim Pitts who’s doing the vocals on this one. It’s another track to add to the already huge amount of Berry songs that’s been covered.

FRANK ZNORT QUARTET (Norway)

Founded in 1998 by Sef Foyn and four friends (quartet?) just jamming whatever music they wanted (no one named Frank Znort). They had their first CD out in 2002 after the act had developed into a multi-musician project. The largest quartet in the world(!) They have released several CDs since 2004.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:46) 2012

2-CD: Perler Fra Svin [Snort Records FZQV-003] ● Norway, 2012

Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. On this album you’ll find almost every musical genre arranged in jazz form, rhythm & blues or whatever. The Berry cover sounds like a version from the Caribbean. The singer even uses a typical Caribbean accent.

INMATES (UK)

British pub-rock band which was founded in North London at the end of the ‘70s. The original line-up was: Bill Hunley (vocals), Peter “Gunn” Staines (lead guitar, vocals), Tony Oliver (rhythm guitar, vocals), Ben Donnnelly (bass), Jim Russell (drums, vocals). They had a Top 40 hit in the UK with a cover of Jimmy McCracklin’s “The Walk” in January 1980. Several singles and albums released throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s.

I’m Talking About You (2:12) 1980 (live)
Let It Rock (5:00) 1980 (live)

CD: Tainted Rock!!! [Speedball SBC-004] ● Italy, 1991

Recorded live at The Rainbow Music Hall in Denver, Colorado, USA, February 1980. Previously unissued. A loong good rockin’ version of “Let It Rock” to end the show. They also do a version of “Don’t You Lie To Me” credited to Chuck Berry, but is not counted for here as it was originally written and recorded by Hudson Whittaker aka Tampa Red in 1940.

IMPOSTERS (USA)

Surf-punk, hardcore band from Hermosa Beach, California.

Come On (2:28) 2010

LP: Animal Magnetism [Dead Beat Records DB-94] ● USA, 2011

Sounds a bit like the Stones’ version in speed but still different with their own approach. LP released in different vinyl colors.

SPEEDY KING AND HIS FEETWARMERS (Belgium)

Already on this blog.

Reelin’ And Rockin’ (3:40) 1977 (live)

Various LP: Jeuzelfestival ’77 [Monopole M.LP-0169-844] ● Belgium, 1977

Festival organized by the youth centre De Jeuzel in Wuustwezel, Belgium. See also Memphis Mill Brooks with “Memphis, Tennessee”.

MARTIN MANN (West Germany)

Schlager, singer, composer, songwriter and producer. Born 1944 in Vienna, Austria but grew up in Wiesbaden, Germany. He has released a few solo albums and several singles since 1969.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:06) 1976

45: Jupiter Records 17 149XT ● West Germany, 1976 (art sleeve)

This is actually a Medley of Beethoven, High School Rock and Hound Dog.

As Martin Mann & The King Elvis Group:

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1979
Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1979

2-LP: Bravo Präsentiert: Die 24 Grössten Rock’n’Roll Hits – Mit 12 Elvis-Songs [Jupiter Records 300184-272] ● West Germany, 1979

Don’t know what this album was all about and for sure have never heard of The King Elvis Group?

MEMPHIS MILL BROOKS (Belgium)

I have found absolutely nothing about this artist (!)

Memphis, Tennessee (2:55) 1977 (live)

Various LP: Jeuzefestival ’77 [Monopole M.LP-0169-844] ● Belgium, 1977

Festival organized by the youth centre De Jeuzel in Wuustwezel, Belgium. See also Speedy King & His Feetwarmers with “Reelin’ And Rockin’ “

TODD MORGAN & The Emblems (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist from Sacramento, California. This is a trio consisting of Todd (vocals, guitar, piano), Zack Sapunor (bass) and Andrew Philip (drums). He has 6 albums so far to his credit.

Run Rudolph Run (2:54) 2021

CD: Santa Claus Blues [Todd Morgan - TAW-105] ● USA, 2021

I had never heard of Todd Morgan until the morning of 12 March 2024 when he suddenly turned up on You Tube when I was searching for Berry’s “Go Bobby Soxer”. There he was performing it live on stage in 2023 (check it out). I also found another version, and live versions of “Down Bound Train”, “Brown Eyed Handsome Man”, “Johnny B. Goode”, “Roll Over Beethoven” and “No Particular Place To Go”. I also found his web site, but looking through his albums it was no Berry(?) except the one above. And I found nothing on Bandcamp which is strange?

EILERT PILARM (Sweden)

Nils Roland Eilert Dahlberg, born 1953 in Anundsjö. He’s released several albums, but he can’t sing! Here’s what’s written on discogs which I think says it all: “His interpretation is characterized by inadequate singing voice, lack of tone, lack of rhythm and very poor pronunciation of the English lyrics. This is believed to be the key to Pilarm's success”. So do the people (audiences) feel sorry for him and therefore think it’s okay?

Johnny B. Goode (2:11) 2001 (live)

CD single: Johnny B. Goode [Björk CDS-1] ● Sweden, 2001

Don’t know what to say. Is this real? Everything here is a mess. His singing is so out of tune, he don’t know the lyrics and the rhythm section has problems keeping up.
Overall, there are too many Elvis impersonators on the marked and have been for many years. I must admit I have stayed away from a few when I come across them doing Johnny B. or Promised Land. Sorry to say.

PILEDRIVER (Germany)

Michael Sommerhoff (vocals, guitar), Peter Wagner (vocals, guitar), Rudi Peeters (keyboards), Marc Herrmann (bass, vocals), Hans in’t Zandt (drums). Rock band very influenced by the music of UKs own Status Quo. If you go to YouTube and search Piledriver “Bye Bye Johnny” it is mentioned as a Status Quo classic! Not bad.

Bye Bye Johnny (5:22) 2015 (live)

2-CD: The Boogie Brothers Live In Concert [Rockwall Records RW-04042012] ● Germany, 2017

Also Blu-ray of the concert and extras. 20th Anniversary Show at Stadthalle Wattenscheid October 2015.

Bye Bye Johnny (4:58) 2020 (live)

3-CD: Live In Europe – The Rockwall Tour [Rockwall Records RW-04042023] ● Germany, 2023

DVD + Blu-ray. 5 discs, comes in a box-set. The Berry number is from a concert on CD3 recorded live in Zwolle, Netherlands 25 January 2020.

“BUCK” PIZZARELLI & The West Texas Tumbleweeds (USA)

John Paul “Bucky” Pizzarelli was a jazz guitarist and banjoplayer, born 1926 in Paterson, New Jersey, died in 2020. His first album came in 1960. And he’s released and been involved in many, many albums. The Tumbleweeds: John Pizzarelli (guitar, backing vocals), Jessica Molaskey (backing vocals), Martin Pizzarelli (bass), Danny Coots (drums). John Paul and Jessica were husband and wife and parents to both John and Martin.

Promised Land (2:58) 2009

CD: Diggin’ Up Bones [Arbors Records ARCD-19394] ● USA, 2009

In addition to this almost family gathering there are 3 musical friends on the album, Rebecca Kilgore, Andy Levas and Aaron Weinstein. This is a little different than most other versions, sort of a more folky approach with a western swing arrangement. I really dig this !

BOBBY “GUITAR” POREMBSKI & CITY RHYTHM (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from New York City, New York. He also plays accordion by the way. Bobby (vocals, guitars, ukulele), Bryan Gottshall (bass), Dan Goldfedder (drums). Would you believe that he has actually 71 albums on Bandcamp! In 2021 he was nominated for the single of the year with “My Love” by the International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA Awards 2021 Atlanta, Georgia).

Johnny B. Goode (3:03) 2012

Digital album: One Take, No Rehearsals – A Jam For Autism [BP Self-released ] ● USA, 2012

Studio recordings of classic rock’n’roll songs that they often performed live with the purpose of raising awareness and funds for autism. Pretty goode album.

DIMITRIS POULIKAKOS (Greece)

Rock singer and actor, born 1943.

Little Queenie (5:30) 1979 (live)

LP: Crazy Love – Live [Minos Records DAL-MSM-363] ● Greece, 1979

This is a cross between Stones and Berry and is the opening track of the album.

POWDERHOUSE (USA)

This is a female-fronted (Teresa Mastrorilli) rock band from Boston. However, the Berry cover has a male singer (Ray Boyce). They have singles, EPs and albums out on FOC Records, but you’ll find much more to download on Bandcamp.
Teresa Mastrorilli (vocals, lead & rhythm guitars), Fred Pickard (lead & rhythm guitars, vocals), Art DaPrato (keyboards), Ray Boyce (vocals, bass, guitars), Kevin Moylan (drums).

Run Rudolph Run (3:12) 2011

Digital album: Covers Vol. 1 [FOC Records Self-released] ● USA, 2011

Straight forward rock version with a good beat. Released 21 june 2011. The Berry cover was also available as a download single in December 2012. The album was remastered at FOC Studios North, Ludlow, Vermont in January 2021. Listen on Bandcamp.

PREBENS PÅGAR (Sweden)

Rock/pop quintet from Landskrona. It seems they are a popular live band and have released some albums and 26 singles the latest in the Autumn of 2023.

You Never Can Tell (3:14) 2005 (live)

CD: Prebens Pågar [Melody Records MECD-1005] ● Sweden, 2005

PRELLIES (UK)

Beatle rock band from Birmingham. The band has been playing around in the UK, Belgium, Isle of Man and the Beatleweek.
They have also made a soundtrack for a television programme on the life of Stuart Sutcliffe (the fifth Beatle). The songs on the CD below contain the soundtrack.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:31) 2005
Sweet Little Sixteen (2:14) 2005

CD: Afternoon Tea [Atombeat Records AB-001] ● UK, 2005

SUZANNE PRENTICE (New Zealand)

Country singer, born 1958. Been active since the early ‘70s. She’s been called the Queen of Country in New Zealand, a strange thing for me to understand when you mostly do covers of American songs/hits. And she’s received a lot of Awards too. She has a good voice and released a whole bunch of albums since 1973.

Johnny B. Goode (2:51) 1975

LP: Suzanne Prentice [Music World MALPS-394] ● New Zealand, 1975

This sounds very clean and ordinary with little drive. She also had an album out in 1980 titled “Dreamin’ My Dreams” containing a version of Johnny B. but I don’t know if it’s the same version as above or recorded for the new album.

JOHN PRIMER (USA)

See Volume 3 under CHICAGO BLUES – A LIVING HISTORY page 1123 for info on this.
And the timing for Reelin’ And Rockin’ is (3:41).

BEN PRYER & THE LUCKY DOGS (UK)

Ben Pryer (lead vocals, guitar), Jack Norman (bass), Joe Butcher (drums, backing vocals). Regarded as one of UK’s finest vintage bands, playing music from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:39) 2019 (live)

CD: An Audience With [Lucky Dog Records ] ● UK, 2019

From the opening riffs it sounded like the Beatles’ version. But there are a lot of good old rock’n’roll covers on the album.
Released 19 April 2019 on Bandcamp.

VICTOR PUERTAS & MAX GENOUEL (Spain/France)

Good blues from Barcelona and Nantes. Victor Puertas (vocals, harp, keyboards), Max Genouel (vocals, guitar), Julien Dubois (bass), Hugo Deviers (drums, vocals). As they say: For a week we recorded at La P’Artquetterie, an old wooden-floors factory turned into a juke joint and run by friends in the middle of the French countryside.

You Can’t Catch Me (4:41) 2019

CD: Recording Session [Self-released ] ● Spain/France, 2019

What a fabulous album and music. Again, it’s nice to see that a Berry tune was picked out among 12 tracks.

PUSSYCATS (Norway)

See Volume 3, page 1434 for biographical info.

Sweet Little Sixteen (2:36) 1965 (live)

CD: The Pussycats Live 1965 [Backstage Records BR-014] ● Norway, 2023

Previously unissued concert, 9 tracks recorded live at Kino (movie Theatre) Bellevue, Tromsdalen, Norway, 13 October 1965. Limited edition of 300 copies, but because of good sales they printed another 300 (!)

RADIO NASTIES (UK)

Garage rock trio from Southwest of England led by Ben Hayes. They had at least 2 original singles released on Death Of Glory Records in 2013.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:57) 2020
Johnny B. Goode (2:55) 2020
Roll Over Beethoven (3:06) 2020

Digital album: Rockdown 2020 [Self-released ] ● UK, 2020

Released 28 January 2021. 12 rock’n’roll classics recorded in the summer of 2020 during lockdown.

MASON RAMSEY (USA)

Country singer, guitarist, from Golconda, Illinois born 2006, which means he’s only 17 years of age when he recorded the Yuletide classic. His voice sounds more mature though. Popular guy and he has his own website. Next spring he will tour Germany and the UK. His first record came out in 2018 (!)

Run Rudolph Run (2:45) 2023

Digital single: Atlantic 00 7567 96697 9 7 ● USA, 2023

Pretty ordinary country-rock version.

DIG RICHARDS And The R’Jays (Australia)

Singer, songwriter, musical theatre actor Digby George Richards was born in 1940 and died in 1983. He was also a televison presenter. Active in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s as the lead singer of the band The R’Jays. According to info he seems to be the very first rock’n’roll artist to have a full 12” LP release in Australia (see below). In the ‘70s he became a country artist.

