CBID Updates - 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: Chapter 14 in Volume 2 describes songs which tribute Chuck Berry in title or lyrics as well as albums dedicated to honor Chuck. Here's one of each.

DIFFERENTS (USA)

Rock trio, Lou Hallwas (vocals, guitar, piano), Gary Stier (vocals, bass), Dan Garrity (drums). They have two albums out, one in 1997 and one in 2018.

Chuck Berry (2:35) (Dan Garrity) 2018

45: Stars/No Stars 007668-8 ● USA, 2018

Recorded at Gravel Road, Chicago, Illinois. Gary Stier does the lead vocals on this tribute which is a little different (yes) as it has not so much Berry beat or guitar but is still rockin’ good.

MIKKA GRYTVIKEN (France)

This French guy, born 1971, (with Scandinavian roots, sounds Norwegian to me) has released a digital tribute album to Chuck for streaming or downloading. 12 tracks:

Carol / Maybellene / Route 66 (!) / Oh What A Thrill / Darlin’ / You Never Can Tell / Sweet Little Sixteen / It Don’t Take But A Few Minutes / Little Queenie / Johnny B. Goode / School Day

It was released 23 September 2021. He says that it is his favourite songs. It’s very interesting to notice that he has picked a song, “Darlin’”, from Chuck’s very last studio album, “Chuck” 2017. Mikka is doing the vocals and playing all the instruments, guitars, bass and drums. According to himself he’s a pop, rock, blues, jazz and soul music singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer. His English pronunceation is not perfect but he has a goode feeling for the music.
(Thanks to Ari Niskanen of Finland who sent me the link: https://mikkagrytviken.net/)

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: Chapter 5 in Volume 2 presents not-for-sale vinyl and CD albums produced by radio stations for broadcast, chapter 7 in Volume 2 looks at movies containing Chuck Berry in person or Chuck Berry music in their soundtrack. Here are additions to each:

CHUCK BERRY ON THE RADIO
Concept Albums

SOUNDS OF SOLID GOLD (VOLUME 3) - Going Back In Time

LP: United States Marine Corps, Programs 10/11 ● USA, 1970s

Rock And Roll Music

Four tracks on each side. Side One (program 10) focuses on the year 1957, with music by Bill Justis (“Raunchy”), Pat Boone (“April Love”), Berry, and Jimmie Rodgers (“Honeycomb”). Side Two (Program 11) covers 1966 and includes The Toys (“Attack”), The Association (“Cherish”), The Temptations (“Get Ready”), and Neil Diamond (“Solitary Man”). Interesting selection with combining Justis, Boone, Rodgers and Berry.

CHUCK BERRY IN THE MOVIES
Soundtracks featuring Chuck Berry recordings

FUGUEUSES
[English title: RUNAWAYS]

AFCL Productions (Colour 95 min.) ● France, 1995

Starring Marie Trintignant, Irene Jacob, Nicole Garcia. Directed by Nadine Trintignant

Berry’s “No Particular Place To Go” is played in the movie. Actually, half of the song including guitar solo is heard very clearly.

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: Besides covering Chuck Berry and Johnnie Johnson, CBID also has chapter 19 containing a session discography as well as record releases by the Berry-inspired US artist Eddy Clearwater. Two releases need to be added thereto:

SESSION WORK and GUEST APPEARANCES

Shoji Naito

NEW COOL OLD SCHOOL

CD: Ogden Records ORCD-380 ● USA, 2016

Eddy Clearwater tracks: Big Boss Man w/Gerry Hundt / I’ll Change My Style w/Ariyo / Last Night / Walking By Myself w/Ariyo

Album also featuring Willie Buck, Billy Flynn, Lee Kanehira, Mark Fornek, Katherine Davis, Erwin Heller, Milwaukee Slim, Grant Kessler, Marty Binder.
14 tracks recorded in Chicago June/July 2015, produced by Shoji Naito. Shoji was born in Toyota, Japan and moved to Chicago in 1996. Harmonica and guitar player. Co-produced Eddy Clearwater’s “Soul Funky” CD from 2014.

Shoji Naito

WESTMONT TO CHICAGO – Tribute To Eddy Clearwater

CD: Ogden Records ORCD-382 ● USA, 2020

Sen Sa Shun (instr) – Eddy Clearwater Band / I Need You Baby – Eddy Clearwater / Like The Creeper (instr) – Shoji Naito / Stranded – Eddy Clearwater / A Minor Cha-Cha (instr) – Eddy Clearwater Band / Reconsider Baby – Eddy Clearwater / Eddy’s Midnight Dream (instr) – Lee Kanehira / Find Yourself – Win Noll / Deep Blue Sea Blues – Willie Buck / Don’t Go No Further – Willie Buck / Greyhound Harmonica Jam (instr) – Shoji Naito / You Don’t Have To Go – Eddy Clearwater / Women Be Wise – Ginny Morin / Crossover – Tom Crivellone / Ogden Avenue (instr) – Shoji Naito

Finally we have a tribute album to Eddy Clearwater which is a little unusual since we also get four previously unissued tracks by Eddy himself, recorded back in the Summer of 2015 (see CD “New Cool Old School” above). 15 tracks all staged by guitar and harp player Shoji Naito who also produced the album. The musicians featured are people from Eddy’s original band plus musical friends. (Eddy died 1 June 2018, he was 83.)

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: Berry's influence to modern rock music is not only seen through the vast number of artists covering his compositions. You also find artists who refer to Berry in song names, album titles, or lyrics. Chapter 14 in Volume 2 describes all these tribute songs and albums.

BINTANGS (Netherlands)

See Volume 3, page 1075 for biographical info.

Good Luck Chuck (3:09) 2006

CD: DOC [Who’s Next Records WNR-2006002] ● Netherlands, 2006

Written by Frank Kraaijeveld. He’s the bassplayer and only original member from the line-up back in 1961. As always, Bintangs does a great job of bringing Berry’s feel into their performance. It rocks in a goode way ...

BULDOŽER (Yougoslavia)

Buldožer was a Yugoslav-Slovenian progressive rock band from the 1970s and 1980s.

I Remember Chuck Berry (0:53) 1979 (instr)

LP: Živi Bili Pa Vidjeli [Helidon FLP-05-017] ● Yugoslavia, 1979

Berry guitar riffs all the way in almost 1 minute.

JOSHUA COOK & The Key Of Now (USA)

Joshua Cook from New Orleans, Louisiana, is a singer and guitarist who plays roots music in the form of rock’n’roll, electric blues and rhythm & blues. The two musicians who’s backing him is Tommy Folen on bass and Nick Fishman on drums. Both doing backing vocals.

CD: The Night Chuck Berry Died [Black Dog ] ● USA, 2017 (live)

The album is dedicated to Charles Edward Anderson Berry (Let It Rock). Recorded live at the Peppermint, Reno, Nevada, very probably on 18 March 2017, when Berry died. There are no Berry covers or tribute on this, but there are a couple of soundalikes. The album was released on 30 May, 2017.

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 Christmas time again and so we see new covers of Run Rudolph Run and more.

BLACK SORROWS (Australia)

See Volume 3, pages 1079-1080 for biographical info.

Promised Land (2:31) 1996 (live)

3 CD: Radio Waves [Head Records/Mushroom HEAD-106] ● Australia, 1996

MARCEL BONTEMPI (Germany)

Real name Marcel Sala-Keikel from Kassel. Has been around since the mid ‘90s and in the 2000s released several singles on various labels. In 2015 a CD was released containing many various recordings and demos.

Down Bound Train (3:15) 2020

45: Twi-Lite TL-006 ● 2020, Germany

Very good cover here, and Bontempi plays all the instruments himself. Great picture sleeve front and back, and it even contains a booklet where the lyrics are illustrated by Bontempi. Pretty versatile this guy.

FOO FIGHTERS (USA)

Run Rudolph Run (2:33) 2021

This fast rockin’ studio version was officially released in December 2021 on various streaming platforms. I know I have never done this before but times are changing and this, I’m afraid, will often be the new way of making songs available to the people. Last year in December they did perform it live as part of a special Christmas show for Amazon. Check it out on You Tube.
It brings the question, should we include more streaming versions? Not sure.
However, the following is also available this year:
GREGG MARTINEZ (USA): MacDaddy Christmas - Run Rudolph Run (3:28) – MacDaddy Productions. Available in Flac.

GEORGIA SATELLITES (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1210 for biographical info.

Run Rudolph Run (3:49) 1988 (live)

Various artists CD: Southern Rock Christmas [Cleopatra CLO-0093] ● 2015, USA

NORAH JONES (USA)

She was born in 1979 as Geetali Norah Shankar, in Manhattan, New York and was raised in Dallas, Texas. Known as a jazz- styled singer/pianist. Daughter of legendary sitar player Ravi Shankar. You won’t find much on the Billboard charts, but that doesn’t hide the fact that she received 2 Grammys in 2003 for Song and Record of the Year with “Don’t Know Why”. And again Record of the Year in 2005 with Ray Charles for “Here We Go Again”.

Run Rudolph Run (3:10) 2021

CD: I Dream Of Christmas [Blue Note ] ● USA, 2021

Hey, talk about laidback. Only the lyrics are left. No beat, no riffs, nothing … Jazz/pop arrangement. Pretty amazing that she actually chose to record this rockin’ tune. She probably liked the lyrics. Goode for a Berry.

LADO LESKOVAR (Yugoslavia)

As you might notice on page 1315 I was wondering if he was singing in Serbo-Croat and it turns out he was. The title for this cover was “Memfis Tenesi” (!)

