Additional information
Personnel: Chuck Berry (vocals, guitar); Derek Griffiths, Owen McIntyre (guitar); Ian McLagen, Dave Kafinetti (piano); Nic Potter (bass); Kenny Jones, Robbie McIntosh (drums). Recorded at Pye Recording Studios, London, England on February 5, 1972; Lanchester Art Festival, Coventry, England on February 3, 1972. Includes liner notes by Andy McKaie. 1972's THE LONDON CHUCK BERRY SESSIONS was released at a time when other American icons (Muddy Waters, B.B. King) headed over the Great Pond to cut records in the sympathetic and adoring environment offered by England. Berry's album was split between five studio songs and three cuts recorded live at a festival in Coventry, England. Unlike his peers, Berry eschewed the usual supporting cast of superstar British rock stars, with the Faces' Ian McLagan and Kenny Jones being the only famous names accompanying him in the studio. Sticking to the tried and true riffs that have informed everyone from the Beatles and the Stones forward, this set opens with "Let's Boogie," an infectious shuffle. Also included are the instrumental "London Berry Blues," the Little Walter blues classic "Mean Old World" and "I Love You," a number that chugs along lazily and is a blueprint for anything Keith Richards ever sang lead on. The live portion finds the classics "Reelin' And Rockin'" and "Johnny B. Goode" bookending "My Ding-A-Ling," a ribald, fourth-grade ditty that ironically became Berry's only chart-topping single.