Carol ( : ) 1959
Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1959

LP: Dig Richards And The R’Jays [Festival Records FL-7119] ● Australia, 1959

DAVE RICKETTS (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist in the country and folk-blues tradition. Since 2002 he has led the Gypsy jazz and Hot jazz band Gaucho who have several albums to their credit. He’s a great fan of Django Reinhardt.

Down Bound Train (3:37) 2020

CD: Daddy’s High Again [Self-released ] ● USA, 2020

Really good folk-blues version. Check it out on YouTube. 9 of the tracks on the album were written by Ricketts, plus one by Memphis Minnie and the Berry track.

ROCKABILLY HEART (Denmark)

Trio: Tamra Rosanes (vocals), Den Skaldede Kok (bass, percussion), Morten Wittrock (piano, vocals). However, they have had a lot of help from various musicians, too many to mention. Part of the album was done in Nashville at the studio of Jack Clement. Singer, songwriter Tamra is American born but has lived in Denmark since 1972. She’s recorded almost 20 country albums since the early ‘80s.

Maybellene (2:38) 2014

CD: Rockabilly Heart [Target Records CD-1334] ● Denmark, 2014

ROCKIN’ DEVILS (UK)

Rock’n’Roll revival band (trio). They released 8 albums during 1974 to 1979.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 1974

LP: Bring Back Rock’n’Roll [Hot Stuff Records HSL-001] ● UK, 1974

GRAZIANO ROMANI (Italy)

Rock singer, songwriter. He’s recorded three tribute albums to Bruce Springsteen, so he must be a fan! Although he’s released several other albums since 1993.

Johnny B. Goode (4:31) 2015

2-CD: Vivo/Live [Route 61 Music RT61-2015003] ● Italy, 2015

Pretty heavy and noisy, but still rockin’.

ROY & THE DEVILS MOTORCYCLE (Switzerland)

Garage punk, rock, psychedelic and blues. The band was formed in 1991 in a little village, Oberdiesbach, in the mountains of Switzerland. Three who lived there were the Stähli brothers, Markus, Matthias and Christian, who all played the guitar and sang. They got hold of a drummer named Oliver, later Elias Raschie.

Johnny B. Goode (4:16) 2005

LP: Because Of Women [Voodoo Rhythm VR-1233] ● Switzerland, 2005
CD: Because Of Women [Voodoo Rhythm VRCD-33] ● Switzerland, 2006

Very strange psychedelic version.

SEM ROZENDAAL (Netherlands)

Pop singer, songwriter, guitarist who appeared on the eleventh season of the television talent show, The Voice of Holland, in 2020-21

You Never Can Tell (2:21) 2021

CD: The Voice of Holland - Seizoen 11 - Live #2 [8ball Music 87 1777 46895 7 8] ● Netherlands, 2021

Nice to see that he chose this classic for his performance on the Voice. It’s a rockin’ good version with a horn section. As far as I know he didn’t win, but…

RYNOZ (Sweden)

Aka Ryno Rockers. See volume 3, page 1485 for biographical info, although not much info there of the band. The quintet was formed 1974 in Enviken. During the ‘70s and ‘80s they were considered as one of the most genuine bands in Sweden playing ‘50s music. The entry below is new.

You Never Can Tell (2:33) 2012

CD: Bop ‘Til You Drop [Scana SNCD-035] ● Sweden, 2012

JEFF ST. JOHN & THE EMBERS (Australia)

Jeffrey Leon Newton, blues-rock singer who because of spina bifida spent most of his life in a wheelchair. Born 1946 in Newton, New South Wales, died 2018 at his home in Perth, Western Australia. His first single came in 1966 and his first album in 1972. There’s much on YouTube with this guy, unfortunately not the Berry numbers.

Nadine ( : ) 2004 (live)
You Never Can Tell ( : ) 2004 (live)

CD EP: Live At The Perth Blues Club [not on label – R-1103] ● Australia, 2018

Four tracks recorded live 13 April 2004. The other two are “Drift Away” and “Waltzing Mathilda”.

SANDRO Y LOS DE FUEGO (Argentina)

Roberto M. Sánchez born 1945 in Buenos Aires, died 2010. Rock singer who is considered as one of the first rock artists to sing in Spanish in Latin America. He was also a well known actor and director. He released over 50 albums and sold millions.

I’m Talking About You [as ”Hablando De Ti”] (1:56) 1965
Rock And Roll Music [as “Música De Rock And Roll”] (1:54) 1965

LP: Al Calor De Sandro Y Los De Fuego [CBS 8533] ● Argentina, 1965

I am not going to put him down, but the music from the above album sounds so uninspired and boring.

MICHELLE SCHMITT (USA)

Born in Detroit, Michigan. Singer, songwriter from the San Francisco Bay area. Owner of Pine Mountain Studio, Alexander Valley, California. She has released many albums since 2004. Schmitt and her band do benefit concerts every December in the San Francisco and Marin County to raise money for the hungry in those communities.

Run Rudolph Run (4:19) 2014

CD: To Remember You [Harrison Street Records 05 6383 64518 ] ● USA, 2014

A little laid-back version. This album was officially released at her and the band’s 2014 annual benefit concert. This holiday record is dedicated to the memory of her dad, who died earlier in the year. He loved Christmas music.

Let It Rock (3:18) 2015

CD: Detroit Girl [Harrison Street Records 08 8829 53477 3 0] ● USA, 2015

Interesting because very few women have covered this Berry classic. Solid version.

Posted by Morten Reff in CBID Updates at 16:24 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

Friday, April 12. 2024

Peter O’Neil’s So-Called Disorder

If you’re following this Chuck Berry blog, you will certainly also know Peter O’Neil’s blog “GoHeadOn“ (https://goheadon.blogspot.com). While here we concentrate on the music of Chuck Berry, Peter has written lots of posts about his personal experiences seeing Chuck, about Chuck’s life, about other Berry fans and more.

For some years Peter has promised to publish his long and well-written articles on Chuck Berry as chapters in form of a book. And now Peter indeed published a book, though not the one we expected.

Peter is not only one of the greatest Chuck Berry fans, he also is a successful product liability attorney. And, as he recently found out, Peter is autistic. According to him, his diagnosis at the age of 65 years came as a surprise but concurrently explained a lot in his life.

So Peter decided to look back at his life and tell his readers about where his so-called “disorder” affected him, as seen from today’s perspective. Peter’s book “My So-Called Disorder” (available at amazon) is a kind of memoir, though from a very specific point-of-view. It’s an insider’s view at autism and thus an extremely interesting read for both other people on the autistic spectrum and for people who haven’t been diagnosed as such (yet) – and for those who simply are interested in this topic.

Peter explains how autism hindered him to take part in “normal” social life, even though he managed to get married (twice) and to have children. But on the other hand he explains how his autistic ability to focus on details, to think out-of-the-box, and to notice oddities which others overlook helped him to become a successful lawyer.

Due to partners and co-workers who might not have understood neurodiversity, but who understood that Peter needed a special environment to produce good work, he was able to fight huge companies on their defective products. A large part of this book explains the various trials, e.g. about exploding pick-up trucks and non-breakable scooters. For non-Americans this legalese is sometimes hard to understand – as the US legal system is as a whole.

But forty years of demonstrating complex relations to juries and courts – as well as an autistic ability to explain topics clearly without getting lost in too much context – help the reader to fully understand Peter’s points.

There isn’t much Chuck Berry in this book except for some reports of concerts Peter visited. But besides bird watching and astronomy, the topic of Chuck Berry is clearly shown as one of the “special interests” which people on the autistic spectrum are said to have. However, if trying to know everything about Chuck Berry is a sign of autism, then I know of other “disordered” collectors.

If you are interested to learn more about autism, this book is a very good item to start with. Highly recommended!

Posted by Dietmar Rudolph in Non-Berries at 14:40 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

Wednesday, April 10. 2024

The Chuck Berry Sound according to Atomicat

This site is about the music of Chuck Berry, i.e. his songs, his lyrics, his guitar playing, his singing, his arrangements. To define this Chuck Berry Sound is difficult because he used a multitude of styles from blues to ballads to pop and of course rock’n’roll. But you also find instrumentals, poetry, nonsense lyrics, multi-tracked harmonies, and experimental rock in Berry’s oeuvre.

Thus when Atomicat Records recently released a CD titled „The Chuck Berry Sound“, it was interesting to learn how they would define the sound that comes from Berry’s music. Well, they couldn’t concentrate either.

At first they took the easy route: cover versions. Eight of the tracks are written by Berry himself and thus obviously close to his sound. However, Atomicat selected cover version you probably have never heard of before, even though all songs on this CD are from the 1950s and early 1960s.

Hear you can listen to one of the earliest female singers working with Berry material: Margaret Lewis singing Roll Over Beethoven. Another very early cover version from 1956, and a funny one, is Too Much Monkey Business by The Gadabouts supported by Carl Steven’s Orchestra. Several of the cover versions are very different from Berry’s own, especially Betty Jean by Terry Gale, Brown Eyed Handsome Man by Scotty McKay, Carol by Jim Miller, and Rock'n'Roll Music by Jimmy Breedlove. Further cover versions included are Johnny B. Goode by Gootch Jackson with Herbie Layne's Orchestra and Thirty Days by Wes Reynolds, though titled Forty Days like the Ronnie Hawkins version.

A second set of tracks on this CD contains recordings which sound like Chuck Berry hits. Both Brownie McGhee’s Anna Mae, Rayvon Darnell’s Don't Want You Maybellene, and Buddy Lucas’ Oh Mary Ann were recorded in late 1955 and sound very much like Berry’s then hit Maybellene. Further soundalikes are Rhythm Feet by Carroll (Wild Red) Pegues which is similar to Around And Around, School Day Blues by Johnny And The Jammers (close to Brown Eyed Handsome Man), Pony Tail Girl by Glenn Garrison (Sweet Little Sixteen), and Knockin' On Your Door by Jimmy King (School Day). Two songs use the melody and pattern of Reelin’ And Rockin’: Tiny Morrie’s Everybody Rocks and the non-twisting Mother Goose Twist by Oliver And The Twisters which by the way at 2:44 minutes is the longest of all the short songs on this album.

Most people will list Berry’s guitar playing as one or as the main element of “The Chuck Berry Sound”, ignoring that Berry reused guitar playing well-known before in Blues and Jazz. Anyway Atomicat identified guitar-oriented songs from the late 1950s and early 1960s on which the guitar players do not hide that they found these riffs on Berry records. Even though Atomicat tried to find the names of these guitarists, they did not succeed with every song. Some of the probably session musicians will remain anonymous.

Berry-inspired guitar solos can be found in Dee Clark’s Dance On Little Girl (guitar: Phil Upchurch) and The New Blockbusters’ Rock & Roll Guitar Part 1 (guitar: Paul Buskirk). On Ray Sharpe’s Justine, Tony Casanova’s (i.e. Jutillo Perez’) Showdown and Billy Peek’s Rock To The Top the main artists both sing and play the Berry guitar. Unknown guitarist provide Berry-like guitar playing on Buddy Howard’s Take Your Hands Off Me Baby, Jerry Hawkins’ Swing Daddy Swing, and The Jet Tones’ Henry.

If you want to count Caveman by Tommy Roe and The Satins as a Berry soundalike is doubtful, though, at least to me. And to accept Eddie Clearwater’s I Was Gone here requires you to know that Edward Harrington (his real name) was not only a Berry soundalike (with many other recordings and cover versions) but also a Berry lookalike in his 1960s shows.

The remaining three songs from this 30-track CD are tribute songs to Chuck Berry himself or to his best-known protagonist. The Dusters sing about a show with both Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis (Rock At The Hop, 1961). Leonard Douglas Drake under his alias Big Daddy G in 1963 recorded a tribute song called Big Berry (Boss Man Guitar) in which he combines Berry song titles. Finally Eddy Bell and the Bel-Aires from 1961 continue the Johnny B. Goode saga with Johnny Be-Goode Is In Hollywood.

All in all “The Chuck Berry Sound” (Atomicat Records ACCD162) is an interesting selection of recordings which show Berry’s influence on other musicians. All these were released long before the Beat craze when all the successful bands listed Berry as one of their main influencers. The latest recording on this set is from 1963. while the earliest start close after Berry’s first chart hit. This is not a CD you will play over and over, but it’s a rare chance to listen to fairly old and hard to find Berry-inspired music.

Posted by Dietmar Rudolph in Chuck Berry Rarities at 11:12 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

Wednesday, April 3. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 6

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We still continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here.

BILL MADISON (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist now living in Lehigh Acres, Florida. He was part of the folk music venues in Boston, New York City and Montreal during the ‘60s. His career spans more than 60 years, and his first album came out in 1973 titled “Sunday Mornin’ Hayride”, an album which has been re-issued a couple of times. In the ‘80s and ‘90s he played the ski resorts and honky tonks of Northern New England. His music is available on various streaming sites.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:58) 2016 (live)

CD: Here’s To Ya! [Saloon Records ] ● USA, 2016

Live from Bill’s Happy Hour at Street Jelly Bar & Grill. 15 tracks with a variety of cover songs from the ‘50s and up. Released 15 June 2016.