BERNIE MARSDEN (UK)

Bernard John Marsden, British rock guitarist and songwriter, born in 1951. He’s been a professional musician since the early ‘70s. Famous for being a member of Whitesnake, 1978-1982; the song “Here I Go Again” from ’82 has become the bands anthem.

Back In The USA (2:30) 2021

CD: Chess [Conquest Music CD-18092] ● UK, 2021

This is the second issue of Marsden’s Inspirations Series. The first was for the three Kings, Albert, B.B. and Freddie.
On this CD above he pays tribute to his mentors on the Chess label, like Berry, Bo Diddley, Howlin Wolf, Sonny Boy, Elmore James and Muddy Waters.
However, it has always been a mystery to me why English artists decide to sing about the USA in favor of other classic rock’n’roll songs from the Berry songbook. I’m so glad I’m living in the USA sounds a bit silly in the hands of a foreigner, if you ask me.

BILL STAMPER (USA)

Let It Rock (1:50) 1965

45: Loy BS-100 ● USA, 1965 (PS)

Don’t know much here, except that he’s probably a country singer. It doesn’t say anything about where, when or what, but the record pressing plant was called Rite Record Productions Inc. and was located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The version itself is nothing to write home about and sounds pretty boring.

TY TENDER (Austria)

Real name is Fritz Weller. Born in 1943. Rock’n’Roll singer whose been active since the ‘70s. Known as an Elvis impersonator.

Little Queenie (2:58) 1993
Maybellene (2:18) 1993
Memphis, Tennessee (2:28) 1993
No Particular Place To Go (2:22) 1993
Promised Land (2:46) 1993
You Never Can Tell (3:17) 1993

CD: My Rockin’ Way [PG Records (Sounddesign)10 158] ● Germany, 1993

For some strange reason this album has passed me completely by. 17 tracks and six are Berry covers on one CD is pretty unusual. Well, except for “Promised Land” which is done the Presley way and “Memphis” the Rivers way, the rest are pretty ordinary. Good rockin versions although very predictable. He sings well and has a tight band.

Run Rudolph Run (3:49) 2012 w/The Continentals

CD: Rockin’ Christmas [Foxrocks (Mcdp International) FOXCD- ? ] ● Austria, 2012

THREE SOULS IN MY MIND (Mexico)

This rock group was formed in 1968 by Alejandro Lora (lead vocals-bass), Ernesto de Leon (lead guitar) and Carlos Hauptvogel (drums). They were enhanced on some albums by Arturo Labastida (saxophone) and Carlos Martinez (trumpet). They have had many albums released on the Raff label, 13 to be exact, and several “Greatest Hits” and “Best Of…” compilations on various labels.

Betty Jean (3:20) 1978

LP: La Devaluación [Raff RF-9044] ● Mexico, 1978

Reelin’ And Rockin’/ Sweet Little Rock And Roller / Johnny B. Goode / Bye Bye Johnny
(as “Potpurri De Rock”) (6:15) 1982

LP: Viejas Rolas De Rock [Raff RF-9108] ● Mexico, 1982

The lyrics of “Reelin’ And Rockin’” are following the 1973 Berry version. They were surely influenced by Berry. Take a listen to their “Oue Viva El Rock And Roll” from 1974. The song itself is not Berry but wait for the guitar solo !!! It was released on single (Raff RF-5039) and album in 1975 (Raff RF-9019).

STEFAN ULBRICHT (Germany)

Promised Land (2:23) 2020 (instr)

CD: Addicted To Boogie [Piano Reloaded Music] ● Germany, 2020

LUCINDA WILLIAMS (USA)

Born in 1953, Lake Charles, Louisiana. A rock, folk and country music singer/songwriter, who had her commercial breakthrough in 1998 with the Gold album “Car Wheels On A Gravel Road”. Has received several Grammy Awards and has released a string of albums.

Run Rudolph Run (3:41) 2020

LP/CD: Lu’s Jukebox Vol.5 – Have Yourself A Rockin’ Little Christmas [Highway 20 Records H-2011] ● USA, 2021

Lu's Jukebox is a six-volume series of performances recorded live at Ray Kennedy's Room & Board Studio in Nashville, starting in late 2020. Note quite sure if this is really live with an audience or just played live in the studio.

ZACH WILLIAMS (USA)

Christian/gospel rock artist from Jonesboro, Arkansas. Born in 1981.

Run Rudolph Run (2:44) 2021

CD: I Don’t Want Christmas To End [Provident /Sony Music SMV CD7761627] ● USA, 2021

Ten tracks recorded at the Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

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: New Chuck Berry cover versions from well-known and little-known artists and groups including an astonishing number of Maybellenes.

A friend of mine called the other day and said he had a Berry cover that was not in Vol.3: Red Jenkins And The Midnight Cowboys (Sweden). It contained a version of “Promised Land” (2:14), and the album on Shannon Records SMLP-5013 was released in 1983 but recorded in 1971. It took me a while to figure this out as I was sure I had Red Jenkins somewhere. And I did find out. If you look at page 1363 you’ll find Midnight Cowboys which was the original band name when the album was released back in 1971.

CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS (USA)

Blues/R&B/soul quintet, formed in 2007. Fronted by guitarist, trumpeter and vocalist Lech Wierzynski (born in Warsaw, Poland).
Johnny Bones (tenor saxophone, clarinet), Lorenzo Loera (keyboards, melodic), Beau Bradbury (bass, percussion), Ben Malament (drums, washboard, percussion).

You Never Can Tell (4:38) 2021

CD: Covers From The Cave [Tubtone Records ] • USA, March 2021

ALEX CHILTON (USA)

Born 1950 in Memphis. He was a founding member and lead singer of the Box Tops (“The Letter” 1967). Chilton later formed the power-pop band Big Star. By the time the album below was done he was living in New Orleans. He died in 2010 of heart failure.

Maybellene ( : ) 1999 (live)

CD: Boogie Shoes - Live On Beale Street [Omnivore Records OVCD-420 ] • USA, 2021
LP: Boogie Shoes - Live On Beale Street [Omnivore Records OVLP-420 ] • USA, 2021

Previously unissued recording from 1999 at the New Daisy Theater in Memphis. Backed by the High Rhythm Section. The LP was limited to just 100 copies.

DOWNLINERS SECT (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1167 for biographical info.

Rock And Roll Music (2:07) 1964

EP 45: Brite-Lights Big City [Contrast Sound Prod. RBCSP-002] • UK, 2011

Called the lost EP. Due to various circumstances this was not released back in ’64. It was supposed to be a follow up to the “R&B At Nite In Gt. Newport” EP.

Little Queenie (3:12) 1998

CD: Dangerous Ground [Birch MB-23897] • UK, 1998

Don Craine (vocals-rhythm guitars) and Keith Grant (vocals-bass) are supported by Paul Martin on harp / sax and Alan Brooks on drums plus some additional musicians. Grant sings on “Little Queenie”.

DRONGOS (New Zealand)

According to what I have found on the net, they were a quartet from New Zealand who primarily performed in the streets of New York City from 1979-1986. They actually moved to New York in 1978. Jean McAllister (vocals-guitar), Richard Kennedy (vocals-guitar), Tony McMaster (bass), Stanley John Mitchell (drums).

Too Much Monkey Business [as “Monkey Business”] (2:53) 1984 (live)

LP: Small Miracles [Proteus Records PROT-002] • USA, 1985
MC: Small Miracles [Proteus Records M5PROTE-2] • New Zealand, 1985

It was recorded live on the streets of Manhattan, 5 September 1984. Now this is a very goode rockin’ version, rhythm, vocals and guitars.

BILLY FURY (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1205 for biographical info.

Sweet Little Sixteen (2:23) 1969 (live)

CD: Three Saturdays With Billy [Top Sounds TSSCD-009] • UK, 2021
10” LP: Three Saturdays With Billy [Top Sounds TSLP-009] • UK, 2021

Recorded live for BBC Radio 1, broadcast on Saturday Club, 18 January ’69. Previously unissued.

FOGHAT (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1197 for biographical info.

Maybellene ( : ) 2019 (live)

2-CD+DVD: 8 Days On The Road [Foghat Records (Select-O-Hits) ] • USA, 2021

A 50th anniversary celebration concert album (14 tracks) recorded live 17 November 2019 at the Daryl’s House Club in Pawling, New York. The club is owned by Daryl Hall. It features the current line-up led by founding drummer Roger Earl, plus Charlie Huhn (guitar and vocals), Bryan Bassett (guitar) and Rodney O’Quinn (bass).

LES COCHRAN’S (France)

Beat quintet.

Carol (2:18) 1966
Memphis, Tennessee (2:38) 1966

EP: Les Cochran’s [Zaphyr 6002] • France, 2000

Songs copied from an acetate, recorded in 1966. Two Berry songs, one from the Kinks, and one original. On the front cover they are four (quartet) and on the back they are on stage as 5 (quintet). It’s a strange thing that a band name themselves after a certain artist and no songs from that artist appears. It’s about the same with The Rockin’ Berries from the UK. They never recorded any Berry songs, not even a soundalike!

LOVESICK DUO (Italy)

Paolo Roberto Pianezza plays various string instruments and Francesca Alinovi plays upright bass. After six years they have released 4 albums and several singles. They are rooted in the American style of the ‘40s and ‘50s country, rock & roll and western swing. He’s a very good player and she can really slap that bass.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] ( : ) 2017

CD: The New Orleans Session [Lovesick Duo ] • Italy, 2017

Featuring special guest: Chloe Feoranzo

Back In The USA (2:49) 2015
No Particular Place To Go (2:51) 2015

CD: Lovesick Duo [Pianezza LOV-01] • Italy, 2015

It’s kinda amazing that two people can make so much goode sound.

