Mike Zito and Friends – Rock ‘n’ Roll: A Tribute To Chuck Berry (2019)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/44,1 kHz | Time – 01:07:43 minutes | 793 MB | Genre: Blues
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Ruf Records GmbH
This latest release from bluesman Mike Zito is a mighty stellar tribute to the legendary ‘Father of Rock and Roll’ Chuck Berry. Being that both Zito and Berry are from St. Louis, Missouri, makes this a very personal project. Zito, backed by his band, bassist Terry Dry, drummer Matthew Johnson, and pianist/organist Lewis Stephens incorporates a smashing guest list on this twenty track album, which includes some of my favorites: Joanna Conner, Walter Trout, Joe Bonamassa, Eric Gales, Luther Dickenson, Sonny Landreth, Tinsley Ellis,Tommy Castro, Albert Castiglia, and Kid Anderson.
The album begins with one of the first songs I learned to play on organ, William C. Handy’s “St. Louis Blues”. This song which I hold close to my heart features Chuck Berry Jr. It’s such a rocking version of the song, and ushers the album in quite nicely. I love the cover of “Rock & Roll Music” with Joanna Connor. She’s such a powerhouse of a guitarist, and brings a lot to the table on this one. Walter Trout shines as he always does on “Johnny B Goode”. Damn, this one rocks! Robben Ford steps in to record a fantastic remake of “You Never Can Tell”. This one will always remind me of my favorite film, Pulp Fiction. The legendary Eric Gales punches up another favorite “Back in the USA” with a huge dose of his ripping guitar-work. I always appreciate what Luther Dickinson is involved in, and “Too Much Monkey Business” is no exception. I love “No Particular Place to Go” with Jerimiah Johnson. This one really resonates. Sonny Landreth brings a certain smoothness to “Havana Moon”. I could listen to this one all day long.
Being a huge fan of Chuck Berry and Mike Zito, this album has such a hold on me. It’s downright spectacular.
Tracklist:
1. Mike Zito and Friends – St. Louis Blues (Mike Zito & Charlie Berry III) (03:19)
2. Mike Zito and Friends – Rock And Roll Music (Mike Zito & Joanna Connor) (03:08)
3. Mike Zito and Friends – Johnny B Goode (Mike Zito & Walter Trout) (03:49)
4. Mike Zito and Friends – Wee Wee Hours (Mike Zito & Joe Bonamassa) (05:24)
5. Mike Zito and Friends – Memphis (Mike Zito & Anders Osborne) (03:05)
6. Mike Zito and Friends – I Want To Be Your Driver (Mike Zito & Ryan Perry) (02:55)
7. Mike Zito and Friends – You Never Can Tell (Mike Zito & Robben Ford) (04:00)
8. Mike Zito and Friends – Back In The USA (Mike Zito & Eric Gales) (03:02)
9. Mike Zito and Friends – No Particular Place To Go (Mike Zito & Jeremiah Johnson) (02:50)
10. Mike Zito and Friends – Too Much Money Business (Mike Zito & Luther Dickinson) (03:13)
11. Mike Zito and Friends – Havana Moon (Mike Zito & Sonny Landreth) (04:21)
12. Mike Zito and Friends – Promised Land (Mike Zito & Tinsley Ellis) (03:29)
13. Mike Zito and Friends – Down Bound Train (Mike Zito & Alex Skolnick) (04:03)
14. Mike Zito and Friends – Maybellene (Mike Zito & Richard Fortus) (02:55)
15. Mike Zito and Friends – School Days (Mike Zito & Ally Venable) (03:02)
16. Mike Zito and Friends – Brown Eyed Handsome Man (Mike Zito & Krik Fletcher, Josh Smith) (02:16)
17. Mike Zito and Friends – Reelin’ And Rockin’ (Mike Zito & Tommy Castro) (04:01)
18. Mike Zito and Friends – Let It Rock (Mike Zito & Jimmy Vivino) (02:26)
19. Mike Zito and Friends – Thirty Days (Mike Zito & Albert Castiglia) (02:56)
20. Mike Zito and Friends – My Ding A Ling (Mike Zito & Kid Andersen) (03:18)
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