MALAVENTURA (Spain)

Country-folk duo from Murcia who got together in 1992. Fernando Rubio (vocals, guitar, harmonica) and Joaquín Talismán (vocals, guitar, banjo). They can really play a guitar!!!

Memphis, Tennessee (2:45) 2017

CD: Malaventura [Perdicion PER-1801] ● Spain, 2017

Released 26 December 2017. They have approached this cover closer to Berry’s own. Good to hear.

MARTIN CIRCUS (France)

Band (sextet) formed in 1969 playing psychedelic and progressive rock, but changed their style in the early ‘70s to pop and later on to disco and new wave. Have released many singles and albums since 1969/1970.

Rock And Roll Music [as “Rock’n’Roll Circus”] (3:21) 1977

45: Vogue 45. V. 140.323 ● France, 1977

Rock And Roll Music [as “Rock’n’Roll Circus”] (5:47) 1977

LP: Rock’n’Roll Circus [Vogue LDA-20 294] ● France, 1977

Oh dear, this sounds like a disco version with absolutely no feeling or whatever. And almost 6 minutes on the album. Forget it.

MASHUUN (Austria)

A progressive rock band from Styria, active between 1972 and 1974. They won a band competition organized by Fono Forum and BASF but the group got a short life.

Sweet Little Sixteen (5:08) 1973

Various LP: Mashuun/Magic 69 [Rex Records Austria REX RRL-008] ● Austria, 1973
Various 2-LP: Underground Made In Styria [Golden Pavilion Records GP-1026/27LP] ● Portugal, 2016

Very strange version indeed. The Rex album was a promo and never released officially. Finally in 2016 the Golden Pavilion one was a remastered album set pressed in 400 copies. The two groups featured were Mashuun and Magic 69.

DENIS MAZHUKOV & OFF BEAT (Russia)

Singer and pianist Denis Mazhukov, who is by the way regarded as the king of rock’n’roll in Russia (pretty late don’t you think since he was born in 1973). But good for him as he’s really got it when it comes to 50s and 60s music. I am sure that Jerry Lee Lewis is one of his favorites, if not his ‘mentor’.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:41) 1995

CD: Off Beat [SNC Records SNC-5034] ● Russia, 1995

Fast swinging rendition.

Johnny B. Goode (2:41) 2006 featuring Maxim Leonidov

Digital album: Rockin’ At The Top [DM Self-released ] ● Russia, 2007

Released 1 January 2007. The music is good but the vocals are uninspired.

Sweet Little Sixteen (3:16) 2012

CD: Rockin’ All Day And Night [DM 3923U Self-released ] ● Russia, 2012

On Bandcamp the album contains 8 tracks but on discogs there are 11 tracks (?)

MERŪNAS (Lithuania)

Pop singer. Real name: Merūnas Vitulskis, born in 1983.

You Never Can Tell [as "Pažiūresim, Kas Nutiks Vėliau”] (3:03) 2007

CD: Merūnas [Hitas HITCD-007] ● Lithuania, 2007

Ordinary standard version. But nice to finally have someone from Lithuania doing Berry.

MINX (Canada)

Hard rock band (quintet) from Kamloops, British Columbia. They have four albums on bandcamp.

Johnny B. Goode (2:52) 2018

Digital album: Minx [Self-released ] ● Canada, 2018

Released 24 April 2018. Seven tracks, six written by the band. Hard rock version.

LOGAN MIZE (USA)

Country singer who grew up in Kansas. Has been a long-time Music Row staff songwriter in Nashville. He released his 5th album called “Welcome To Prairieville” in 2021.

Run Rudolph Run (2:44) 2022 with Jenna Paulette

CD EP: Merry Christmas From Logan Mize [Big Yellow Dog Music 08 5004 03773 4 7] ● USA, 2022

This was reissued in 2023. Okay version but that’s all.

M&J BLUES (UK)

Father & son duo from Sheffield, Mark Lyall (el.guitar) and.Jeff Lyall (vocals, ac.guitar).

You Never Can Tell (3:44) 2016 (live)

2-CD: In The Presence Of Friends [M&J Self-released] ● UK

Recorded live 7 August 2016 at the Honey Bee blues club session at the Porter Cottage, Sheffield. The Berry track was part of the encore. Released 6 November 2016.

SONNY MOORMAN (USA)

Blues singer, songwriter, guitarist from Hamilton, Ohio.

Maybellene (5:51) 2015
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:58) 2015

CD: You Made All My Blues Come True [Atlas Records ATLAS-0014] ● USA, 2015

Acoustic treatment of these two classics. Featuring Moorman on vocals, guitar and porchboard. The album was released digitally in June 2022. Instead of me saying anything, you can listen to them on Bandcamp.

VAN MORRISON (UK)

Van Morrison, OBE (Order of the British Empire), born 1945 in Belfast. He’s a Grammy Award-winning Northern Irish singer, songwriter, author, poet and multi-instrumentalist. He was the lead singer in the Northern Irish band Them who had several hits in the mid ‘60s like “Gloria” and “Here Comes The Night”. Later he left for a successful solo career.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:58) 2023

CD: Accentuate The Positive [Exile 3369580] ● Europe, 2023
LP: Accentuate The Positive [Exile 3369603] ● Europe, 2023

A genuine rock’n’roll album from Van Morrison. It was a surprise for me, in 2023. 19 tracks, and I do like the album title, to accentuate the positive about the past music. And he picked some obscure tracks to record also.
It reminded me of the fantastic album Neil Young released in 1983, titled “Everybody’s Rockin’ “ (No Berry though).

MOTHER McCREE’S UPTOWN JUG CHAMPIONS (USA)

Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron “Pigpen” McKernan. Grateful Dead related. With the help of Mike Garbett, Tom Stone and Dave Parker on various acoustic instruments.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:26) 1964 (live)

CD: Live at the Top of the Tangent, 1964 [Grateful Dead Records GDCD-4064] ● USA, 1999

Jerry Garcia is doing the vocals on this one. Don’t know what to think. It’s okay, acoustic but lack feelings. The album was recorded in July 1964 at the Top Of The Tangent, Palo Alto, California.

JOE MULLINS And THE RADIO RAMBLERS (USA)

William Joseph Mullins, born 1965 in Xenia, Ohio. Bluegrass and gospel singer, banjoist, bandleader and radio broadcaster.

Run Rudolph Run (3:57) 2023

CD: Because It’s Christmas Time [Billy Blue Records BBR-0243 CD] ● USA, 2023

Nice to finally have a genuine bluegrass version. Really good, swings. I get this Jim & Jesse vibes here, the song they didn’t record.

MYSTIC EYES (Germany)

Beat band from Regensburg; active in the late ‘60s but reunited in 1997.

Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 2000

CD: Flashback [GVR Records CD-006] ● Germany, 2001

GÜNTHER NEEFS (Belgium)

Pop singer, born 1965 in Mechelen. Has released several albums since 1992. He’s the son of Louis Neefs.

You Never Can Tell (2:47) 2019

CD: Roots 66 – Music From Chicago To L. A. [KMK Muziek KMK-65018] ● Belgium, 2019

Released as both CD and LP, plus DVD.

NERVOUS EATERS (USA)

Punk rock band (quartet) from Boston, Massachusetts.

Beautiful Delilah (3:21) Mid ‘70s

LP: Eaterville #1 [Penniman Records PENNLP-002] ● Spain, 2004
CD: Eaterville #1 [Penniman Records PENNCD-001] ● Spain, 2009

It sounds like the Rolling Stones! One of the longer versions of this Berry track. They usually clock in at around 2 minutes. Previously unissued.

CHET NICHOLS (USA)

Singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, producer from Chicago where he grew up. In the ‘60s he was part of the musical revolution in both Los Angeles and San Francisco. He has a farm in Kansas, and is inducteed into The Kansas Music Hall Of Fame.

Johnny B. Goode (2:27) 1965 as Chet Nichols & The Chosen Few

Digital album: Raw & Roll [Self-released ] ● USA, 2021

Released April 2021. The Chosen Few were a trio from Chicago and they were all around 15 years old at the time of recording. Chet Nichols has also recorded a song titled “Rock & Roll Music” (1972) which turns out to be his own composition.

NIGHTBREAKERS (Netherlands)

8 piece country-rock group.

You Never Can Tell [as “C’est la Vie”] (3:39) 2001

CD: In The Mission [Rarity Records C-192649] ● Netherlands, 2001

Sounds a bit like Emmylou Harris’ version but with a sax solo and a piano solo without the original melody.

DON NORMAN (Canada)

Born in Ottawa 1944. In the ‘60s he recorded for Capitol Records of Canada. Living in Kingston, Ontario since 1970.

Maybellene (2:27) 2017

Digital track: [Don Norman ] ● USA, 2017

Pretty cool country version, a little slower than usual. Don Norman (vocals, guitars, harp, percussion), Jack Pearson (solo guitar), Chris Nole (keyboards), Dave Francis (bass), Shannon Forrest (drums). Here is what Don Norman says on Bandcamp about recording this track: “ ‘Maybellene’ was Chuck Berry’s 1955 breakout hit for Chess Records in Chicago. The record sold over a million copies but more importantly it stands as the original road map for guitar based rock’n’roll music. As a young, pre-teen I was brought to tears by the emotions Chuck’s singing and guitar playing aroused in me. Thanks for changing my world Chuck”.
Released 3 April 2017.

You Never Can Tell (2:48) 2018

Digital track: [Don Norman ] ● USA, 2023

This was recorded in 2018, but remastered and released 14 October 2023. Unfortunately pretty ordinary version.

NOT FADE AWAY (USA)

Rock’n’roll quintet from Phoenix, Arizona. Jared Mancuso (vocals, guitar), Nick Gallardo (vocals, guitar), Ian LeSage (vocals, guitar), Allison Kelly (vocals, bass), Andrew Torres (only drums). Very much a Buddy Holly tribute band, but they also play others like Ritchie Valens, Elvis, Jerry Lee, Shirley Ellis and more. They have this album below and a single on Bandcamp and they make great covers, also sleeves.

Johnny B. Goode (3:24) 2020

Digital album: Rock’n’Roll Reignited [Self-released ] ● USA, 2020

Released 3 February 2020. Recorded at Studio Crash in Philadelphia, PA. Rockin’ version and Allison does a very good job.

STEFAN NYKVIST (Sweden)

Lars Erik Stefan Nykvist, born 1976 in Ãlvdalen, Dalarna. Singer, organist, accordionist and was the founder of the danceband Larz Kristerz in 2001. He left the band in 2014 for solo work.

Oh What A Thrill [as “Nej, Inte Jag”] (2:28) 2020

CD: Stefan Nykvist [Enviken Records ENREC-182] ● Sweden, 2020

This is a cover of the Eddie Meduza version from 1982.

FINN NØRBYGÅRD (Denmark)

Comedian, singer and actor, born 1952 in Esbjerg. Well, he was originally a school teacher but did success on national TV in the ‘80s with Jacob Haugaard in a Saturday Night comedy show, and in the ‘90s a successful comedy/musical show with Jette Torp.

Johnny B. Goode (2:34) 1997

CD: 21 Sange Og Monologer Fra Showet: Mig & Elvis [National Records CD-81664] ● Denmark, 1997

Produced by Danmarks Radio for RMT Productions. Taken from a musical show, “Me & Elvis”, that Nørbygård travelled around with in Denmark during 1996/97, 132 shows altogether with 21 songs and monologues. But I don’t understand the title here, as there is only one track an Elvis medley, the rest are songs from the likes of Berry, Tommy Steele, Percy Sledge, Chubby Checker, Beatles, Willie Nelson etc. Well, there’s also a Danish cover of “Fever” which Elvis did record back in time, but still…

OFF BEAT (Russia)

See DENIS MAZHUKOV

BERT PAQUETTE & The New Gamblers (Canada)

Rock and country singer and guitarist.

Maybellene ( : ) 1981
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] ( : ) 1981

LP: Bert Paquette & The New Gamblers [Black Rose Records LP-1001] ● Canada, 1981

Covers on the album are from the likes of Freddy King, Hank Williams, Elvis, Jimmie Rodgers …

COLIN PAUL (UK)

Elvis impersonator. See Volume 3, page 1406 for biographical info.

Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2009

CD: Home For Christmas [CP Self-released CD-01 2801 66916 7 5] ● UK, 2009

Okay version.

I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] (2:22) 2014

CD: Child Of The Sixties [JaG Records 146 5] ● UK, 2014

A pretty good version. Interesting to hear an Elvis soundalike doing Berry numbers that Elvis never did.

MAURICIO PEDROSA BLUES QUARTET (Brazil)

Singer, pianoplayer from São Paulo.

Memphis, Tennessee (3:46) 2013
Roll Over Beethoven (3:47) 2013

Digital album: On The Road Again [Self-released ] ● Brazil, 2013

I especially enjoyed “Memphis” since he’s not followed the Mack/Rivers arrangements.