MIRACULOUS MULE (UK)

Rock quartet consisting of Alex Louise Petty, Ian Burns, Michael J. Sheehy, Patrick McCarthy. The album below was their debut. They have released three more since then.

Down Bound Train (5:07) 2011

10” EP: Miraculous Mule [Stag-O-Lee STAG-O 022] • UK, 2011

6 track EP recorded in London.

JAYNIE NORTON And Her Dominators (UK)

A south London rocker who had a 45 vinyl out in 2019. On this debut album she gathered some old rockers from bands like Wild Angels, Matchbox and Rockhouse including Wild Bob Burgos (drums), Dick Callan (guitar), Dave Thorncroft (sax), Ian Sab (piano) and Bob Plumb (upright bass).

Maybellene (2:25) 2021

CD: Rev’d Up & Rockin’ [TCY Records TCY-035] • Switzerland, 2021

But guys, “Maybellene” should only be credited to Berry, not the addition of Alan Freed and Russ Fratto. That’s ancient history.

ROLLING STONES (UK)

See volume 3, pages 1475-1477 for biographical info.

There’s a new 6-CD set out on Laser Media, “The Broadcast Archives – Rolling Stones Box” LM-5608 (UK), containing 89 various live recordings with the band, from radio broadcasts, 1965-1988. A lot of Berry covers here (14 to be exact) and several soundalikes but there’s no info on the set, and I will not use time and effort to try and find out what’s new or previously released and where, what or when. The sound is also a bit irritating bad on some cuts. So why bother. Just for die-hard Rolling Stones fans, and me because I bought a copy (!)

RULLATOR BOOGIE BAND (Norway)

Blues/Rhythm & Blues sextet from Drøbak. They usually perform cover versions but also include original songs. On the 12 track CD below they have two originals.

Carol (3:19) 2019 (live)

CD: Live Fra Rommen Scene [Rullator Boogie Band, no cat.#] • Norway, 2020

Recorded live 30 October 2019 at Rommen Scene, Groruddalen, Oslo, Norway. A good rockin’ version.

TOMMY STEELE (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1532 for biographical info. However, on 10 October 2020 he was knighted so he’s now Sir Tommy Steele. It was about time.

Maybellene (3:02) 1959 (live) (previously unissued)

3-CD: Hits And Rarities [Acrobat Music ACTRCD-9108] • UK, May 2021

BBC Radio “The Tommy Steele Show” broadcast 14 November 1959. Don’t know what to say except it was a big disappointment. Apart from making up his own lyrics and shouting, he’s just singing the refrain a few times while the orchestra is blowing away! The CD set itself is interesting containing a lot of rare and unissued stuff.

KENT WENNMAN ROCKABILLY QUARTET (Sweden)

Kent Wennman (vocals-guitar), Ulf Holmberg (lead guitar), Stefan Persson (bass), Per-Åke Persson (drums), plus add Nicke Widén (steel guitar).

Maybellene (2:01) 2019

CD: Guitar Man & Other Great Rockabilly Tracks Associated With The King Vol. 2 [Kattguld CD 024] • Sweden, 2019

6 tracks. Not quite sure if I should laugh or cry? Do they really mean that “Maybellene” is associated with Elvis? They do a very decent cover though.

CD: Good Rocking Tonight And Other Louisiana Hayride Live Performances Associated With The King [Kattguld CD 025] • Sweden, 2021

9 tracks. All the tracks are songs that Elvis performed on the Louisiana Hayride one time or another. Some he did record and others he didn’t. I mean, hey, “Tweedle Dee” = Elvis? Give me a break, and the Lavern Baker classic is performed country. The guys are pretty good musicians and have the rockabilly feeling for sure. But the album titles are pretty irritating.

JERRY WILLIAMS (Sweden)

See Volume 3, page 1607 for biographical info. Except that the man died in March 2018. He was 75.

Down Bound Train (2:58) 2006
Too Much Monkey Business (2:44) 2006

CD: Waterfront Studio Sessions [Universal Music AB 050257757369] • Sweden, 2019
LP: Waterfront Studio Sessions [Universal Music AB 050257757138] • Sweden, 2019

“Down Bound Train” is actually very good, but “…Monkey Business” is a cover of the Elvis version and that was a disappointment.

Down Bound Train (3:35) 2015

CD: Ghost Rider [Universal Music AB 060254730493] • Sweden, 2015
LP: Ghost Rider [Universal Music AB 060254731847] • Sweden, 2015

Now this is strange in two ways, first too much music/noise and second the whole album is so far from what I have ever heard from Mr. Williams. The whole concept of the album is quite dark which reflects the music and arrangements.

Almost Grown (2:47) 2016 (live)
You Never Can Tell (3:43) 2016 (live)

2-CD set: Man Måste Få Lira [Universal Music AB 060255717019] • Sweden, 2017

It was recorded live at the Scalateatern, Stockholm 29 April 2016. A typical Jerry show! He has a great band, great singers, and he gives it all during almost 2 hours. He also has a habit of talking between some songs and when Jerry starts talking nothing can stop(?) him. He also had something to say about “Chucken” (as he called him) before “Almost Grown”...

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: 40 more Chuck Berry covers from 27 artists and groups, including several versions of Run Rudolph Run.

Hey listen, you will be amazed of how many covers of Run Rudolph Run there are on YouTube. (Many just for digital downloading.) The latest being by a Norwegian group of 14 young blues musicians called Little Steven’s Blues School 2020 provided by none other than Little Steven (Bruce Springsteen) who has taken a deep interest of blues music in Norway. We’re talking 4 girl vocals, 2 guitars, piano, organ, 2 saxophones, 2 trompets, bass and drums. Recorded at Juke Joint Studio at Notodden, Norway. Produced by Morten Omlid and Jostein Forsberg. And all captured on video by Kristian Sundsvalen. Check it out.
And on 16 December 2020 Foo Fighters performed “Run Rudolph Run” live on Amazon Music Holiday Plays special. You’ll find it on YouTube and as a digital download exclusively through Amazon Music.

BEATLES (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1064 for biographical info.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:10) 1963 (live)

LP: Live At The Liverpool Empire 7th December 1963 [Rhythm & Blues Records R&B-67] • UK, 2020

Except for the irritating screaming and noise from the audience it’s an okay version, the Beatles way. Side B feature live performances from other venues.

BLUEJAYS (UK)

Said to be the UK’s premier vintage rock’n’roll band. Main members are Oliver Seymour (lead vocals-guitar), Matt Wycliffe (keys), Chris Reid (bass-vocals), Dan Graham (drums-vocals).
“Their high-octane performance will shake, rattle and roll your event with hit after hit. The band are available as a four, five or eight piece.” This will give you an idea of what to expect.

Around And Around (2:09) 2018 (live)

CD: On The Air With The Bluejays [Bluejays] • UK, 2018

A collection of 11 live recordings from various BBC Radio sessions to promote the Rock And Roll Revolution album below. However, the Berry number above is not on the album.

Johnny B. Goode (3:00) 2018

CD: Rock And Roll Revolution [Bluejays] • UK, 2019

Featuring 21 studio recordings of their favourite songs from the touring show.

You Never Can Tell (2:44) 2019

LP: The Bluejays To The Rescue [Bluejays] • UK, 2020

Limited edition (500 copies) on 180gm vinyl and deluxe gatefold cover. 15 of the Bluejays recordings for the first time on vinyl. Including 5 previously unreleased tracks like the Berry one.

CHEAP TRICK (USA)

Rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. Consists of vocalist Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen (guitar), Tom Peterson (bass), Bun E. Carlos and later Daxx Nielsen (drums). Their biggest hits were “I Want You To Want Me” in 1979 and “The Flame” in 1988. On the Xmas album below they have a lot of additional musicians participating throughout.

Run Rudolph Run (3:59) 2017

CD: Christmas Christmas [Big Machine Records BMRCT-0275A] • USA, 2017
LP: Christmas Christmas [Big Machine Records BMRCT-0275D] • USA, 2017

Although I like the guitar here the song becomes pretty heavy and annoying.

CLARKSDALE BROS. (Switzerland)

A folk/blues group founded in 2003 in Bern. Rick Steiger (vocals-r.guitar), Jürg Heiniger (lead guitar), Marc Herrmann (doublebass). They may perform as a duo, trio or quartet, acoustic set or electric set. Named after the famous town Clarksdale in Mississippi.

You Never Can Tell [as “Never Can Tell”] (3:04) 2012

CD: Studio Live Adventures [Self-released ] • Switzerland, 2012

Acoustic versions. Unusual.

Wee Wee Hours (5:30) 2015
You Can’t Catch Me (3:40) 2015

CD: From Rags To Riches [Self-released ] • Switzerland, 2015

Acoustic versions. Very authentic.

ERIK & THE DRAGTONES (USA)

Erik Mielzarek is from Washington D.C. and it seems like he’s kept the band for some 30 years. They play neo rockabilly or in that genre.

Let It Rock (2:33) 2020

EP: Rockabilly Child [Bohemian Amigos ] • USA, 2020

7 inch EP on pink vinyl with three tracks. According to the reviewer in Blue Suede News mag, it’s Rockabilly headbanger music. After listening to the album I fully agree.

SARA EVANS (USA)

Country singer/songwriter, born 1971 in Boonville, Missouri. In 1997 she got three chart hits, but hit it big in 1998 with “No Place That Far” #1. She continued with many hits, both Top Ten and #1s up to 2016. She has a great voice and was voted Female Vocalist by ACM in 2006.

