This is the soundtrack to a documentary film chronicling a concert held to celebrate
Chuck Berry's 60th birthday. The band was led by
Keith Richards and featured
Berry's regular pianist,
Johnnie Johnson,
Richards' regular pianist,
Chuck Leavell,
Rolling Stones sax player
Bobby Keys, bassist
Joey Spampinato from
NRBQ, and drummer
Steve Jordan from
Richards' solo band. The guests included
Robert Cray,
Linda Ronstadt,
Eric Clapton,
Julian Lennon, and
Etta James.
Berry was ragged-voiced but enthusiastic, the band had spirit, and the guests, even if they were sometimes unlikely, were sincere. The best way to hear
Berry's music is to obtain the original recordings, of course, but as a souvenir of
the Taylor Hackford film, this is an enjoyable romp through the catalog. ~ William Ruhlmann