MIKE V. PHELAN (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from San Antonio, Texas. I am not sure if the songs below were recorded in 2016, because all of his 7 albums were released on Bandcamp in the summer of 2016, so…?

Johnny B. Goode (2:35) 2016 (?)

Digital album: Mike Rocks [Self-released ] ● USA, 2016

Released 29 June 2016. 16 tracks. Rocks? Well, the singing is more pop oriented.

Maybellene (2:09) 2016 (?)

Digital album: Beyond The ’70s [Self-released ] ● USA, 2016

Released 25 May 2016. 20 tracks.

PENTTI-OSKARI KANKAAN 7-SEINÄHULLUA VELJESTÄ (Finland)

A musical humour band founded in 1966 by Pentti Oskari Kangas. It’s a difficult band name to pronounce, and to speak for that matter. If you’re not from Finland, that is.

Rock And Roll Music (3:11) 2009 (?)

2-CD: Tuplat Vaakahuoneella [Fifty-Fifty FFCD-1061] ● Finland, 2009

The Berry cover is one of many bonus tracks (previously unreleased) so I don’t know when it was recorded actually.

PHILADELPHIA JUG BAND (USA)

Jug band (originally a quartet) formed in 1962 (!) by students at the Council Rock High in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I’m amazed that they are still doing their thing, however, I don’t know if there are any original members left or whatever.

Sweet Little Sixteen (4:12) 2012

CD: Always Fresh! [Self-released GKMZ-002] ● USA, 2012

Nice to hear a jug/string band version of this classic.

Posted by Morten Reff in CBID Updates at 11:55 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

Saturday, March 16. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 5

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We still continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here.

JOECEPHUS AND THE GEORGE JONESTOWN MASSACRE (USA)

Rock band (quintet) from Memphis, Tennessee. They mix outlaw country and rockabilly with hardcore punk and metal. Joecephus is guitarist Joey Killingsworth.

Back In The USA (2:18) 2023

2-LP: Call Me Animal - A Tribute To The MC5 [Saustex Records SEX-2306] ● USA, 2023

JUSTIN JOHNSON (USA)

Slide guitarist using handmade instruments, a.o. a cigar-box guitar (!) He founded the Roots Music School in Nashville, Tennessee. Good for him and all the students who can then learn the truth. I found some 8 albums by him, the first being “Smoke & Mirrors”, a 2-CD set from 2014.

Johnny B. Goode (4:14) 2017

2-CD: Drivin’ It Down [JJ CD-14541 2] ● USA, 2017

Also released as a 2-LP set. This is a drivin’ goode version, stretched out to over 4 minutes. Even though this is a self-released album set it looks like a professional issue with a booklet and all. Recorded and mixed by Chuck Turner at Cash Cabin Studio, Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Down Bound Train (6:18) 2020

CD/Digital album: Rough Edges [JJ Self-released ] ● USA, 2020

When I searched the internet for this cover, Bruce Springsteen’s own song popped up as the original. However, Justin is covering the Berry song (a bit noisy though). So who can you trust? You have to search and search and try to listen if possible. It’s not easy to be a Berry cover nerd.

CARVIN JONES BAND (USA)

Blues singer, guitarist from Texas. His playing is pretty raw.

No Particular Place To Go ( : ) 1998

CD: Unleashed - Burnin’ Up The Blues [Tee Records TR-69732] ● USA, 1998

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 2003 (live)

CD: Live In Rome, Italy [Tee Records no cat no] ● USA, 2003

There’s a live performance on YouTube of Carvin from a festival in Spain doing this classic.

KATMEN (UK/USA)

Originally a rockabilly duo, formed in 2007, by guitar genius Darrell Higham (see Vol.4 page 1821) and drummer Slim Jim Phantom (see Stray Cats Vol.3 page 1538). In 2012 they were joined by bassist Al Gare.

Too Much Monkey Business (2:42) 2022

CD: Katmen Are Back [Foot Tapping Records FT-208] ● UK, 2023

This is a cross between Elvis and Chuck. It’s rockin’ although a little more laid back than Chuck’s.

JIMMY KEITH & HIS SHOCKY HORRORS (Germany)

Punk band (quartet) from Duisburg, formed in 1988.

Maybellene (3:03) 1995

CD: Hey Rock’n’Roll [Tug Records LC-7376] ● Germany, 1995

Cover songs from the likes of Mink DeVille, Rockin’ Sidney, Dr. Feelgood, Ben E. King a.o.

ANSSI KELA (Finland)

A popular singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born in 1972. Has released many albums and singles since 2000.

Reelin’ And Rockin’ [as “Fiilaten Ja Höyläten”] (3:43) 2017

Various CD: Anssi Kela & Isot Biisit [Warner Music Finland 50 5419 76872 2 8] ● Finland, 2017

This is again a cover of the Finnish hit version by Rauli “Badding” Somerjoki (page 1521) from 1973. But the story around this version is a little bit different. Translated, the album title means Anssi Kela And The Big Songs. It was a music entertainment program led by Anssi Kela. It started in February 2017 and in each of the 10 episodes a guest challenged Kela to cover an old Finnish hit song. It tells the story of the background of the song and introduces the song’s original performer or a special person associated with it. But according to Ari Niskanen in Finland it was more about Somerjoki not Berry.

JAMIE AARON KELLEY & THE DEMPSEYS (USA)

Award-winning singer, songwriter and entertainer. But most of all he’s an Elvis impersonator. However, there’s not much Elvis stuff on the album below.

Maybellene ( : ) 2006

CD: The Sun Also Rises, Vol.2 – Memphis Fire [Cool K Records 08 3710 12723 2 2] ● USA, 2006

14 rock’n’roll, blues and country covers.

RICKY KING (West Germany)

Guitarist Hans Lingenfelder, born 1946 in Rastatt.

Johnny B. Goode (2:43) 1984 (instr)
Memphis, Tennessee (2:19) 1984 (instr)
Rock And Roll Music (2:00) 1984 (instr)

LP: Ricky King’s Rock’n’Roll Party [Epic EPC-26158] ● West-Germany, 1984
CD: Ricky King’s Rock’n’Roll Party (Memory Pop Shop) [Epic EPC-462452 2] ● West-Germany, 1988

Johnny B. Goode and Rock And Roll Music sound very good and solid. But Memphis is in the Lonnie Mack arrangement and therefore not in the same league.

ROBERT LEE KOLB & LOCAL HEROES (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist. I saw an article from a Dallas magazine (Dec. 1976) where he says he’s going to be the new Elvis Presley of the 1980s. Excuse me. Why on earth would he say that in December 1976 when Elvis himself was still alive??? It makes no sense. And he sounded more rock and rhythm & blues.

Maybellene [as “Mabelline”] (4:40) 1985

LP: Robert Lee Kolb & Local Heroes [Rock Eye Records 44144A] ● USA, 1985

KRAYOLAS (USA)

Garage rock band (quartet) from San Antonio, Texas. They have released several singles from 1978 and albums from 1982.

Run Rudolph Run (3:19) 2010

CD: Tipsy Topsy Torvy [Box Records B-63052] ● USA, 2010

Cool rock version with plenty of guitar and piano.

MIKE KRÜGER (Germany)

Michael Friedrich Wilhelm Krüger, born 1951. Singer, guitarist and comedian.

Roll Over Beethoven [as “Schuss In Den Ofen”] (2:47) 1977 (live)

LP: Auf Der Autobahn Nachts Um Halb Eins [Philips 6305 330] ● West-Germany, 1977

Mike Krüger wrote the German lyrics.

DENYS LABLE (France)

Singer, guitarist, born 1947 in Auxerre. He’s a studio musician and has also played live with several French singers, like France Gall and Dick Rivers a.o.

Wee Wee Hours (6:22) 2003

Various CD: Autour du Blues Vol.2 [Créon Music 5928552] ● France, 2003

Pretty good and long version.

LARADOS (USA)

Rock and soul quintet from Dearborn, Missouri, probably? This is a little difficult, because it seems that they had a single out in 1958 and another in 1980. However, the album below is clearly of a newer date and it’s self-released. Are we talking about the same outfit? Not sure. In case they have been around for over 55 years when the album below was released.

Nadine (4:51) 2013

CD: Dance Party [LaRaDos CD-08 8829 50360 0 9] ● USA, 2013

14 covers from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

KIM LARSEN & KJUKKEN (Denmark)

See Volume 3, page 1308 for biographical info. He died in 2018 at the age of 72.

Havana Moon [as “Soloppgang Til Måneskinspriser”] (3:01) 2012

CD: Du Glade Verden [Medley Records EMI-5820505] ● Denmark, 2012

Strange, but I didn’t know that Kim had done a Danish version of this Berry classic that he first covered in its original form in 1977.

LAST ONE STANDING (Mexico)

Melodic hardcore / skate punk quintet from Ciudad Nezahualcóyoti, Mexico.

Johnny B. Goode (2:42) 2014

CD promo: Last One Standing [Promo 2014] ● Mexico, 2014
CD: Nothing Left To Lose [1onelife Records CD-1LR-003] ● Mexico, 2016

The album track opens with the intro from Marty McFly in “Back To The Future”, It’s an oldie - Well, it’s an oldie where I come from. (!)

MIKE LAWSON & FRIENDS (USA)

Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist from Nashville, Tennessee. He has several albums on Bandcamp. On his site he has this to say about himself: “Musician, songwriter, author, music mag/book publisher, husband, autism dad, music edu advocate, guitar hoarder, audio engineer, no particular order”. On the album below he sings and plays various instruments, however, on the Berry track Lawson sings and plays piano plus the following friends participate: Rich Mahan (guitar), Fred Bogert (acordion), Travis Collinsworth (bass), Sam Skorik (drums), Sarah and Rachel Hambridge (background vocals). Produced by Mike Lawson at AP Studios, Fairview, Tennessee. However, there’s a fiddle in there but who’s playing? It could be Michael Cleveland who plays fiddle on another track on the album.

You Never Can Tell (4:00) 2020

Digital album: More Wonders Of The Visible World [Self-released ] ● USA, 2021

Released 1 January 2021. There’s also a video to this track on Bandcamp. Pretty nice!

DANIELLE LeBLANC, HALEY BIRNIE, BRIAND MELANSON (Canada)

From Toronto. Danielle (lead vocals), Haley (lead vocals), Briand Melanson (guitars, keyboards, bass, drums, backing vocals), and on the Berry number Rich Trevor (electric guitar). I couldn’t find anything else by this trio.

Run Rudolph Run (2:32) 2015

CD: Coast To Coast Christmas [Self-released ] ● Canada, 2015

Good Yuletide music on this album, ten covers and two originals. A little different approach. Released on Bandcamp 1 November 2015. Mixed and produced by Briand Melanson.

LEG BENDERS (USA)

Rock band (quartet) from Albany, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Madden Studios in Clarksville, Indiana by Clifford Madden. Daniel Hartman (vocals, guitar), Zach Coffey (guitar), Tyler Zoller (bass), Clifford Madden (drums). They also call themselves Jimmy & The Two Toned Leg Benders. Well then, who’s Jimmy?

Run Rudolph Run (2:50) 2015

Digital: Run Rudolph Run: A Jimmy Christmas Cover [Self-released ] ● USA, 2015

Really heavy rockin’ version. The main reason for including this, the band will tell you themselves:
“We decided to do our interpretation of the classic Chuck Berry Christmas tune ‘Run Rudolph Run’. We've included 4 different mixes for your listening pleasure: 2 standard mixes (stereo and mono) and 2 ‘1958’ mixes (also stereo and mono) to give you that classic late '50s sound that you all love. All tracks were meant to sound as though they were ripped straight from a 45rpm single record from back in the day. Enjoy & Merry Christmas!”
And they have also made a pretty nice ‘sleeve’. Released 8 December 2015.

MATTHIAS LENS (Belgium)

Accordion player and singer born 1986 in Turnhout.

You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (2:40) 2015

CD: Samen Uit, Samen Thuis [ECV Records ECV-0187544] ● Belgium, 2015

Good rock version.

RONAN LEONARD (Ireland)

Singer, songwriter in the country, folk genre.

Too Much Monkey Business (3:33) 2005

CD: Roomful Of Dreamers [Ronan Leonard Prod. RLPCD-001] ● Ireland, 2005
Digital album: Roomful Of Dreamers [Self-released] ● Ireland, 2022 (March)

Really cool version! Dave Keary on guitar and Garvan Gallagher on bass should be complimented for their contribution. Interesting that all the other 10 songs on the album were written by Leonard.

LES FORBANS (France)

When they started in the late ‘70s they were a rock’n’roll sextet. However, around 1990 they became a quartet. Have released several albums since 1981.

Johnny B. Goode in a Rock’n’Roll Medley (3:47) 1996
Johnny B. Goode (3:01) 1996
Maybellene (2:37) 1996
You Never Can Tell (3:15) 1996

CD: Rock’n’Roll Story [Arcade 3017672] ● France, 1996

The Medley contains 8 songs. Strange that they are using the Berry song twice on the same album.