Run Rudolph Run (3:25) 2014

CD: At Christmas [RCA 88750 29722] • USA, 2014

Now this is a great rockin’ version. Evans is not considered as a rockin’ country gal. The project is more like a pop/country album and again it’s interesting to notice the choice of material. The Berry cover really differs from the rest of the tracks. His music always seems like a winner when it comes to pick a rockin’ song.

SAMANTHA FISH (USA)

Born in 1989. Singer/songwriter/guitarist originally from Kansas City, Missouri. She’s a pretty versatile musician in genres like rock, blues, country and funk. She has won several awards, especially in the blues field. Her first album “Live Bait” came in 2009 and 9 more have followed.

Run Rudolph Run (4:51) 2019

45: Rounder Records 1166100825 • USA, 2019

Now this is pretty different, slower and with a little jazz/blues effect. It’s okay but loses a bit of the rock’n’roll feeling.
250 copies pressed and available only from SamanthaFish.com. White vinyl with red splatter.

ANDREAS GABALIER (Austria)

Born near Friesach, Austria in 1984. He’s regarded as a folk singer and has received several awards in that category. His first single came in 2008, and he’s released some 11 albums since 2009, seven of them being Platinum.

Run Rudolph Run (2:40) 2020

CD: A Volks-Rock’n’Roll Christmas [Electrola 06024 ‎3520176] • Germany, 2020
CD: A Volks-Rock’n’Roll Christmas [Electrola/Universal 06024 ‎35206318] • Austria, 2020

The Austrian CD is a limited fanbox with 15 songs, including a embroidered tablecloth, printed candle and a wood star.
He usually sings in German, but this Berry cover is in English and rockin’ okay.

JOHNNY HALLYDAY (France)

See Volume 3, page 1227 for biographical info.

Carol [as ‘O Carole’] (5:08) 2016 (live)
Nadine (4:15) 2016 (live)
Promised Land [as ‘La Terre Promise’] (4:40) 2016 (live)

3-CD: Rester Vivant Tour [Warner 0190295 923631] • France, 2016

Live at Palais 12, Brussels, Belgium, 25 March 2016. 41 tracks. There’s also a 2-CD set (minus “Promised Land”) containing 28 tracks. Actually this album came out in several variants, including also DVD.

HOME FREE (USA)

Acappella quintet consisting of Austin Brown, Rob Lundquist, Adam Rupp, Tim Foust, and Adam Chance, originally formed in 2000 in Mankato, Minnesota. They released their first album ”From The Top” in 2007 on their own label, and in 2014 got a record deal with Columbia and the album “Crazy Life”. Altogether they have 12 albums out. They sound really good and leave the listeners amazed with their vocal skills.

Run Rudolph Run (3:00) 2020

CD: Warmest Winter [Home Free Records 3961] • USA, 2020

Here they use a few instruments which was a disappointment to me.

LEVI KREIS (USA)

Singer and a Tony Award winning actor from Oliver Springs, Tennessee. Born 1973. His debut album “One Of The Ones” was released in 2005. He portraited Jerry Lee Lewis in Broadway’s “Million Dollar Quartet“ for which he received a Tony in 2010. He can look back at some 10 albums including his latest being “Bad Habit” in 2020.

Run Rudolph Run (2:38) 2018

CD: Home For The Holidays [Vision 9 Records ] • USA, 2018

A pretty standard rockin’ version.

LA SETTA (Italy)

Very authentic quartet, sounding just like the ‘60s.

Carol ( : ) 1992
Oh Baby Doll ( : ) 1992
Our Little Rendezvous ( : ) 1992

LP: 1965, Ramazzini Street [Dischi Impero/Contempo Records DI-102] • Italy, 1992

They are also covering “Don’t You Lie To Me” but since this is not a Berry song in the first place it’s not counted for.

Around And Around (2:59) 1993

LP: Hey! [Destination X Records DSX-33010] • Italy, 1993

They also do covers of “Route 66” and “Don’t You Lie To Me” (blues version).

You Can’t Catch Me (3:13) 1993

CD: Torture [Contempo Records CD-014] • 1993

LATERAL BLUE (USA)

A Nashville based string quartet, consisting of two guys, Caleb Edwards (mandolin), Kyle Lee (banjo) and two girls, Kori Caswell (bass), Laura Epling (fiddle), and it seems that they all sing.

Run Rudolph Run (3:27) 2019

CD: This Christmas [Green Hill Productions 562142] • USA, 2019

As the cover proclaims, A Progressive Bluegrass Holiday Collection. 15 mostly well known Christmas songs done in a traditional Bluegrass style. Again I find it interesting that they include this Berry classic among the other standard Yuletide songs.

SCOOTER LEE (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1312 for a cover of “You Never Can Tell” from 2005.
And!!! I beg you to excuse me for the very short and unfortunate comment on page 1312.
Line-dance queen (sounds better). She was born in 1957 and raised in the bayou’s of Lousiana, New Orleans that is. She’s been performing since 1971, so she’s been around for a while(!) And despite that her first album came as late as 1994 she has released over 20 albums. Currently, Scooter Lee lives in Atlanta, Georgia where she owns and operates her international distribution company for audio and video. She also runs a charity organization for better health through dancing for elderly people. “Dancing For The Dream, Inc.” is a non-profit charity.

Tulane (3:04) 2013

CD: Welcome To Scooterville [Scooter Lee/Superline Inc. ] • USA, 2013

Quite a good version.

EDDY MITCHELL (France)

See Volume 3, page 1367 for biographical info.

Medley: Almost Grown [C’est La Vie Mon Chéri] / No Particular Place To Go [Á Credit et en Stéreó] / I’m A Rocker [as “C’est Un Rocker”] (6:30) 2016 (live)

2-CD: Big Band - Palais des Sport 2016 [Polydor 572 315-5] • France, 2016

Recorded 2 December 2016.

I’m A Rocker [as “C’est Un Rocker”] (3:57) 2017 w/ Johnny Hallyday

CD: La Memé Tribu Vol. 1 [Universal 5788976] • France, 2017
LP: La Memé Tribu Vol. 1 [Universal 5788977] • France, 2017

No Particular Place To Go [Á Credit et en Stéreó] (2:48) 2018
Almost Grown [C’est La Vie Mon Chéri] (3:19) 2018

CD: La Memé Tribu Vol. 2 [Universal 7450542] • France, 2018
LP: La Memé Tribu Vol. 2 [Universal 7450573] • France, 2018

LEO MORACCHIOLI (Norway)

A singer and multinstrumentalist based in Oftedal. Born 1978 (Italian father). He is known for his metal covers of famous songs which have gained him over 4 million followers (!) on YouTube as Frogleapstudios. Besides arranging all the songs and playing all instruments (mostly) he also creates videos. The story goes that he has recorded over 400 covers. He also has a band called Frog Leap who did a European tour in the Spring of 2019 which resulted in an album, “Frog Leap Live In Europe”.

Johnny B. Goode (3:52) 2017

Mp3: Leo Metal Covers / Volume 13 [Frog Leap Studio] • Norway, 2017

This should not be here but thinking of how many albums he’s done I think he deserves it.

Run Rudolph Run (Metal Version) (4:03) 2019

Single mp3 [Frog Leap Studio] • Norway, 2019
Mp3: Leo Metal Covers / Volume 22 [Frog Leap Studio] • Norway, 2019

I know this should not be here either, however, I do fancy this version with great guitar work. They call it metal but to me it sounds more like rockin’ punk.

EMILY OSMENT (USA)

Actress, singer, songwriter Emily Jordan Osment was born in 1992. She has starred in numerous TV series and movies.
Nominated for several performances and has won a few. She has released two EPs (2009) and (2019) as Bluebird and one album called “Fight Or Flight” 2010. Plus some nine singles.

Run Rudolph Run (2:14) 2008

CD single: The Bicycle Music Company • USA, 1 January 2009

Recorded late 2008. There are various performances on YouTube where she sings this Berry cover.

KAT PERKINS (USA)

Kathy Joan Perkins, singer, songwriter from Scranton, North Dakota, born 1980. So far she’s released one full album “Kat Perkins” (2015) and four EPs and a few singles. She was also a part of the Voice 6th season in 2014 and reached the semifinale.

Run Rudolph Run (2:55) 2018

CD: A Kat Perkins Christmas III [Kat Perkins Music Inc. ] • USA, 2018

A rockin’ version with a horn section.
It’s interesting to notice that more and more female artists are covering this Berry classic.

ROCKPILE (UK)

See volume 3, page 1471 for biographical info.

Let It Rock / Let’s Talk About Us (6:58) 1980 (live)
Promised Land (3:40) 1980 (live)

CD: Live At Rockpalast [Repertoire REP-5325] • Germany, 2013

Previously unissued. 1 DVD and CD, same tracks. Recorded at Markthalle, Hamburg, West-Germany, 12 January 1980.
Featuring Dave Edmunds (vocals, lead guitar), Billy Bremner (guitar, vocals), Nick Lowe (bass, vocals), Terry Williams (drums).

S-CAPE (Germany)

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Sina Emmerich (born 1969) from Kloster Lehnin (near Berlin). After many years as a guitar player in various rock bands she decided to go solo in 2010 and released her first album “Imagination”. Rock & roll legends like Chuck Berry influenced her style of playing. She also uses the standard rock & roll set up, guitar, bass and drums.

