« This makes for a fine representative collection » by Rhythm & Blues

Another one of those releases that really does not need too long a review. Chuck’s rowdy rockin’ hits are here, from ‘Maybellne’ onwards – and my edrenalin still kicks in at the first notes of ‘Jonnhy B. Goode‘ ; the blues is well represented, with Chuck’s guitar work showing a strong influence from T-Bone Walker, Berry’s roots in the likes of Charles Brown and Nat ‘King’ Cole are evident and the vocal on ‘Together We Will Always Be’ shows his smoother leanings, his country side is apparent on the opening hit, ‘Thirty Days’, and ‘Doownbound Train’, his appeal to the teen market documented fascination with cars, the celebrations of rock’n’roll itself, the guitar instrumentals, the interest in ‘exotica’ as demonstrated on ‘Havana Moon’… In fact, this is very varied (and sometimes variable) set. One of the Joe Alexander tracks for St. Louis label Ballad is included here, which is the reason for the 1954 date in the album’s title – this side has been reissued before. Chuck plays guitar and has an instrumental on this release, and noted that there is conflicting information on the session sheet that revealed Chuck as the guitarist on this, his first recording session. Everyone agrees that the surname was Berryn, with Chuck was known to have used in St Louis, but some websites state the first name was given as Chuck, others Charles. Anyone know for sure ? Anyway, come on ; can there be anyone in the western hemisphere who has not encountered Chuck’s music, either directly or indirectly ? Many readers will (should !) have the vast majority of the tracks alteady, but if not, well ; this makes for a fine representative collection. Norman DARWEN – BLUES & RHYTHM

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Chuck Berry

THE INDISPENSABLE 1954-1961