ADAM LEVY (USA)

Singer, songwriter and an accomplished jazz guitarist, born 1966 in Encino, California. He has recorded and toured with Norah Jones. Has also recorded with many famous people like Rosanne Cash, Tracy Chapman, Allen Toussaint, Chely Wright, The O’Jays and others. He has in addition released several albums of his own.

Memphis, Tennessee (3:30) 2014 (instr)

CD: Town & Country [Lost Wax Music LWR-1401] ● USA, 2014

Now this is a different approach to the tune, a little groovie, jazzy, soulful. He has also recorded a song titled “Promised Land” in 2011 but that’s not Berry’s.

SON LEWIS (USA)

Andrew Lewis, born 1951 in Patterson, New Jersey. Blues singer, guitarplayer.

Nadine (3:38) 2016 (live)

CD: From Time To Time [Silk City CD-08 0714 00203 8 3] ● USA, 2017

LEYVA (Mexico)

Omar Christopher Navarrete Leyva, born in 1980. He’s a singer, musician, songwriter, promoter. Has been active since 1998 and has been very productive on album releases, and also been part of numerous groups.

Carol [as “Oh Carol”] ( : ) 2012
Johnny B. Goode (2:43) 2012

CD: Savage Young & Wild 1957 [Blindspot Records 1957] ● Mexico, 2012

At the very end of Johnny B. they have inserted an original short comment from Alan Freed about rock’n’roll.

LIVE (Sweden)

Group comprising Kenneth Lundman, Mats Lundberg, Mikael Andersson, Peter Eliasson and Stefan Forsell. It was a one-off pseudo-educational project only known for one album release.

Around And Around ( : ) 1986 (live)

LP: Live [Caprice Records CAP-133] ● Sweden, 1986

The songs contained range from Berry and Beatles to Uriah Heep, Scott McKenzie, The Clash, John Lee Hooker, Sex Pistols, U 2, Martha & The Vandellas, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Sweet.

LMT CONNECTION (Canada)

Funk-rock group from Niagara Falls, Ontario. Leroy Emmanuel (vocals, guitar), John Irvine (bass, vocals), Mark Rogers (drums). They have played together for 30 years, recorded six albums and done over 6500 shows (!) which includes Europe and China.

Johnny B. Goode (5:17) 1997 (live)

CD: Outta Control [Impression Records IMP-2000] ● Canada, 2000

Recorded live 1997 at the Castle Rock in Niagara Falls. Released on Bandcamp 30 September 2020.

LOS ALVAREZ DEL NORTE (USA)

This is a family pop/folk band which plays various instruments and sings: Fred Alvarez, Maria, William, Daniel, Maggie, managed by Lauren, plus four background vocals.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (3:21) 2012

Digital album: New Mexico Snow [Self-released ] ● USA, 2013

A little bit different than others, more laid-back. You can listen to it on Bandcamp. Fred Alvarez wrote most of the 20 tracks on the album.

LOS GATILLOS (Switzerland)

Trio from Geneva playing modern electric blues and rhythm & blues.

Down Bound Train (2:37) 2018

CD / LP: Fred Raspail-Pierre Omer-Monney B Sont [Bonfeeling Records BF-005] ● France, 2018

Except for two covers, they do original songs. The Berry cover is very similar to Berry’s own musically but Los Gatillos arranged it a little boring.

LEE LYNCH (Ireland)

Liam Lynch was born in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway. He moved to London in 1956 and has lived in England since then. He had his first single released on Decca in 1966. He’s been singing, recording and performing up to the early ‘90s when he retired due to heart problems.

Promised Land ( : ) 1979

LP: Here I Go Again [Blue Angel Records FLIP NO.1] ● UK, 1979

Posted by Morten Reff in CBID Updates at 14:43 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

Monday, February 19. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 4

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We still continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here.

On Bandcamp there are many versions of “Johnny B. Goode”, “You Never Can Tell” and “Run Rudolph Run” it will make you dizzy. However, I have listened to them “all” and have been very selective of the ones I decided to include in this Berry covers survey. There’s a limit of what to use. The artist/group should have a decent collection of music or albums. The sound quality must be up to a certain standard, which sometimes it’s not, and the performance must also be up to standard.

NIC ARMSTRONG (& The Thieves) (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1047 for biographical info.
However, I didn’t know the whole story back then. He started as just Nic Armstrong and the album below is first of all just him on most instruments. However, in 2005 when the album below was reissued under the moniker Nic Armstrong & The Thieves, it was to illustrate that he had a full band sound on stage. And I didn’t know about the EP from 2004.

I Want To Be Your Driver (2:14) 2004

45 / CD: Broken Mouth Blues EP [One Little Indian Records 397TP7 (CD)] ● UK, 2004

4 tracks. Except for the Berry cover the three others were written by Armstrong.

CD Enhanced: The Greatest White Liar [One Little Indian Records TPLP-347 CDX] ● UK, 2005

Recorded at Toe Rag Studios, London. Produced by Liam Watson.
Now this album came in different packages. The first original album was by Nic Armstrong only. The same goes for the EP. The enhanced album above is a reissue by Nic Armstrong & The Thieves containing a bonus track (the Berry one) and two MPEG videos. The thing is that the US promo album from 2004 included this Berry track but it was left out of the various 2004 releases in Europe, USA and Australia. Strange.

PIERRE ARNAUD (Spain)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Barcelona. He usually sings in Spanish or French and has a repertoire of Chanson Française, Gypsy Jazz, blues, jazz and folk. Here’s what he has to say on bandcamp about the album below:
“This is a special album I've been recording with great musicians, usual gypsy jazz and jazz players located in Barcelona, but most of all good friends of mine”. No names unfortunately, but they sure can play.

You Never Can Tell (4:22) 2017

Digital album: Pierre Arnaud & Los Mercenarios De La Barbacoa [Self released ] ● Spain, 2017

Released 12 December 2017. You probably have not heard this classic performed quite like this before? His English pronunciation is far from the best, but that’s not the main point here, it’s the music and musicians who are playing. Go to Bandcamp and listen.

ROCKIN’ RAFFI ARTO (France)

From Paris. Singer, pianoplayer. At the time of recording this album below he was only 12 years old (!) He’s into rhythm & blues, boogie woogie, rockabilly, rock’n’roll and pop. Pretty versatile musician at such a young age!

You Never Can Tell (4:23) 2013

CD: Introducing Rockin’ Raffi Arto [Swingin’ Records SRCD-719] ● France, 2013

His playing is far from Johnnie’s. He opens by just playing the melody in a soft way and then starts singing and rockin’. After 3 minutes he stops, pauses, and then plays the song as an instrumental for almost one and a half minute. Pretty unusual but works very well !!!

BALLISTIC CATS (USA)

Rock’n’roll/rockabilly band from California. Matthew White (guitar, backing vocals), Lissy Abraham (lead vocals, bass), Christopher White (drums, keyboards, backing vocals). They have released three full length albums and the EP below.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:17) 2011

Digital EP: Ballistic Cats [BC Self-released ] ● USA, 2011

Released 3 May 2011. I like this in more than one way. First there’s Lissy who’s singing and second they have arranged it a little different from many others. The bass and guitar have a driving sound. Listen on Bandcamp and you’ll see what I mean.

BANG! (Spain)

With such a name you expect a heavy band, but no. It’s a rock’n’roll trio from Murcia, who mostly do covers of ‘50s to’70s rock’n’roll songs.

You Never Can Tell (3:08) 2014

Digital: Dance & Roll [Self-released ] ● Spain, 2014

A little boogie arrangement. They also do a version of “Route 66” in the Stones/Berry way but still do their own interpretation.

Memphis, Tennessee (3:17) 2023
Roll Over Beethoven (3:27) 2023

CD: Rock’N’Roll Shots [Good Old Music no cat no] ● Spain, 2023

Good versions in their own arrangements. They also do a cover of “Surfin’ USA”.

DAVID BECK’S TEJANO WEEKEND (USA)

Cajun country. Singer, songwriter, guitarist from San Marcos, Texas. Musicians on the track below: David Beck (vocals, bass), Tony Browne (guitar), Peter Huysman (keyboards, vocals), Joel Guzman (accordion), Dees Stribling (drums, percussion).

Memphis, Tennessee (2:47) 2019

Digital: Vol. 1 [Self-released ] ● USA, 2019

Recorded by David Beck at the Woodshed Studios. Released September 2019. They have also released a Vol. 2.

CAMERON HONS (Australia)

Indipendent rock musician, singer, songwriter, film-maker, actually a multi-instrumentalist from Sidney. He’s been playing and producing music since 2004. If you check out Bandcamp you will find many albums by him. He also has a merchandise site for CDs, DVDs, T-shirts and more.

Johnny B. Goode (2:43) 2022
Roll Over Beethoven (2:28) 2022

Digital: In My Spare Time [Self-released ] ● Australia, 2022

8 covers like “Sweet Home Chicago”, “Peter Gunn”, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On”, “Green Onions” and others. The two Berry numbers must be characterized as punk-rock. Pretty noisy.

NELSON CARRERA (Portugal)

See DIXIE BOYS

CRACKED COOKIES (France)

Three ladies from Strasbourg who started out in 2016 and perform various styles of music their own way. Jitka Sterbakova (Jessika), Maria Dubus (Claude), Marie Ruby (Ruby). Sometime they remind me of the Andrew Sisters. They sing in pretty harmonies and play guitars, bass, drums, piano, and put on a spectacular show when they perform live.

You Never Can Tell (2:46) 2018

Digital EP: The Cracked Cookies [Self-released ] ● France, 2018

Released 19 October 2018. Very unusual rendition. Go to Bandcamp and listen. You can also check them out on YouTube to get an idea of their performance skills.

MALCOLM CROSS (USA)

Singer, guitarist from Los Angeles, California. He also plays percussion and vibraphone. He has 4 albums on Bandcamp. Bossa Nova (2018), Old time blues (2012) and Beethoven (2010). Pretty versatile fellow. Here’s what he has to say about the EP below:
“Chuck Berry, the Guv'nor. The Beatles and the Stones loved his music; The Beach Boys blatantly stole it - every Rock & Roll guitarist since owes him some kind of debt. So, for my latest guitar student project immersing myself in his deep catalog of songs was a no-brainer; I picked 3 of my faves for this collection and played/recorded all the instrument parts. All Hail Charles Edward Anderson Berry!! ”

I Want To Be Your Driver (2:16) 2013
Johnny B. Goode (2:40) 2013
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (2:14) 2013

Digital EP: Mal Plays Chuck [Self-released ] ● USA, 2013

Released 13 July 2013. Not bad for a young guy to play and release a tribute to the Master in 2013. And he’s got what it takes to get the music right ! Listen on Bandcamp.

DIEGO DANGER (USA)

Rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. Adam Smith (vocals, guitar, drums), Adam Audieheim (keyboards, percussion), Ryan Audieheim (bass) are playing on the album below. However, they are not just a trio, sometimes expanded to both quartet and quintet. They have 12 albums on Bandcamp.

Run Rudolph Run (2:57) 2020

Digital album: Happy Holidaze [Past World Records Self-released] ● USA, 2020

Released 20 December, 2020. They have slowed the tempo down a bit which actually makes it more groovie.

DIXIE BOYS (Portugal)

Rock’n’roll/rockabilly quartet. Formed 1994 in Oporto, very influenced by the ‘50s musical icons.

Thirty Days (2:50) 2011 as Nelson Carrera & The Dixie Boys

CD: Boogeyman Boogie [Ragingplanet Records AS/RP-059] ● Portugal, 2011

Nelson Carrera is a singer, songwriter, guitarist. It’s okay but drags a little.

Johnny B. Goode (3:25) 2013

CD: 50’s Special [Ragingplanet Records AS/RP-138] ● Portugal, 2013

They have a goode sound here but the singer’s English pronunciation is not the best.

DANIEL DONATO’S COSMIC COUNTRY (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Nashville, Tennessee. His band: Nathan Aronowitz (keyboards, vocals), Will McGee (bass, vocals), Noah Miller (drums, percussion). In 2022 they played over 200 shows!!!
His Bandcamp site is actually filled with various live concerts, you’ll be amazed. It seems he’s recorded everything and everytime. And you will find his music on all the sites, like Spotify. Amazon, Apple, iTunes, YouTube and you name it.

Johnny B. Goode (4:46) 2023 (live)

Digital: 10/15/2023 Pittsburg, PA – Club Café [Self-released ] ● USA, 2023

Released 30 October 2023. Rock version with a little country flavour, but they could have skipped the organ.

SAM EMPASIS (USA)

Bay area (California) folk punk artist.

Johnny B, Goode (2:36) 2022

CD: The Kidd Returns [Shallow Dive Records SDR-016] ● USA, 2022

Recorded, produced, mixed and mastered by Rip Florence at SubRosa in Santa Cruz, California. Now this is bizarre. You hear a guitar, harmonica and a voice singtalking the lyrics.

42 DECIBEL (Argentina)

Rock band from Buenos Aires. Junior Figueroa (vocals, lead guitar), Billy Bob (rhythm & slide guitar), Matt Fraga (bass), Nicko Cambiasso (drums). There are CD albums on Discogs and digitals on Bandcamp.