Johnny B. Goode [In a Rock & Roll Medley] (4:58) 2020

CD: Raceday [RecordJet 1002 189REJ] • Germany, 2020

The medley consists of Let’s Have A Party - Blue Suede Shoes - Johnny B. Goode.

WILLIAM SHATNER (Canada)

Born in 1931. Singer and actor. He’s probably best known as Captain James T. Kirk of The USS Starship Enterprise from the science fiction TV series Star Trek and also the TV police series T. J. Hooker in the ‘80s and many others. He’s had several albums out and as late as 2020 he released one titled “The Blues” featuring a.o. Brad Paisley and Sonny Landreth.

Run Rudolph Run (3:13) 2018

CD: Shatner Claus - The Christmas Album [Cleopatra Records CLO-0959] • USA, 2018

It’s also been released as a limited LP variant (same cat.no.) in four different colours, red, green, white and splatter vinyl.
The rockin’ cover is a cross between talking and singing but he’s doing a good job of it. He was around 87 years old when he recorded this. Remarkable. And by the way, I had no idea he had recorded so many albums!

SHOWADDYWADDY (UK)

See volume 3, page 1504 for biographical info.

Bye Bye Johnny (1:05) [in medley with “Move It” (3:14)] 2002

CD: Hey Rock’n’Roll [Ovation Recordings CLAP-001] • UK, 2002

Tulane (2:35) 2006

CD: I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll [Demon Music Group DMGTV-030] • UK, 2006

SARAH SMITH (Canada)

Singer, songwriter born 1978 in Guelph, Ontario and now lives in London, Ontario. She’s a very popular rock artist who was the lead singer of the rock band The Joys but started her solo career in 2012 with the album “Stronger Now”. She’s won several awards in her homeland and play some 300 gigs a year. So far she’s released six albums, including her newest titled “Unveiling” (2019).

Run Rudolph Run (2:38) 2018

CD: A Christmas Wish [Sarah Smith Music ] • USA, 2018

This is a pretty goode hard rockin’ version and I must say doesn’t reflect the image of the CD cover. Most of the songs have a rockin’ beat to them although you get a few slower and kinder approaches.

GEORGE THOROGOOD (USA)

See volume 3, page 1558 for biographical info, and a lot of other Berry covers.

No Particular Place To Go (4:36) 1982 (live)
Reelin’ And Rockin’ (8:16) 1982 (live)

4-LP: Live In Boston, 1982–The Complete Concert [Craft (Rounder) CR00282] • USA, 2020
2-CD: Live In Boston, 1982–The Complete Concert [Craft (Rounder) CR00340] • USA, 2020

Previously unissued. Part of this concert was first out in 2010 on a single Rounder Records CD including “It Wasn’t Me” (see page 1559). So there are actually three Berry covers in the whole set, plus the Berry soundalike “House Of Blue Lights”.
This new edition is remastered and adds 12 previously unreleased tracks.

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: You can add this release to both the DVD and the Cover Versions sections of CBID.

DVD

BROWN EYED HANDSOME MAN
Liberation Hall LIB-4057 • Germany, 2020
(Black & white/Colour 54 minutes + 26 minutes)

Carol – Chuck Berry, “Hail, Hail Rock & Roll” movie 1986 / Maybellene – Chuck Berry, Chess 1955 / Wee Wee Hours – Chuck Berry, Chess 1955 / You Can’t Catch Me – Chuck Berry, “Rock, Rock, Rock” movie 1956 / Around And Around – The Rolling Stones, “The T.A.M.I Show” (“Gather No Moss” UK) 1964 / Roll Over Beethoven – The Beatles, Washington Coliseum concert 1964 / Johnny B. Goode – Jimi Hendrix, “Jimi Plays Berkeley” 1971 / Back In The USA – Linda Ronstadt, “Hail, Hail Rock & Roll” movie 1986 / Nadine – Chuck Berry, “Hail, Hail Rock & Roll” movie 1986 / Sweet Little Sixteen – Chuck Berry, BBC TV show “Sounds For Saturday” 1972 / (Johnny B. Goode – Paul Shaffer & His Band, “Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame” induction 1986) see below / Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry & Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band, “Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame” Grand Opening concert 1995 / Roll Over Beethoven – Jeff Lynn & Electric Light Orchestra, “Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame” induction 2017 / Carol – Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, “Soundstage” 2003 / Brown Eyed Handsome Man – Paul McCartney, “Live at the Cavern Club” 1999 / Let It Rock – Chuck Berry, BBC TV show “Sounds For Saturday” 1972 / Memphis, Tennessee - Chuck Berry, BBC TV show “Sounds For Saturday” 1972

Bonus: 26 minute interview with Chuck from the German TV show “Beat Club, 24 March 1972. (See page 2037 “The Lost Broadcasts” in Vol. 4.)

This could be a bootleg but who cares(?) Good picture and sound quality. This documentary has been transmitted on various TV stations but so far very few have seen it, therefore this DVD is a welcome addition. The best performance is by all means Tom Petty’s version of “Carol” !!! What a drive and what a band. This documentary is more like a musical tribute to Berry than the other documentaries coming out lately. All performances are complete with no interruptions.

Note: The Paul Shaffer performance from the induction in 1986 is not featured although it’s printed on the back cover. I have tried to find it on You Tube but it’s not there either.

When Jeff Lynne starts off with “Roll Over Beethoven” there’s a big screen behind showing a picture of Chuck Berry. This song was ELO’s first hit in the USA in 1973. Also he was inducteed in 2017 not 2016 as printed on the back cover.

I have searched for Liberation Hall (printed on the back cover) to see what turned up and they actually have a website and there seems to be some other releases like The Blasters, The Flamin’ Groovies, Commander Cody and more according to discogs. So maybe it’s not a bootleg after all (?)

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: CBID lists and shows Chuck Berry Vinyl and CD releases from all over the world. Recently I came across a release from a country not listed so far.

CHINA

CLASSIC CHUCK BERRY - The Universal Masters Collection
MCA (Universal) HD-0044 • 1999

Same 20 tracks with some electronic stereo cuts as the 1999 UK (EU) issue MCA (Universal) 112 172-2 (page 216). However, since this is from China there are some differences involved, a separate lyric booklet in Chinese for one and much other Chinese printings. And it also has a cardboard wrapper. Considering what I wrote about this release in ’99, the only interesting thing is that it was actually released in China (Made in China both on cover and label). We’ve never had anything from China before. It says in small printing For Distribution in Mainland China only. Also Shanghai Tendery Music Production Co., LTD.

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: a wild mixture from blues to hard rock — and some more Jerry Lee.

CARBURETORS (Norway)

Hard rock quintet from Oslo who had their first single out in 2002 titled “Burning Rubber”. Edwing Pinilla Gustoff (vocals), Kai Kristiansen (guitar), Stian Krogh (guitar), Gunnar Lund Wang (bass) and Cristopher Lindahl (drums).
However, they all use various nicknames like Eddie Guz, Kai Kidd, Stian K, King O’Men and Chris Nitro. Their music is said to be a mix of Chuck Berry and Motörhead.

Let It Rock (2:31) 2016

45: Steamhammer SPV-269886 • Germany, 2016 (picture sleeve)

Hard rockin’ version. A-side is “Lords Of Thunder” written by the band.

Sweet Little Rock And Roller (2:41) 2018

45: FFR (3) FFR-006 • Norway, 2018 (picture sleeve)

This was a limited edition. Really noisy hard rockin’ version. A-side titled “Hurricane” written by the band.

BOBBY CRAFFORD And The Pacers (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1145 for biographical info.

Wee Wee Hours (2:44) 1961

45: Vaden 45-303 • USA, 1961
Various CD: Hot Rockin’ Music From Arkansas [Stomper Time STCD-32] • UK, 2013

Now this is a rare one. 45cat doesn’t have it and neither do Rockin’ Records but you’ll find it mentioned on the Rockin’ Country Style site . Anyway, it’s a lightweight white blues rendition, but still interesting that someone covered it in 1961 and released it as an A-side. The Fabulous Silver Tones had it as a B-side in 1960 (see page 1180).

JERRY LEE LEWIS (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1317 for biographical info.

Johnny B. Goode / Carol (6:17) 1974

LP: The Knox Phillips Sessions [Saguaro Road Records 30847-Z] • USA, 2014
CD: The Knox Phillips Sessions [Saguaro Road Records 30558-D] • USA, 2014
CD: The Knox Phillips Sessions [Ace CDCHM-1413] • UK, 2014

Previously unissued. It says in the booklet that this was recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis in late ‘70s, however, on-line it says 1973 or ’74 and also 1979. Take your pick, I did. Again it’s annoying that one can’t print when the damn thing was recorded. There must have been a tape-box or something. In 73-74 he was with Mercury. Anyway, the medley is again typical Jerry Lee but the sound is a bit woolen. What’s the matter with the guys mastering sound these days?

Promised Land (2:55) 2014

LP: Rock & Roll Time [Vanguard 78334-1 ] • USA, 2014
CD: Rock & Roll Time [Vanguard 78334-2] • USA, 2014
CD: Rock & Roll Time [Caroline Vanguard 5707833424] • UK, 2014

The sound here is also a little woolen (don’t like the mastering) but the song itself is okay in typical Jerry Lee style. Another Berry cover to fill in on the very long list of Jerry Lee Lewis Sings Chuck Berry. You can also add “Carol” on the Ace CD above.

SWEET SOUL (USA)

California band who plays something described like pop-punk.

Come On (1:45) 2020

EP: Noises Drown [New Morality Zine ] • USA, 2020

Rather a cover of the 1963 Rolling Stones version.

