BILL WYMAN & THE RHYTHM KINGS

Sleeve Notes for the 3^rd Album - GROOVIN'

by Russ Kane - Feb 2000

There's a theatrical comedy saying known as `The Rule of Three'. The first sets the gag up, the second prepares the audience and the third delivers the punch. In this third album, Bill and the boys (and girls) pull no punches and deliver the goods... but good.

`Groovin' is a musical recipe that is simply mouth-watering - blend together the crème de la crème of British musicianship, pour them over some of the greatest songs of the last 30 years, sprinkle in some new compositions organically-grown on the Wyman estate and the result is deliciously irresistible. You might call it `the cordon blues'.

So who's cooking up this storm? Well obviously there's Mr Wyman himself providing a bass line that reminds us why he was one half of the greatest rhythm section in rock `n roll history. On keyboards is the legendary Gary Brooker - is it just me, or does this man's voice just get better and better? I asked guitar hero Albert Lee what he'd been doing recently. The answer is off the scale of impressive - working with the Everly Brother in Las Vegas, making an album with The Crickets (yes, those Crickets). Terry `Tex' Taylor, who co-writes the album's brilliant new material with Bill, is back on guitar and providing the beat at the back in Graham Broad, the drummer's drummer.

Then there's Georgie Fame taking the vocals on several tracks - the same Georgie Fame who drew a five-minute standing ovation for his acoustic set on the last tour.

And when they invented the guitar, it must have been because one day Martin Taylor would pick one up and show the world how it should be played. Beverley Skeete once again demonstrates that few artists can sell a lyric the way she can with one of the best voices around today... or, let's face it, anytime. When Beverley sings `I Put A Spell On You' you are truly spellbound.

Add to that already formidable line-up the Dave Hartley on keyboards, Tommy Emanuel on guitar and the very special vocal talents of Adrian Byron Burns and in Mr Wyman's words "It's 'appening".

Who else has Bill quietly invited to play? Well, there's Mick Taylor, who used to play with Bill in that band and the utterly magnificent Ray Cooper, the most extraordinary percussionist in the world (just ask Sir Elton). And taking a break from touring with Eric Clapton for the past five years, Andy Fairweather-Low bends and shapes a few tasty notes.

That's the players - what about the music? It's wonderful. Outstanding versions of Groovin' (yes, the old Young Rascals' hit) `Daydream' (formerly by the Lovin' Spoonful), an 18 carat version from Georgie of Bill & Terry's song `Diamonds'. Plus first rate material such as `Wanna Tell You A Secret' and `Deep Purple'.

`Groovin' gives you the blues the way they are meant to be played, with honesty, heart and outstanding musicianship. Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings are the best. But would you except Bill to offer us anything less? And speaking of whom, is Mr Wyman still having fun? Well, when the band strikes up, that really is a huge grin on his face. And when you hear this album, you'll have one, too.

The `Lone Stone' ain't lonely no more.

Russ Kane

February 2000