Johnny B. Goode (4:44) 2015 (live)

CD & Digital: Rude, Live And Fast [42D Self-released ] ● Argentina, 2016

Released 1 January 2016. Recorded at The Roxy Live in Buenos Aires on 13 November 2015. Only sold at their gigs.
In case of need you can also watch the complete show at YouTube.

GEORGE GEE SWING ORCHESTRA (USA)

Bandleader from New York City. He’s been around for more than three decades. Has released several albums in the jazz field.

Run Rudolph Run (4:35) 1995

Digital single: Run Rudolph Run [Self-released ] ● USA, 1996

Released 1 January 1996. Yes, it swings! Unissued holiday favorite featuring vocals by guest guitarist Nick Palumbo.

GRAN THIEF (USA)

Five piece stringband group from Boston, Massachusetts. Patrick Mulroy (vocals, guitar), Tom Farrell (resonator guitar, vocals), Zach Meyer (mandolin, vocals), Alex Barstow (5-string violin, vocals), Mike Harmon (bass, percussion, vocals).

You Never Can Tell (4:31) 2019 (live)

Digital album: Bake Sale! [Plow Man Records ] ● USA, 2021

Released 1 October 2021. Sounds okay but the studio version below is a little better. 18 tracks recorded live by festival archivist Ray Potter at the 2019 Podunk Bluegrass Festival. Mixing by Mark Fitzgerald and Todd Hitchinson of Rosewood Sound. This record is available exclusively through Bandcamp and the band's own website.

You Never Can Tell (4:07) 2022

Digital album: Ain’t Hangover Yet [Plow Man Records ] ● USA, 2022

Very country influenced and without any drums, still a good version.

GUITAR MAC & HIS BLUES EXPRESS (USA)

Singer, songwriter, guitarist from Sacramento, California. He has over 20 albums available on Bandcamp. I actually met this guy in 1984 in San Francisco and saw him play. He’s a real good blues performer as you’ll see if you check out his catalog. And a very humble and nice guy.

Johnny B. Goode (4:17) 1982 (live)

CD/Digital album: Keymaster @ Work / California State Fair [Mac Sound ] ● USA, 2021

A goode version with much energy.

DOMINIC HALPIN & The Honey B’s (UK)

Pop/rock/country singer, songwriter from Manchester. On his own site he has 13 albums for downloading and on Bandcamp, iTunes or Spotify.

You Never Can Tell (3:01) 2016

Digital album: Slick [Self-released ] ● UK, 2016

Released July 2016. Pretty standard rendition but with saxophone instead of piano.

HAND OF DOOM (Germany)

Heavy rock group from Bad Hersfeld.

Johnny B. Goode (3:08) 1979

2-CD: Poisenoise [Shadow Kingdom Records SKR-014DCD] ● USA, 2009
2-LP: Poisenoise [High Roller Records HRR-075] ● Germany, 2009

Reissue of the single original album from 1979 with extra tracks, including the Berry number.

HIDEAWAYS (USA)

Blues-rock band from East Northport, New York. Chris James (vocals, guitar, organ), Scotty McCiche (harp, vocals), Sean O’Neill (bass), and the late ‘Boom Boom’ Johnson (drums).

Bye Bye Johnny (2:56) 2006

CD: The Lost Tapes Vol.1 [Mind Smoke Records MSR#600] ● USA, 2020

Hey, this is pretty good guys!

You Can’t Catch Me (4:01) 2006

CD: The Lost Tapes Vol.2 [Mind Smoke Records ] ● USA, 2021

Also quite good!

HITTILS (Sweden)

Pop and rock group from Blekinge. They seem to be a quartet but could expand to more members.

Come On ( : ) 1996

Live On The Radio [Headphone Records HRCD-1963] ● Sweden, 1996

GUIDO HORCKMANS (Belgium)

Actor and singer, born 1942 in Mechelen, died 2015 in Hulst, Netherlands. To many people he’s probably best known for his character as Pastor Walter in the Flemish soap “Familie”.

Johnny B. Goode (1:58) 1998

CD: Graceful [Rainbow R.10107] ● Belgium, 1998

This a tribute album to Elvis. Just so you know. But playing and singing Johnny B. in under 2 minutes is wrong. Either you skip a verse or two or you are playing it too fast.

HOTFOOT GALE (UK)

Rock’n’roll revival quartet, Mike Gale (vocals, piano), Mick Mannion (guitar, vocals), Tony Warren (bass, vocals, lead vocals on Johnny B), Paul Fox (drums, vocals).

Little Queenie ( : ) 1975?

LP: Hotfoot Gale [Box Records BOX-2] ● UK, 1975?

Johnny B. Goode (2:56) 1977

LP: Grease Lightnin’ [Castle Records CALP-032] ● UK, 1977

I feel they are playing it a little too fast and becomes fussy.

DIANE HUBKA & The Sun Canyon Band (USA)

Jazz singer from Los Angeles. So far she’s released some 6 jazz oriented albums.
To quote a little from her web-site regarding the album below: What happens when a world class jazz singer returns to her Appalachian folk roots then meets up with a veteran blues/rock guitarist, who is also a gifted singer-songwriter? L.A. based Diane Hubka & The Sun Canyon Band brings new life to a wide variety of celebrated genres, from Texas swing to delta blues, from lilting ballads to heartland country rock.

You Never Can Tell (3:46) 2023

CD: You Never Can Tell [Self-released no cat no + digital download] ● USA, 2023

Very good and slower in a waltz arrangement, you also get the feeling of cha-cha rhythm. Featuring Albert Lee on guitar.

TRACY HUANG (Taiwan)

Pop singer, born 1951 in Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County. She must be popular because of all the albums released.

You Never Can Tell (Ce’st La Vie) (3:18) 1981

LP: Tracy Goes Country [EMI EMGS-5054] ● Singapore, 1981

This sounds exactly like the Emmylou Harris version (!)

KIKE JAMBALAYA (Spain)

José Enrique Pulido Losa, born 1966 in Madrid. Singer, songwriter, pianist in the rock’n’roll, boogie woogie genre, Jerry Lee style.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:58) 2017

CD: Rock ‘N’ Roll, Brother! [Snap!! Records FUNCD-037] ● Spain, 2017

DAWSON JAMES (USA)

Country singer, guitarist from Sedalia, Colorado.

Johnny B. Goode (3:22) 2011

CD: Plaid Shirt Livin’ [Double Dice Records DDR-004] ● USA, 2011

Recorded at Side 3 Studios in Denver, Colorado. Produced by Dawson James. Nothing new under the sun…

JD & DYNAMITE (UK)

Rockabilly trio.

Promised Land (3:28) 2018

CD: JD & Dynamite [Foot Tapping Records FT-179] ● UK, 2018

Okay rockin’ version with a little country feeling.

JIMMY JEMAIN - THE RAPIERS (UK)

Pop/rock quintet: Jimmy Jemain (vocals), Colin Pryce-Jones (lead guitar), Neal Ainsby (rhythm guitar), Nathan J. Hulse (bass), John Tuck (drums). The four musicians = The Rapiers from London, who themselves have albums and several EPs/singles out since the mid ‘80s.

Thirty Days [as “Forty Days”] ( : ) 2014

CD: A Tribute To Cliff Richard And The Shadows [InBeat Records IB-1401 CD] ● UK, 2014

Just for the record, I haven’t heard this but I assume it sounds like Cliff’s.

JERRY And JO’ANNE (Canada)

Jerry Robitaille and Jo’Anne Moreault. Country duo from Lennoxville, Québec. Their first album came in 1971. They sing in both English and French.

Johnny B. Goode ( : ) 1972

LP: Down Home [London Records EBX.4171] ● Canada, 1972

With the Cajun Country Gentlemen Orchestra.

JETT PUPPY (Canada)

Rock’n’roll group from Toronto. Edward Greer (vocals, guitar), Brent Welbourn (guitar, vocals), Jon McSpadden (piano, vocals), Miss Mary (bass, vocals), Fraser Kolvasky (drums, vocals).

Almost Grown (2:12) 2023

Digital: Almost Live [EP 1] ● Canada, 2023

Recorded at York University. 7 tracks including bonus. Released August 2023.

JOHN THE REVELATOR (Netherlands)

Blues rock band, formed in 1968 by Tom Huissen.

Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:24) 1998

CD: Seven (Blue) Seas [Tamalone Records 281198] ● Netherlands, 1999

Unusual version.

Posted by Morten Reff in CBID Updates at 16:15 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

Monday, February 5. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 3

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here.

When you read about the New Berry Covers you will probably have noticed that I now often refer to a site called Bandcamp. Here thousands of musicians, artists and groups can display their music for downloading/buying. You can listen to everything in its entirely. I have used this a lot lately to find new Berry covers for the blog. Of course I have to be selective of what to include. Not everything is up to standard and some might not have the best quality to be in our survey.

There’s a punk-rock band called Dogs from Michigan, USA who in 2012 recorded a tune titled “You Can’t Catch Me” (CD: Hypersensitive Detroit Records PX-1084) which is NOT the Berry song.

I found a hip-hop band on Bandcamp that called themselves Johnny B. Goode. They released songs in 2015 and an album in 2016. But nothing to do with Berry’s music (!)

AND there’s a band from Colombia who in 2020 called themselves Johnny B. Goode Band. But again the music has nothing to do with Berry’s.

ANTHONY ARYA (USA)

Rock singer, songwriter, guitarist from Santa Cruz, California. He has several albums (many live) on Bandcamp. The band on the album below featuring: Arya (vocals, guitar), Kylan DeGhetaldi (piano), Everett Moody (saxophone), Mike Meagher (bass), Ezra Hapner (drums), and Liv Johansen (guest vocals). Arya is a very popular artist in the Bay area with several concert dates during Spring 2024. He has also a physical CD store for some of his albums.

Run Rudolph Run (3:25) 2019 (live)

Digital: Home For The Holidays [AA Self released ] ● USA, 2020

Released November 2020. Produced and mixed by Kenny Schick. The following info is from his Bandcamp site:
This 22-song album is a collection of holiday tunes recorded live at Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz, CA on December 7, 2019. From Elvis to Chuck Berry to Nat King Cole, Anthony and his full band bring you the standards, the rockers, and new arrangements to classics.

BLACK CATS NYC (USA)

Hard rock band from New York City. Andrew Giordano (vocals, rhythm guitar), Fransesco D’Ambrosio (lead guitar, backing vocals), Stan Esposito II (bass, backing vocals), Jason Reddish (drums, percussion, backing vocals).

Run Rudolph Run (3:25) 2021

Digital: Run Rudolph Run [BTB International Records BTB-5001] ● USA, 2021

Released early December 2021. This is written on their Bandcamp website: “Run Rudolph Run” is the ultimate rock n' roll Christmas song and Chuck Berry is the ultimate rock n' roll performer! This song has it all; Santa, Rudolph, electric guitars, baby dolls, sabrejets, and of course that ol' Chuck Berry smile and flair.

MARC BOLAN & T. REX (UK)

See Volume 4, page 1909 under T. Rex for biographical info.

Sweet Little Rock And Roller (4:13) 1977 (live)

CD: Need TV (Vol.4) – The Supersonic Years [Bolan Boogie TVCD-7577] ● UK, 1990

TV performance 29 March 1977. Musically nothing to brag about. All tracks digitally remastered.

CANVAS (USA)

Producer, DJ, musician, artist from Chicago, Illinois. He has several entries on his Bandcamp site.

Run Rudolph Run (2:24) 2023

Digital: Trappy Xmas [Self released ] ● USA, 2023

Released December 2023. The reason for including this is the hip-hop arrangement, which is a rare treat for a Berry cover.

CHEECK (USA)

Rock trio: Clark Cothern, Erik Hanson, Emmett Kane from Chicago, Illinois.

Run Rudolph Run (3:51) 2020

Digital: Run Rudolph Run [Self released ] ● USA, 2020

Released December 2020. Almost 4 minutes with Rudolph is well worth to include. And the sleigh-ride is rockin’ real goode. Recorded and produced by the three guys.

COBRAS (UK)

Beat group: Ian Gane (vocals, guitar), Paul Mitchell (lead guitar), Peter Relton (bass, vocals), John Williams (drums).

Johnny B. Goode (2:37) 1964 (live)
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (1:42) 1963
Too Much Monkey Business (2:37) 1965
(Chuck) Berried (2:44) 1975 (instr) Tribute

CD: The Striking Sound Of The Cobras [Bristol Archive Records ARC-330] ● UK, 2018

This is a compilation album probably of unissued tracks. It’s printed that “Memphis” was recorded in 1962 but that’s wrong as it is clearly based on the Lonnie Mack hit version from 1963. “(Chuck) Berried” is a tribute written by guitarist Paul Mitchell and it sounds like Berry’s Guitar Boogie. There was a Paul Mitchell who was a member of the UK band The Midnights who had one single out on Ember in the mid ‘60s.

BILLIE DRE & THE POOR BOYS (Canada)

Rock trio from Toronto, Ontario. William Dray, Dylan Ryan, Corey Henderson.

