The Rolling Stones new CD, “Blue and Lonesome,” covers songs from the greats: Jimmy Reed, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and more. The first single from the album, “Just Your Fool” (first recorded by Little Walter in 1960), is generating Top 30 airplay on Adult Alternative radio.
Recall that in June of 1964, just as the first wave of Baby Boomers were graduating high school, the Rolling Stones were recording “2120 South Michigan Ave,” an instrumental that got its title from the address of Chicago’s Chess Records, home to many of the best blues artists of all time.
Since they first got together as a band The Stones have had that raw, raunchy, bluesy feel at the heart of their music –especially their early work.
Now, they’ve comes full circle, paying homage to their heroes in this collection of covers.
The blues is a good vehicle for aging rock stars whose voices have gotten a bit craggy because it’s not the technique as much as the vibe– Keith Richards has publicly praised Mick Jagger’s harmonica playing as world class, and you’ll hear a lot of it in these songs.
Fans of the Stones and those who love to get down, dirty and gritty will surely thank the band for this 2016 holiday gift.