TONY VILAPLANA (Spain)

We still have no biographical info for this artist who was already listed in our July 2019 CBID Update.

Carol ( : ) 1965

EP: Tony [Vergara 299 XC] • Spain, 1965

I haven’t heard this one either. It never stops regarding Berry covers. This one was spotted on eBay on 1 July 2020. Think of all the ones we still don’t know about???

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: a few additions, two corrections, and a big surprise.

A new one to place in the NO CHUCK section.
Cathy Saunders (USA) – (I said) Johnny Be Good (2:05) (Edit 45-00-2002-V) 1962
This is teen pop with a little rockin’ voice. And has absolutely nothing to do with the Berry song. Written by one Triune who also produced the record.

BOOKER T. JONES (USA)

Booker Taliaferro Jones Jr. was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1944. He’s an multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer and arranger. Booker T & The MG’s should be a well known name for lots of people, soul music from the ‘60s. They were the unnamed house band for Stax Records. Along with Steve Cropper and Duck Dunn he did all the Stax hits from Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and so on. “Green Onions” is a classic instrumental hit from 1962 with a really good groove. His first solo album came in 1974.
Because of his studio work with so many artists in the last 60 years he won himself a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. He’s in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, inducted 1992.
It’s also interesting to notice that Booker T. actually sang lead on Santana’s version of “Havana Moon” in 1983 and that he co-produced the entire album.

Havana Moon (4:26) 2019

CD: Note By Note [Edith Street 51182] • USA, 2019

This album is released together with an autobiography titled “Time Is Tight – My Life, Note By Note”. He was on a national tour of concert and book reading events which started in November 2019 and went on through February 2020. On the album he has help from several people both on vocals and various instruments. Booker T. himself is handling the vocals on this Berry number and gets help from his son Teddy on guitar. This is not so different from several other versions and is performed in an okay latin way, all considered.

CONNECTION (USA)

Rock quartet from Rochester, New Hampshire, consisting of Brad Marino (vocals-guitar), Geoff Palmer (lead guitar-vocals), Bobby Davis (bass) and Zack Sprague (drums), plus additional musicians like Kris Rodgers (piano-organ). Again interesting that of 14 tracks 12 are written by Marino and Palmer, one cover by the Rolling Stones “Connection” and the Berry cover, which of course was also covered by the Stones.

Let It Rock (2:12) 2013

CD: Let It Rock [Collectors Club CCR-12] • USA, 2013
LP: Let It Rock [King Yum KY-002] • USA, 2013
LP: Let It Rock [Rumble/Ghost Highway GHR-67] • Spain, 2013

A good rockin’ version with elements of the Stones (naturally).

See also Brad Marino

JERRY GARCIA BAND (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1207 for biographical info.

Let It Rock (8:59) 1989 (live)

2-CD: GarciaLive Volume 13: September 16th, 1989 Poplar Creek Music Theatre [Round Records 40152] • USA, 2020

The 13th installment of an ongoing series of archival concert albums from the Jerry Garcia Band was released on Friday 24 April, featuring a previously unreleased performance the late Grateful Dead frontman's side group gave outside of Chicago that featured a guest appearance by late E Street Band sax player Clarence Clemons.

HATTERFOX (USA)

School Day [School Days] (2:11) 1970s

45: Med-Fly Records MFR-001 • USA, 1970s

This was spotted on eBay March 2020 and the seller wanted over 200 dollars for it so I passed. I wonder, old records aren’t gold anymore but some sellers still think so.
And sorry to say I don’t know anything about this, can’t find it mentioned anywhere. The label is out of Redstone, Al which could mean Alabama. The B-side has a song titled “Coming Down On You” written by Leverett/Leverett, which tells me nothing.
However, I did find another 45 by Hatterfox on Unique Records out of Daytona Beach, Florida titled “Lonely Tonight” also written by Leverett.

BIBER HERRMANN (Germany)

Acoustic folk/blues singer, songwriter. His first two albums (in 1993 & 1999) he released himself. The one below is his third and he also has four more CDs and a couple of guitar workshop DVDs.

You Can’t Catch Me (3:45) 2007

CD: Rainbow Walker [Wonderland Records WR-9043] • Germany, 2007

Pretty unusual acoustic guitar version with nice and easy drums put on to good effect.

SKIP JENSEN (Canada)

Real name Serge Gendron, born in 1967 and raised in Lachine, Montreal. Singer, songwriter, cartoonist. While also performing solo he’s been in various rock bands like Scat Rag Boosters (1996-2004), Stack-O’Lees, The Wrong Doers and Demon’s Claws.

Promised Land (3:56) 2002

EP: Skip Jensen & His Shakin’ Feet [Yakisakana Records SAZAE-010] • France, 2003

3 tracks. Issued with an insert quoting: Recorded at home in my room and bathroom at the end of 2001 and beginning of 2002. Skip Jensen sings, plays guitar, harmonica and his feet do the rest. If you read my comments on the below you’ll get an idea, although this sounds more simple in structure, interesting but pretty boring, sorry to say.

Promised Land (3:57) 2005

CD: Abscond [Delta Pop Music DPM-005] • USA, 2005
LP: Abscond [Demolition Derby NITRO-28] • Belgium, 2005

Strange mid tempo folky version with harmonica (Dylan type). Actually he’s trying to sound a bit like Dylan in his singing too. The beauty of Berry’s original is almost gone.

KAISERS (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1283 for biographical info.

Nadine (2:20) 2018

CD: Ruff ‘N’ Rare [Sound Flat Records SFR-10-005] • Germany, 2018

LIVIN’ BLUES (Netherlands)

Rock/blues band who’s been around since 1967 in various formations. So far they have released some 12 albums, the first coming out in 1969, titled “Hell’s Session”. Also a lot of compilation albums throughout the years. It seems like they are being very popular.

Havana Moon (3:50) 1987

LP: Now [Bounce Records BR-8701] • Netherlands, 1987
CD: Now [DMI Records DMI-201205080] • Netherlands, 2012

Less caribbean and more bluesy version with harmonica.

BRAD MARINO (USA)

Rock singer/songwriter from Rochester, New Hampshire. Founding member of the rock group The Connection who had an album released in 2013 titled “Let It Rock”.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:30) 2019

CD: Extra Credit [RUM BAR Records RUM-042] • USA, 2019
LP: Extra Credit [Ghost Highway Beluga077 GHR-203] • Sweden, 2019

The LP was a limited edition with only 500 copies pressed.

See also Connection

MORRIS FONTANE (USA)

Maybellene [as “Maybelline”] ( : ) 1955

45 EP: EP Records EP 4 Hits EPR-11 • USA, 1955

Various artists performing then current hit records. Budget label out of Brooklyn, New York. Morris Fontane was better known as Morris Fontain who recorded “Juicin’ And Goofin’ ” on Savoy 1139 in 1954. The other two artists featured are The Echoes (2 songs) and Emmet Hobson.

PANIKS (Spain)

Punk/garage rock quartet consisting of José Ramón Rioja (vocals, guitar), Ainoa Astiazaran (guitar), Maribel Ortiz De Urbina (standup bass), Patxi López Monasterio (drums). At least that was the band when they recorded the album below.

Stop And Listen (2:55) 2007

CD: Panik Piknik [Bi Batean Diskak BBD-004] • Spain, 2008
LP: Panik Piknik [El Beasto Recordings EB-033] • Spain, 2008

There’s an extra track on the LP at the end of side B.
Now what a BIG surprise finding this very obscure Berry track being covered in 2007. Never thought anyone would do this although they actually did a decent job of it.

POPA CHUBBY (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1422 for biographical info.
However, there are some justifications and amendments regarding the actual release, see below.

No Money Down (9:59) 2002 (live)

2-CD: Live At FIP [Dixie Frog DFGCD-8550 ] • France, 2003

This is what happens when you don’t have the actual album in hand. The track was recorded live at Radio France (Studio 105), Paris, 12 February 2002. He also does Carl Perkins’ “Matchbox” and the country classic “Jackson” a.o. And it was a 2-CD set and album released in France.

TOMMY C & THE BLACK WIDOW GREASE BAND (USA)

Tommy C has been rocking crowds since 1979. Singer, saxophone player. He’s played on stage with many of the rockn’roll legends and also had a 10 year stretch as a musical director for Chubby Checker. Tommy C is a Detroit native and has been influenced by musical styles from Motown to rock ’n’ roll. A revival band with a Detroit sound from Santa Clarita (California).

Bye Bye Johnny ( : ) 2019
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] ( : ) 2019 (instr)

CD: Hidden Treasures [TCI 0968] • USA, 2019

A Tribute to the Finest Era of American Rock And Roll, so the add tells us. And he and the band are doing concert dates throughout the US during 2020, also Canada.

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: A South Korean record from the 1960s we hadn't seen before.

SOUTH KOREA

CHUCK BERRY’S GREATEST HITS
Seill SL-137 (Tae Do Record Co.) • mid 1960s

This looks very much like the ones from Taiwan. Thin paper jacket, however, it has an open folio sleeve with an art work for a George Jones album on the opposite side. Same tracks as the original US Chess LP.
(There are still records out there that we have never seen or heard of. It’s a strange world.)

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: Some corrections, one answer to a long open question and yet another list of cover versions to be added to the chapter on Chuck Berry covers in Volume 3.

It has come to my attention that “Roll Over Beethoven” from 1964 by the Searchers is not actually this group but rather by Ian & The Zodiacs aka the Koppykats. The German LP referred to in the text on page 1494 seems like a Searchers album and nothing is mentioned that the track in question is actually not by this group. And not just that, six of the songs are by the Searchers and 6 songs by the Koppykats – page 1296 (aka Ian & The Zodiacs). That’s really too much monkey business.
Thanks to Peter Checksfield for this info.