Run Rudolph Run (2:40) 2012

Digital: Merry Christmas from… [Self released ] ● USA, 2012

Released December 2012. The guys have this to say on Bandcamp: A song about the raddest reindeer there is. With deepest respect to the original rock and roller Chuck Berry.

FIVE AMERICANS (USA)

Rock/pop band who resided in Dallas, Texas. They had some hits in the ‘60s especially “Western Union” which was a Top Five in 1967.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:21) 1965

CD: Early Americans [BeatRocket BR-143] ● USA, 2006

Previously unissued. Compilation album.

DAN FORAL And The Drifters (USA)

Country singer, guitarist, raised in Columbus, Nebraska.

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1971

LP: Dan Foral And The Drifters [Rene Records R-1122] ● USA, 1971

FOUR VEGAS (Italy)

They are not four but five (!). A rock’n’roll group. Looking at their site they seem to be a live band.

You Never Can Tell ( : ) 2008 (live)?

CD: Viva Four Vegas [Entusiasmo Prod. ENT-1001] ● Italy, 2008

A good selection of covers from the ‘50s to the ‘70s. They also do a cover of “Surfin’ USA”.

FRANKIE & JIMMY (Canada)

Blues-rock. Franc Adamczyk (vocals, guitar) and Jim Fitzgerald (vocals, harmonica). Or as the album cover proclaims: Frankie (slide guitar, porchboard bass, tambourine, background hollering), Jimmy (harmonica, lead hollering, whistling).

Let It Rock (2:29) 2012

LP: Scream The Blues [JJ (self released) 22205 4 1] ● Canada, 2014

Album recorded in 2012 and 2013. A very noisy version, and fast with much harmonica playing by Jimmy.

FRIEL BROTHERS (USA)

A brother duo from Virginia, Skip and Randy Friel, who blend various style of music, folk, country, blues, gospel, rock and jazz.

Run Rudolph Run [as “Run Rudolf Run”] (2:47) 2008

CD: Evergreen Christmas [New Moon Music CD-60831 2 7] ● USA, 2008

The family is probably of German origin since they used Rudolf(?)

CARLINHOS BORBA GATO (Brazil)

Carlos Alberto Borba. Singer, songwriter, musician, producer.

You Never Can Tell (2:43) 2004

CD: Acústico Country [Atração Fonográfica ATR-11258] ● Brazil, 2004

Okay acoustic version, but his English pronunciation is not the best, unfortunately.

GEORGIA PROPHETS (USA)

Rock/soul/funk group from North Carolina. On the album below they are: Billy Scott, Barbara Scott, Tommy Witcher, Bruce Dees, Warren Cowers, Andy Jordan and Tony Pittman.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:38) 1971

LP: Fever [Custom 8 Stereo CRC-77] ● USA, 1971

A good rockin’ version with solid guitar work and bass.

GOMMARD (France)

Rock quintet based in Monstreuil.

Havana Moon (4:05) 2016 (live)

CD: Live In MonStreuil [Self released ] ● France, 2016

Recorded live at L’Armony, music bar in Montreuil, 22 January 2016. Released in September 2016.

LP: Live In MonStreuil [Mauvaise Foi Records MFR] ● France, 2016

Advance release with silk-screened sleeves, 2 series : one of 100 copies, numbered, second one of 50, numbered, otherwise identical.

ANDREW GOLD (USA)

Andrew Maurice Gold, singer, songwriter. Born 1951 in Burbank, California, died 2011 in Los Angeles. His first single and album came in 1975. During his lifetime he had at least 11 albums and several singles to his credit.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:32) 1978

CD: The Late Show – Live 1978 [Omnivore Records OVCD-128] ● USA, 2015

Recorded live 22 april at the final show of the 1978 U.S. tour at the Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood. However, in the liner notes regarding this track it is written: Only hardcore Beatles fans reach this far back. Excuse me?

GRANTS (UK)

Dominic Grant (singer, actor) & Julie Forsyth (singer), members of the ‘70s group Guys ‘N’ Dolls. Formed a country duo in 1986. They have released many albums and a whole lotta singles. Julie is the daughter of actor Bruce Forsyth. Dominic died in 2020, 71 years of age.

You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (3:23) 1998

CD: Let’s Dance [Dino Music DNCD-1601) ● Netherlands, 1998

JOHNNY GREEN’S BLUES COWBOYS (Australia)

Singer and guitarist. Johnny Green's Blues Cowboys performed together for 10 years before they made their first album in 1999. They do blues, rock’n’roll and rockabilly.

Maybellene (2:33) 1999

CD: At Last [Angelwood Records ANG-0198 CD] ● Australia, 1999

GRINDERS (USA)

Punk-rock trio from Rochester, New York. Todd Dentico (vocals, guitar), John Chajka (bass), Ed Lynd (drums).

Beautiful Delilah (2:10) 2004

CD: Where The Wild Things Are [Garage Pop Records GP-21] ● USA, 2004

Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2009

CD: A Grinder Xmas [Garage Pop Records GP-30] ● USA, 2009

Here they are supported by a guest vocalist, Kevin Wilcox.

RICHARD GROSSER (Australia)

Multi-talented musician from Sydney. He’s very versatile in music and has recorded many songs from various styles as you will notice if you go to his Bandcamp site. Pretty amazing.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:06) 2022 (instr)

Digital single: Roll Over Beethoven ● Australia, 2022

When you portrait Chuck’s original Chess label on your Bandcamp site, it’s just right that you are gonna be included here. Released March 2022. Richard on all instruments and effects, My electro instrumental version of Roll Over Beethoven.

LIAM GRUNDY (UK)

Rock’n’roll singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist based in London.

Back In The USA (2:38) 2000s (live)

CD: Houston [Hot Tomale Recordings HOTTOM-02] ● UK, 2015

Part of the album was recorded at the Sun Studio in Memphis, and the Tomale Studio in London. The Berry track was recorded live in Finland with The Avengers Big Roll Band, here Liam also plays the piano.

GUITAR SLINGERS (Ireland)

Psychobilly band from Dublin.

You Can’t Catch Me (2:41) 2010

CD: Six String Bandit [Diablo Records no cat no] ● UK, 2010

No comments. Recorded and mixed at Diablo Studios.

GUNSHOT (France)

Rock’n’Roll, Rockabilly quartet, featuring singer Yannick Dimont. If you go to Bandcamp and search for Gunshot you also get albums by Yannick Dimont and Poulpe Again, featuring several Berry covers. Check them out, however, I think the “best” ones are below.

Promised Land (3:55) 2002

CD: On S’en Mord … Les Dents! [Gunshot GUN-001] ● France, 2002

You get the feeling he’s listened mostly to the Elvis version, however, this runs a little slower.

Maybellene (1:29) 2002
Thirty Days (3:15) 2002

CD: Énervés Par la Colère [Gunshot GUN-002] ● France, 2002

I don’t say I like them but they are surely different.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:41) 2003

CD: Je Danse … Donc Je Suis! [Gunshot GUN-003] ● France, 2003

This is quite different from most others you have heard. Give it a listen on Bandcamp.

You Never Can Tell (4:21) 2004

CD: T’as Country Le Coup? [Gunshot GUN-004] ● France, 2004

Don’t know what to think? It sounds like there’s a wild wedding ceremony going on and much more throughout the song. The timing says 5:18, but after a little over 4:20 there’s only shouting and screaming. Excuse me, but who got this crazy idea?
Giving them justice there’s also another short version on the album “In The Beginning” at 1:45 which sounds normal.
To give you an idea of the influence Berry had on the band here’s all the Berry covers online of the “In The Beginning” album: Brown Eyed Handsome Man / Maybellene / Nadine / Promised Land / Sweet Little Sixteen / Thirty Days / You Never Can Tell. The album is a mix of home and live recordings from around 1998.

HADDRELL & HAVES BAND (UK)

Featuring Bob Haddrell (keyboards, vocals), Geoff Haves (vocals, guitars), Dave Jones (upright bass), Graham Walker (drums ).

It’s My Own Business (2:53) 2018
Wee Wee Hours (3:13) 2018

Digital: Haddrell & Haves Band [Self released ] ● UK, 2018

Released September 2018. 10 blues tracks. Both Berry covers have a boogie beat. Especially for “Wee Wee Hours” which is an unusual treat. Pretty cool arrangements. You can listen at Bandcamp.

HAMILTON LOOMIS (USA)

Rock/blues/soul singer and multi-instrumentalist. Born 1975 In Galveston, Texas. I have found 10 albums by him going back to 1994 and up to the one below, all out on Ham-Bone Records.

Run Rudolph Run (3:58) 2019

CD: This Season [Ham-Bone Records HBR-30686 1] ● USA, 2019

Solid groovie rock version.

CHARLIE HARPER (UK)

David Charles Perez born 1944. Singer and harmonica player. He’s also been involved as a vocalist in the U.K. Subs.

I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] (1:57) 1981 (live)

LP: Stolen Property [Flicknife Records SHARP-100] ● UK, 1981

Recorded at Club 29 Clapham, September 1981.

Monday, January 22. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 2

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few a digital-only, but worth to be listed here.

BELAIRES (USA)

Blues-rock trio from Columbia, Missouri, formed in 1981. David Pruitt, Dick Pruitt and Michael Cherry.

Nadine ( : ) 1991

CD: Dangerous Curves [Borrowed Records BORO CD-01] ● USA, 1991

I’ve seen a You Tube clip of the band performing this Berry classic, clocking in at (4:19).

MIKE BLOCK (USA)

Singer, songwriter, cellist from Boston, Massachusetts. Grammy-Award winning musician. It’s the first cellist entry we have here in this Berry Cover survey. Hail! Hail!

Johnny B. Goode (2:53) 2018

Digital: Final Night At Camp [Bright Shiny Things BSTD-0125] ● USA, 2018

Recorded al Dimension Sound Studios in Jamaica Plain, MA. Released June 2018. You can listen and watch the performance at Bandcamp. The album above is a deluxe edition with three bonus tracks.

Roll Over Beethoven (5:14) 2019

Digital: Walls Of Time [Self released] ● USA, 2019

Recorded at Dimension Sound Studios, Jamaica Plain, MA. Released November 2019. When a guy plays a cello and records “Roll Over Beethoven” for over 5 minutes, you are guaranteed a place in this survey. Really excellent performance. Listen to this at Bandcamp !!!

CHAR-MAN (USA)

Punk band (quartet) from Ojai, California, formed 2003.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:53) 2005

CD: Char-Man [self released] ● USA, 2005

Released October 2005.

LP: Char-Man [Music Sucks Records MSR-001] ● USA, 2016

STEPHEN R. CHENEY (Australia)

Country and folk singer, guitarist.

Johnny B. Goode (1:56) 2012

CD: Hound Doggin’ [self released CDGSL-30009] ● USA, 2012

20 rock’n’roll covers, several from Elvis. As I have said before, when you record a popular song that’s over 30 seconds shorter than the original, something is missing along the way.

CHRISTOFF (Belgium)

Christoff de Bolle. He’s regarded as a pop/schlager singer. Born 1976 in Ninove. Has released a lot of singles and albums since the early ‘90s.

You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (2:50) 2013 feat. Robby Longo

CD: Christoff & Vrienden 2 [ARS 06 0253 74060 6 7] Belgium, 2013

The first and last verse are sung in Dutch and the rest in English (!)

Tuesday, January 16. 2024

The Chuck Berry Vinyl Bootlegs, Vol. 3: America's Hottest Wax

A note on bootleg records first: A bootleg record is a factory-produced vinyl record released and sold without authorization by the artist or owner of the recording. Bootleg records may contain known recordings, but most often bootleg records either contain studio outtakes or live performances. The first bootleg records were seen at the end of the 1960's. During the 1970's and 1980's lots of different bootleg records were produced. In the early 1990's bootleggers changed to use CDs instead of vinyl records. I do not encourage the production and sale of bootleg records as I find that artists, composers, producers, and the rest of the recording industry deserve a financial compensation of their work.

This series of articles is going to describe the Chuck Berry vinyl bootlegs released in the 1970's and 1980's. For any record collector these items are important to know of, even though you don't necessarily need to have them. Omitted from all the usual discographies, information about these records is next to void. Given the secret nature of the bootlegger business there are no exact dates, numbers, or origins. I have tried to collect this information from various sources and mostly from my own collection of records. If you can add anything of worth to the information given here, I'd be glad to know!

This is the third part of this series and it covers another typical kind of bootleg record: a record containing studio outtakes.

Chuck Berry - America's Hottest Wax - Reelin' 001

[This blog post appeared here first in September 2015. Due to the 2023 release of Daniel Nooger's book "Belly of the Beast - Chess Records, the All Platinum Years" we have to add some details which also answer some of the questions the original text left open.]

Besides live concert recordings, the most interesting bootlegs are those which contain studio material not to be found on legal releases. Typically these are outtakes or versions of songs not good enough to be officially published by the record companies. You may wonder how bootleggers can get access to such unreleased material. There are many ways. Sometimes the artists themselves give tapes out of hand, sometimes the housekeeper finds some tape in a paper bin. In this case we know when, how and by whom the previously unreleased tracks were found and combined. We don't know, though, how they got into the hands of bootleggers.