On page 1650 (Vol. 4) Mystery Cover Version. Now finally it seems we have found the answer. A popular Canadian rock band called April Wine was the support act for the Rolling Stones when the Stones played in Toronto, Canada in 1977. Unfortunately I have not been able to find this track “Little Queenie” on the April Wine album “Live At The El Mocambo” (1977). So maybe this single in disguise was a try to see what happened. Very strange though.

On page 1249 John Hill & The Retreads (USA) “Johnny B. Goode” must be erased as you will find the same entry on page 1449 as by The Retreds (USA) which by the way is the correct name. It’s a garage rock version.

ANIMALS (UK)

See Volume 3, pages 1041-42 for biographical info.

Sweet Little Sixteen (3:04) 1966
Wee Wee Hours (3:55) 1965

2-CD set: Broadcasts 1964-1966 [Rhythm & Blues Records RANDB-057] • UK, 2019

I haven’t been able to check if the “Sweet Little Sixteen” track on the LP R&B-13 is the same as the one above on this release. “Wee Wee Hours” is a live recording from a radio session, and again Eric Burdon proves his ability as a singer of great power.

BALLROOM ROCKETS (Germany)

Aka The Rosmaity Brothers, Christoph (guitar) and Fabian (vocals, bass), plus René Lieutenant on drums.

Thirty Days (2:29) 2008

CD: Ready If You’re Willin’ [Rhythm Bomb Records CDRBR-5682] • Germany, 2008

Straight ahead rockabilly version. See also The Rosmaity Brothers.

CLIFF BENNETT & THE REBEL ROUSERS (UK)

The band Rebel Rousers was formed in 1957 by Cliff Bennett. They released singles on the Parlophone label but it was first in 1964 that they got hit singles with a.o. “One Way Love” and 1966 “Got To Get You Into My Life”. The members consisted of a.o. Chas Hodges who would later team up with Dave Peacock as Chas & Dave.

Bye Bye Johnny [as “Johnny B. Goode”] (2:27) 1963 (mono)
Bye Bye Johnny [as “Johnny B. Goode”] (2:27) 1963 (stereo)

4 CD-set: Into Our Lives: The EMI Years 1961-1969 [EMI 50999 6 97388 2] • UK, 2009

Previously unissued. It’s a tough and rockin’ goode version. Strange but it says “Johnny B. Goode” on the album. They couldn’t tell the difference in 2009?

GRATEFUL DEAD (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1218-1220 for biographical info, and Vol. 4 page 2048.
If you look in Vol. 3 of CBID on the above pages you’ll see that there are a huge number of entries by this group.
Especially regarding the Dick’s Picks series. It was organised by Dick Latvala who was the custodian of the Grateful Dead tape vault until his death in 1999. From 2000 it was overseen by David Lemieux until 2005 when the Road Trip series took over and lasted till 2011, and the Dave’s Picks started in 2012.
The thing is that there are almost a Berry song or three on every release and I feel it will take too much space. The Dave’s Picks series have now reached Vol. 32 so you can imagine how many covers we are talking about. I have included a few issues below to give you an idea, and they have also covered “Run Rudolph Run” a couple of times (Christmas you know).

Around And Around (9:10) 1977 (live)
Johnny B. Goode (4:20) 1977 (live)
Promised Land (4:32) 1977 (live)

3 CD: Dave’s Picks Vol 1 -The Mosque, Richmond, VA –5/25/77 [Rhino / Grateful Dead R2-529201] • USA, 2012

Run Rudolph Run (3:43) 1971 (live)

3 CD: Dave’s Picks Vol.22 – Felts Forum, New York –12/7/71 [Rhino / Grateful Dead R2-557453] • USA, 2017

Run Rudolph Run (3:28) 1971 (live)

3 CD: Dave’s Picks Vol.26 –Albuquerque Civic Auditorium, NM 11/17/71 [Grateful Dead R2-565049] • USA, 2017

Recorded live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 14 December 1971. Bonus concert.

Around And Around (7:50) 1977 (live)
Johnny B. Goode (4:23) 1977 (live)
Promised Land (5:03) 1977 (live)

3 CD: Dave’s Picks Vol.29 –Swing Auditorium San Bernardino, CA [Rhino Records R2-573507] • USA, 2017

“Johnny B. Goode” recorded live at Robertson Gym, University Of California, Santa Barbara, CA 27 February 1977, bonus track.

Johnny B. Goode (3:55) 1973 (live)
Promised Land (3:22) 1973 (live)

3 CD: Dave’s Picks Vol.32 –The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 3/24/73 [Rhino Records R2-573510] • USA, 2019

This would have to do. Volumes 1 – 2 – 3 - 4 – 5 – 7 – 8 – 11 – 12 – 16 – 18 – 20 – 21 – 23 – 24 – 25 – 28 – 31 also includes one or two Berry covers, such as Around And Around, Johnny B. Goode or Promised Land .
And on top of that there’s a lot of other Grateful Dead releases, a.o. a series titled Europe ‘72 that includes some 24 volumes!!! which of course also includes Berry covers.
It’s estimated that the group performed Berry’s songs around 1100 times !!! Quite a number (the info could itself fill a whole book).

RICHARD GRAY & THE FOUR BROTHERS (Australia)

This is not a new entry, see page 1221, but additional information and correction.
A white vocal quintet from Sidney. Musically, think Deep River Boys.

Maybellene (2:33) 1955

78: Philips P-37031 • Australia, 1955

KINKS (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1292 for biographical info.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:27) 1965 (live)
Little Queenie (1:48) 1964 (live)

2-CD set: Transmissions 1964-1968 [Audio Vaults AV-201809] • UK, 2019

”Little Queenie” recorded 7 September, 1964, BBC Saturday Club, Playhouse Theatre, London.
”Bye Bye Johnny” French TV broadcast - Recorded live 24 April 1965 at the Palais De La Mutualite, Paris.
Again sorry to say, but there’s something wrong with The Kinks and rock’n’roll, they just don’t match.

CHARLIE LILLY (USA)

Nadine (3:30) 1974

45: Revelation Records Ltd. AS-1027 • USA, 1974

The seller on eBay wrote that it was a garage 45, however, it’s more like a soul blues with harmonica. It’s in stereo and was as printed on the label Recorded in the country at Appalachia Sound Recording Studios, Chillicothe, Ohio. The A-side is “Mama Can’t Sleep” written by one Walt Cook.

MASTER’S APPRENTICES (Australia)

See Volume 3, pages 1347-1348 for biographical info.

Around And Around (2:55) 1966
Carol (2:34) 1966
I’m Talking About You (1:56) 1966
Johnny B. Goode (2:27) 1966
Maybellene (2:02) 1966
Too Much Monkey Business (2:35) 1966

CD: From Mustangs To Masters, First Year Apprentices [Nickoff Records NCD-1] • Australia, 2004

21 previously unreleased tracks. They also did “Route 66” (two versions) which is modelled after the Berry/ Stones versions. All recorded in April 1966 at The Garage. Sound quality is not perfect, and for fans only.

EARL PRESTON & The T.T.’s (UK)

Mersey Beat quintet who had one single out on Fontana in 1963, and was also featured on tracks by Eden Kane and Cy Tucker. The latter part of the group. Lead singer George Joseph Spruce from Liverpool took his stage name from his brother-in-law Earl and American artist Preston Epps.

Betty Jean (2:37) 1963

CD: Unearthed Merseybeat Vol. 3 [Viper CD-032] • UK, 2005

Previously unissued demo. Thanks to Peter Checksfield for this entry.

PRETTY THINGS (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1431 for biographical info.

Johnny B. Goode (1:42) 1964 (live)

CD Box set: Bouquets From A Cloudy Sky [Snapper SMABX-1029] • UK, 2015

Previously unissued track from the BBC 2 Live on the Beat Room, recorded December 1964. The box is a collectors item consisting of all their original albums on 11 CDs, a copy of an acetate (4 tracks), and rarities on 2 CDs, and 2 DVDs, plus memorabilia and a thick hardcover book. Released to commemorate the band's 50th Anniversary.

ROLLING STONES (UK)

See volume 3, pages 1475-1477 for biographical info.

Little Queenie (4:18) 1998 (live)

2 CD: Bridges To Buenos Aires [Eagle Rock RBCD-5407] • USA, 2019 (CD + Blue-Ray)
3 LP: Bridges To Buenos Aires [Eagle Rock 20451] • USA, 2019 (Black or blue vinyl)

Recorded live at River Plate Stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina on 5 April 1998.
Don’t know what happened but this one doesn’t live up to the band’s reputation. There’s something wrong with the drums and bass.

STORMY TEMPEST (UK)

Johnny B. Goode (2:38) 1989

45: Everbimes EVB-0071 • UK, 1989 (picture sleeve)

I did spot this on 45cat but haven’t been able to find a link to listen to it or any info. Maybe a reader can?

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: Chapter 14 in Volume 2 describes tribute songs and albums. Here are some additions to this:.

ROSMAITY BROTHERS (Germany)

Fabian and Christoph Rosmaity, guitar and bass respectively featuring Christian Bleiming (piano) and Alex Lex (drums). The brothers have been playing together for over 20 years.

Let It Rock (1:50) / Thirty Days (2:27) / Carol (2:55) / You Never Can Tell (2:56) / Roll Over Beethoven (2:38) / Wee Wee Hours (4:22) / Johnny B. Goode (2:49) / No Particular Place To Go (2:36) / Nadine (4:02) / Sweet Little Sixteen (2:52) / Little Queenie (3:02) / Maybellene (2:34) / Worried Life Blues+ (3:06) / Promised Land (2:21) / Rock And Roll Music (2:42) – 2016

CD: Berry Pickin’ - A Salute To the Genius of Chuck Berry [The Rocket Sound Lab] • Germany, 2016

I do appreciate that the guys took the time and recorded an album with 14 Berry songs and one related. Unfortunately they almost sound like the originals, updated that is. The tracks that really work are the two blues oriented songs. Interesting to hear “Worried Life Blues” the Berry way. It’s okay to record ones favourite Berry song(s) but since they have been recorded by almost who’s who in the music business it’s therefore important to get a personal and different approach, like they did with “Wee Wee Hours”.
See also The Ballroom Rockets.

RICHARD THOMPSON (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1181 under Fairport Convention for more info.

Guitar Heroes (7:40) – 2015

CD: Still [Propel Records PRPCD131] • UK, 2015
CD: Still [Fantasy Records FAN-37274 02] • USA, 2015

Here Thompson pays tribute to his guitar heroes. One of them being Chuck Berry, others being Django Reinhardt, James Burton, Hank Marvin (The Shadows) etc. In one verse he sings about Berry and imitates his guitar style.

RONNIE WOOD & His Wild Five (UK)

Ronald David Wood, singer, songwriter, guitarist, author and radio personality, born in 1947. Today best known as a member of The Rolling Stones since 1975, but also as a member of Faces and The Jeff Beck Group.

Tribute To Chuck Berry (2:04) 2018 (live)
I’m Talking About You [as "Talking About You"] (3:07) 2018 (live)
Mad Lad+ (3:13) 2018 (instr) (live)
Wee Wee Hours (4:46) 2018 (live) feat. Imelda May
Almost Grown (2:50) 2018 (live)
Back In The USA (3:58) 2018 (live)
Blue Feeling (3:52) 2018 (instr) (live)
Worried Life Blues+ (5:28) 2018 (live)
Little Queenie (4:27) 2018 (live)
Rock And Roll Music (2:17) 2018 (live) feat. Imelda May
Johnny B. Goode (3:34) 2018 (live)

CD: Mad Lad – A Tribute To Chuck Berry [BMG 538527702] • UK, 2019
LP: Mad Lad – A Tribute To Chuck Berry [BMG 538527711] • UK, 2019
Box-set Deluxe Edition: Mad Lad – A Tribute To Chuck Berry [BMG 538542250] • UK, 2019
CD: Mad Lad – A Tribute To Chuck Berry [BMG 4050 538527704] • USA, 2019

The box-set above contains the LP (180G vinyl), CD and album cover art print. Nothing fancy really. Playing time of around 40 minutes is way too short today. But I like the music and Imelda May lifts the result on the two tracks she’s involved in. She also sings backup vocals on “Almost Grown”. Irritating that the running time of the tracks are completely missing.
The tribute is okay but nothing to brag about, and Ronnie is no quality singer but he’s a tremendous guitar player. The Berry sound is all in there.
Interesting to notice the two instrumentals, especially “Mad Lad” since it becomes the very first cover of this. Although not written by Berry it is credited to him on the album. “Blue Feeling” was done by The Trashmen in 1966 (page 1568).
On YouTube you’ll find Ronnie and Imelda doing “Johnny B. Goode” on BBC’s Later with Jools Holland show. There’s also videos of Ronnie playing “Mad Lad” and Ronnie and Imelda with “Wee Wee Hours”.
Apart from Imelda May Ronnie is helped by the likes of Ben Waters (keyboards), Dion Egtved (bass) and Dexter Hercules (drums). Augmented by Antti Snellman on tenor saxophone and Tom Waters on alt saxophone. Also Amy Mayes and Denise Gordon are doing backup vocals on some tracks. All tracks were recorded at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne Minster, Dorset in 2018. It doesn’t say when, though. Produced by Ronnie Wood.

MIKE ZITO And Friends (USA)

Mike Zito, singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer from St. Louis, Missouri, born in 1970. Since 1998 when his first CD “Blue Room” came out he’s released some 15 albums.

St. Louis Blues+ (3:19) 2019 - Charlie Berry III
Rock And Roll Music (3:08) 2019 - Joanna Connor
Johnny B. Goode (3:49) 2019 - Walter Trout
Wee Wee Hours (5:25) 2019 - Joe Bonamassa
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (3:05) 2019 - Anders Osborne
I Want To Be Your Driver (2:55) 2019 - Ryan Perry
You Never Can Tell (4:00) 2019 - Robben Ford
Back In The USA (3:02) 2019 - Eric Gales
No Particular Place To Go (2:50) 2019 - Jeremiah Johnson
Too Much Monkey Business (3:13) 2019 - Luther Dickinson
Havana Moon (4:21) 2019 - Sonny Landreth*
Promised Land (3:29) 2019 -Tinsley Ellis*
Down Bound Train (4:03) 2019 - Alex Skolnick
Maybellene (2:55) 2019 - Richard Fortus
School Day (3:02) 2019 - Ally Venable
Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:16) 2019 - Kirk Fletcher & Josh Smith
Reelin’ And Rockin’ (4:01) 2019 - Tommy Castro*
Let It Rock (2:26) 2019 - Jimmy Vivino
Thirty Days (2:56) 2019 - Albert Castiglia
My Ding-A-Ling(+) (3:16) 2019 - Kid Andersen* **

CD: Rock’n’Roll – A Tribute To Chuck Berry [Ruf Records RUF-1269] • Germany, 2019
LP: Rock’n’Roll – A Tribute To Chuck Berry [Ruf Records RUF-2059] • Germany, 2019

The LP contains 15 tracks, but you can download the 20 tracks for free. The following songs are NOT on the 180 gram audiophile vinyl pressing: I Want To Your Driver / No Particular Place To Go / Down Bound Train / School Day / Brown Eyed Handsome Man.

Some of the artists are already in the covers* or soundalikes** sections, or like Jimmy Vivino in the Johnnie Johnson discography (Vol. 2). So what should one say about such a gigantic release, I mean 20 tracks, 20 different guitar players and singers! This album might help younger people to get to know Berry’s music. In that sense the album is very important and a rockin’ goode one.
“Memphis” is true to Berry’s original, not the same but simple in structure and sound. However, most of the others are filled with musical instruments, sometimes a little too much. Chuck’s grandson follows very much the arrangement his grandfather did in 1965. Well performed. Luther Dickinson makes it swing on “Too Much Monkey Business” and even includes the final lyrics with I don’t want your botheration, get away leave me be… which is so often forgotten. “You Never Can Tell” is without the identical piano playing but remember this is a guitar based album. “Down Bound Train” is strange and even more “scary” than Berry’s own, think 63 years difference. “School Day” is quite goode, one of two females on the album, and Ally Venable is doing a very decent job of it.
The worst will have to be “Wee Wee Hours” and Joe Bonamassa. That guitar playing destroys the whole tune. After just a few seconds when I heard it I said what the f…? I have played the album a few times but skip this track every time. What were they (Zito and Joe) thinking? A reviewer said it was a highlight(!), well in that case we are living in two different worlds. Maybe because that kind of guitar playing to me it’s just noise.
On the contrary, check out Mike Zito and Walter Trout on YouTube performing “Johnny B. Goode” in a garage!!!
Again the running time on each track is missing. That’s an European problem on many releases.
Of course an artist wants to cover a Berry tune that most people know so it’s interesting that songs like “I Want To Be Your Driver”, “Havana Moon” and “Down Bound Train” were chosen, but why Ding-A-Ling? Although his biggest hit, unfortunately, it doesn’t give Berry nor Andersen the best of credits.
The Mike Zito band is as follows on all tracks: Mike Zito (vocals, guitar), Lewis Stephens (keyboards), Terry Dry (bass, percussion, vocals) and Matthew Johnson (drums, percussion, vocals). Recorded at Marz Studios in Nederland, Texas, December 2018 – July 2019. Produced by Mike Zito.
Twenty Berry songs covered and you think where are “Sweet Little Sixteen”, “Roll Over Beethoven”, “Little Queenie”, “Bye Bye Johnny”, “Carol”, “Around And Around”, “I’m Talking About You” and “Nadine”? Well that gives you an idea of how many classic rock’n’roll songs Berry created.
However, again on YouTube you can see and hear Mike Zito and Joe Louis Walker doing five and a half minutes of “Around And Around” at the Casselberry Craft Beer & Blues Fest 2019 in Casselberry Florida.
I like the front cover and also the image of Berry on top of the St. Louis skyline and the Gateway Arch painted by Rip Kastaris. A beautiful touch to the memory of Chuck Berry.

Late addition and a little enlightening on the “Wee Wee Hours” track.
On the Guitar World (magazine) site there’s an indept interview with Zito explaining what went on in preparing for this album. Regarding the Joe Bonamassa version of “Wee Wee Hours” he had this to say:

We started to work on these basic tracks at the end of 2018 and the beginning of January 2019 My group cut basic rhythm tracks and then e-mail them to the guitarists in question and have them add their parts. Joe Bonamassa texting him: “Hey man, I’m getting ready to record this track. Do you want me to play it tradional or do you want fire and fury?” I said, I want fire and fury, by all means. And he just blew the doors off.

Well now we know why it ended up sounding like it did. I still don’t like it, but that’s not the point here. They got it how they wanted it and that’s what counts.