Anyway, this record contains ten Chuck Berry recordings from the 1950's and early 1960's which had not been released before. There were two additional recordings which had been released before but only with fake audience noise. And there were two recordings released by the vocal group The Ecuadors on which Berry's contribution hadn't been known before.

During the mid to end 1970s Dan Nooger worked for All Platinum Records who had bought the Chess archives in August 1975. Dan's job was to search through the old tapes to find, combine, and release new records under the Chess name. He created some interesting releases containing known and unknown recordings from the Blues and Jazz masters Chess had stored.

All Platinum went bankrupt in 1979. The same owners, Sylvia and Joe Robinson, immediately formed a new label, Sugar Hill Records, taking over the Chess archives until they got in a legal dispute with their distributor MCA and lost the rights to the Chess catalogue during the mid 1980s.

The only Chuck Berry record which came out of All Platinum/Sugar Hill was The Great Twenty-Eight (CH-8201, 1982), which contained just the well-known hits. But Dan Nooger had found unreleased Chuck Berry material within the archived master and session tapes.

In his book, Dan tells:

In the course of preparing some future releases, I went through the master book and session tapes looking for unissued tracks by Chuck. There weren’t too many, but as an example, on the December 1955 session which produced “You Can’t Catch Me”” and “No Money Down” I found on the master reel a slow blues, “I’ve Changed”, which was recorded between them. It lay forgotten, with no master number assigned and never pulled out as a filler for one of Chuck’s albums, but it was one of his finest blues performances. More good alternate takes surfaced from some of the later sessions. Berry’s first take performance of “Reelin’ & Rockin’’’ (with some different lyrics from the final version) which was on an undated session reel just labeled “C.B”, inspired Leonard to call out, “This is good just the way it is!” Chuck, ever cool, just responded, “Oh, yeah?”. There were a brace of tracks which were original versions of sides eventually released on the fake “live” album “Chuck Berry on Stage” (minus the dubbed audience noise), and even a master tape by a group called the Equadors, whose “Let Me Sleep Woman” / “Say You’ll Be Mine” featured Chuck on guitar (and although credited to “R. Butler” on the original Argo single, the songs were published by “Chuck Berry Music”). Another session tape just labeled “C.B. – 21” yielded a whole session rundown of an unissued song originally slated as “Vacation Time”; after 10 or so takes the arrangement was changed from straight up rock to a blues format. I labeled them “21” and “21 Blues”. Eventually I pulled together an album’s worth of material.

This master tape Dan collected is obviously the origin of the bootleg we talk about here. It was prepared for an All Platinum release, though never produced.

Three variants of this bootleg exist. One of these is not a bootleg at all.

The first variant had a blank white cover onto which the record name America's Hottest Wax as well as the label name and number Reelin' 001 were rubberstamped by hand.

The labels are completely blank and have a light pink color. The master number as etched into the dead wax reads CE 70/1.
My copy didn't have any other information with it. Morten Reff was so kind and sent me a copy of a sheet of paper which came with his record.

The sheet contains nothing more than the track listing and a few details about each song.
The tracks on this record are as follows (spelling as on the sheet):
Side 1

ROCK & ROLL MUSIC (unr. demo version)
CHILDHOOD SWEETHEART (unr. alt. take)
21 (Vacation Time) (unr.)
LET ME SLEEP WOMAN (Ecuadors)
DO YOU LOVE ME (unr. alt. take)
21 BLUES (Vacation Time) (unr.)
ONE O'CLOCK JUMP (unr.)

Side 2

REELIN' AND ROCKIN' (unr. demo version)
SWEET LITTLE SIXTEEN (unr. alt. take)
BROWN-EYED HANDSOME MAN (without dubbed audience)
SAY YOU'LL BE MINE (Ecuadors)
I'VE CHANGED (unr.)
13 QUESTION METHOD (unr. alt.take)
HOW HIGH THE MOON (without dubbed audience)

Morten Reff dates this bootleg at appr. 1979 and variant 2 (below) at 1980. To me variant 1 looks at least some years older. Label and cover look more like an early 1970's bootleg. However, since Nooger's other Chess releases came out in 1976 onwards, 1977 to 1979 probably is the correct timeframe.

Variant 2 has a fully printed cover, a printed label and liner notes. And it shows more than a dozen previously unreleased photos (also from the Chess archives?).
The front cover tells artist and record name. Also it says "rare and unreleased tracks 1955-1963". The label name is now written as reelin' with a lower-case R.

Next to the photos and track listing the back cover contains a quote from an interview with Keith Richards, printed in the January 1979 issue of Rock&Folk magazine in which the interviewer claims to have listened to a cassette tape containing some of the recordings included.

The cassette tape mentioned originates from Dan Nooger, as he tells in his book:

I copied the material onto a cassette. After I landed at Atlantic Records, I ran off a copy for one of our publicity guys, Art Collins, who was assigned to go out on the road with the Rolling Stones’ 1978 “Some Girls” tour. One day I got a frantic call from Art; he had played the tape for the Stones and he was flying back to New York next day and I was to have maybe seven copies run off for him to bring back for the Stones touring party. He flew in, handed me a “Some Girls” press kit cover autographed by all of the Stones plus Ian Stewart and Ian McLagan (which immediately went straight into a frame and up on my living room wall), and off he went. Art eventually got kicked upstairs as a vice president with Rolling Stones Records. Several months later, I was reading an interview with Keith in Rock & Folk, a French music magazine; the tail end of the story had Keith pulling the cassette from his travel bag and excitedly playing it for the interviewer (“Wait! I want to play you some Chuck Berry, I have unreleased tapes that you’ll love”). What I’d like to know is if Keith ever played it for Chuck during the production of the Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n Roll film, and what Chuck may have thought of it. Keith, if you’re reading this, get in touch…

The January 1979 quote places the publication date of variant 2 to 1979 or later. This is a complete new record from a new master disk. The etching on the dead wax now reads 001-A/B.
It is interesting to note that the printed track listing on the back cover differs in some details from the insert sheet of variant 1. And even more interestingly variant 1 contains the more correct information. Among the errors on variant 2 are the spelling of the Ecuadors and suppressing the previous release of the dubbed tracks.

The same errors were repeated character by character when in 1983 CHESS (UK), at that time a label of PRT Ltd., released CHESS CXMP 2011. Probably due to the huge success of the bootleg, CHESS (UK) decided to release the exact same contents on an official album.
The cover does not tell so. It calls the record just "Chuck Berry" as part of PRT's "CHESS masters" series. However, when you look at the record labels, you'll see the name "America's Hottest Wax" printed.

One has to note that while the official CHESS (UK) release contains the exact same sequence of the tracks, they do not always sound exactly alike. Sometimes the songs on the official release fade later than on the bootleg. This might point to the fact that PRT indeed used the original CHESS tapes for mastering this album. All Platinum/Sugar Hill had good contacts with UK record companies. Phonogram had co-financed the Chess archives purchase, Charly got all their Chuck Berry material from All Platinum, PRT was the new name for Pye Records who originally released Chuck Berry in the UK. Maybe PRT had access to Nooger's original master tape while the two bootlegs result from the cassette copy - we'll never know.

To read the other parts of this series on Chuck Berry vinyl bootlegs, click here:

Posted by Dietmar Rudolph in Chuck Berry Rarities at 15:29 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

Friday, January 12. 2024

Chuck Berry in Fake Stereo

As you know from the long article “Chuck Berry in Stereo” on this blog, all of Berry‘s great hits from the 1950s were recorded and released as pure Mono. No multi-track studio tapes exist nor any two-track stereo releases.
In the second half of the 1960s, with the popularity of Stereo albums and FM radio, Mono records sounded outdated and dull. Record companies trying to re-sell 1950s hits therefore used a trick to create fake stereo versions of recordings originally made and only available in Mono.
The old recordings were “electronically reprocessed for stereo”. Technically the original mono signal was copied to both stereo channels. On one channel the higher tones were enhanced, on the other the lower tones. One channel was delayed a tiny fraction of a second and artificial echo and reverb were used to mask this delay. Unfortunately this distorts the original recording to an amount which makes them sound ugly when compared to the original mono mix.
During the 1970s many re-issues of Berry material contained such fake stereo which is why record collectors omit them to the most part. At least some of the fake stereo releases came with a tiny warning as shown in these cover segments.

Cover details of 1970s fake stereo releases

If you were following the hype around the Beatles’ “new” recording “Now and Then”, you learned that nowadays computers are able to separate John Lennon’s piano playing from his singing based on a source tape where these two blend into each other. The trick is to find notes and frequencies which are typical to a male singer and to find notes and frequencies which are typical to a piano. A human listener can do so easily and tell exactly what is singing and what is piano playing. Computers are not that good.
However, new computer techniques approximate the identification of a song’s parts. The trick is to have a computer analyze thousands or millions of piano recordings and to find patterns which are typical to piano playing. This is pure statistics, technically called machine learning, or for the marketing folks “artificial intelligence”. Given enough training data, you can teach the software to identify piano playing, male or female vocals, drums, guitar, saxes, and so on.
There is free and commercial software available which does a pretty good job at identifying and separating instruments from a recording mix. However, such a result is never perfect. Even a human listener might get fooled, when a talented vocalist mimics a saxophone solo. Certain sounds can be created using different instruments alike such as a bass line played on the lower strings of a guitar. Especially pianos are difficult to identify as they have a very wide range of tones which can sound like a guitar or even like some drum set segments. And of course it is very hard to separate two guitars or two pianos.
If you separate the musical instruments used during the original recording, you can re-use the extracted tracks to combine them with other recordings just like they did with the Beatles song. Or you can re-mix the individual elements at varying intensities and delays to two separate tracks which build the left and right channel of a stereo release.
Hit Parade Records of Canada for some time already uses this re-stereofication method to create fake stereo versions of 1950s hits. A first fake stereo version of a Berry hit (“Sweet Little Sixteen”) appeared in 2020.
In 2023 Hit Parade Records released the CD album “Chuck Berry Stereo: 27 Original Hits” containing 22 of such fake stereo versions. The other five songs are stereo versions originally released on the 1960s Chess albums. “Route 66” is fake stereo, even though a true stereo recording of an alternative take exists.

The CD cover does not mention the artificial nature of the versions. This “fake” aspect is hidden on the last page of the booklet.
So now we can listen to songs such as “Maybellene” or “Johnny B. Goode” in stereo. And just like in the 1970s, these fake stereo versions are much worse than the original releases. For the most part we hear the lead guitar at one end of the stereo range and the cymbals from the drum set at the opposite end. Everything else is more or less in the center with the vocals quite low in the mix. The marketing material shouts that “now you can hear guitar notes come to life that were previously buried in the mono mixes” but this goes with the consequence of other elements now getting buried instead.
As said, given the original mixed material a separation cannot be perfect. Here we hear notes from the same guitar sometimes from the left, sometimes from the center, sometimes even from the complete other side of the room which sounds as if there were more guitars present in the studio as there really were. On the other hand it sounds as if there were only cymbals on the drum kit but no drums at all, a woolly sound on the drums altogether. And especially problematic is the piano, which sounds as if it were moved around the studio during a song’s recording take. In general there is too much echo just like it were with the 1970s fake stereo releases. One positive note, though: What they did really good was the separation of Berry’s lead vocal and the chorus on “Almost Grown”. This sounds as if the vocal group is standing to the side as it probably was originally.
All in all these versions are nothing a collector would want. On the contrary: just as in the 1970s, where the original mono recordings were replaced by the fake “electronic stereo” variants, the same also applies here. As soon as streaming services or re-issuers learn of the existence of these so-called “true” stereo versions, how long will it be before the original mono versions are replaced?
Morten Reff adds: “Just to compare a little. I also bought the new “Chirping Crickets” (the first LP by Buddy Holly And The Crickets from 1958) on Rollercoaster Records in “stereo”, and they did a much better job of it. Clearer and better sound and better stereo effect. Although I must admit that I still go for the original mono versions.”

Posted by Dietmar Rudolph in Chuck Berry Recordings at 12:35 | Add Comment | Contact Webmaster

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The Chuck Berry Collectors Blog

News and discussions to Dietmar Rudolph's "A Collector's Guide to the Music of Chuck Berry"

Sunday, December 22. 2024

Rhythm and Rhyme - Chuck Berry’s poetic heartbeat

Friday, November 1. 2024

CBID - 6034 and counting ...

Friday, July 5. 2024

CBID - 6034 cover versions of Chuck Berry songs

Monday, June 10. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 9

Tuesday, June 4. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 8

Monday, April 22. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 7

Friday, April 12. 2024

Peter O’Neil’s So-Called Disorder

Wednesday, April 10. 2024

The Chuck Berry Sound according to Atomicat

Wednesday, April 3. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 6

Saturday, March 16. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 5

Monday, February 19. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 4

Monday, February 5. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 3

Monday, January 22. 2024

CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 2

Tuesday, January 16. 2024

The Chuck Berry Vinyl Bootlegs, Vol. 3: America's Hottest Wax

Friday, January 12. 2024

Chuck Berry in Fake Stereo

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