Entries by Morten Reff

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: New Chuck Berry cover versions from well-known and little-known artists and groups including an astonishing number of Maybellenes.

A friend of mine called the other day and said he had a Berry cover that was not in Vol.3: Red Jenkins And The Midnight Cowboys (Sweden). It contained a version of “Promised Land” (2:14), and the album on Shannon Records SMLP-5013 was released in 1983 but recorded in 1971. It took me a while to figure this out as I was sure I had Red Jenkins somewhere. And I did find out. If you look at page 1363 you’ll find Midnight Cowboys which was the original band name when the album was released back in 1971.

CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS (USA)

Blues/R&B/soul quintet, formed in 2007. Fronted by guitarist, trumpeter and vocalist Lech Wierzynski (born in Warsaw, Poland).
Johnny Bones (tenor saxophone, clarinet), Lorenzo Loera (keyboards, melodic), Beau Bradbury (bass, percussion), Ben Malament (drums, washboard, percussion).

You Never Can Tell (4:38) 2021

CD: Covers From The Cave [Tubtone Records ] • USA, March 2021

ALEX CHILTON (USA)

Born 1950 in Memphis. He was a founding member and lead singer of the Box Tops (“The Letter” 1967). Chilton later formed the power-pop band Big Star. By the time the album below was done he was living in New Orleans. He died in 2010 of heart failure.

Maybellene ( : ) 1999 (live)

CD: Boogie Shoes - Live On Beale Street [Omnivore Records OVCD-420 ] • USA, 2021
LP: Boogie Shoes - Live On Beale Street [Omnivore Records OVLP-420 ] • USA, 2021

Previously unissued recording from 1999 at the New Daisy Theater in Memphis. Backed by the High Rhythm Section. The LP was limited to just 100 copies.

DOWNLINERS SECT (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1167 for biographical info.

Rock And Roll Music (2:07) 1964

EP 45: Brite-Lights Big City [Contrast Sound Prod. RBCSP-002] • UK, 2011

Called the lost EP. Due to various circumstances this was not released back in ’64. It was supposed to be a follow up to the “R&B At Nite In Gt. Newport” EP.

Little Queenie (3:12) 1998

CD: Dangerous Ground [Birch MB-23897] • UK, 1998

Don Craine (vocals-rhythm guitars) and Keith Grant (vocals-bass) are supported by Paul Martin on harp / sax and Alan Brooks on drums plus some additional musicians. Grant sings on “Little Queenie”.

DRONGOS (New Zealand)

According to what I have found on the net, they were a quartet from New Zealand who primarily performed in the streets of New York City from 1979-1986. They actually moved to New York in 1978. Jean McAllister (vocals-guitar), Richard Kennedy (vocals-guitar), Tony McMaster (bass), Stanley John Mitchell (drums).

Too Much Monkey Business [as “Monkey Business”] (2:53) 1984 (live)

LP: Small Miracles [Proteus Records PROT-002] • USA, 1985
MC: Small Miracles [Proteus Records M5PROTE-2] • New Zealand, 1985

It was recorded live on the streets of Manhattan, 5 September 1984. Now this is a very goode rockin’ version, rhythm, vocals and guitars.

BILLY FURY (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1205 for biographical info.

Sweet Little Sixteen (2:23) 1969 (live)

CD: Three Saturdays With Billy [Top Sounds TSSCD-009] • UK, 2021
10” LP: Three Saturdays With Billy [Top Sounds TSLP-009] • UK, 2021

Recorded live for BBC Radio 1, broadcast on Saturday Club, 18 January ’69. Previously unissued.

FOGHAT (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1197 for biographical info.

Maybellene ( : ) 2019 (live)

2-CD+DVD: 8 Days On The Road [Foghat Records (Select-O-Hits) ] • USA, 2021

A 50th anniversary celebration concert album (14 tracks) recorded live 17 November 2019 at the Daryl’s House Club in Pawling, New York. The club is owned by Daryl Hall. It features the current line-up led by founding drummer Roger Earl, plus Charlie Huhn (guitar and vocals), Bryan Bassett (guitar) and Rodney O’Quinn (bass).

LES COCHRAN’S (France)

Beat quintet.

Carol (2:18) 1966
Memphis, Tennessee (2:38) 1966

EP: Les Cochran’s [Zaphyr 6002] • France, 2000

Songs copied from an acetate, recorded in 1966. Two Berry songs, one from the Kinks, and one original. On the front cover they are four (quartet) and on the back they are on stage as 5 (quintet). It’s a strange thing that a band name themselves after a certain artist and no songs from that artist appears. It’s about the same with The Rockin’ Berries from the UK. They never recorded any Berry songs, not even a soundalike!

LOVESICK DUO (Italy)

Paolo Roberto Pianezza plays various string instruments and Francesca Alinovi plays upright bass. After six years they have released 4 albums and several singles. They are rooted in the American style of the ‘40s and ‘50s country, rock & roll and western swing. He’s a very good player and she can really slap that bass.

Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] ( : ) 2017

CD: The New Orleans Session [Lovesick Duo ] • Italy, 2017

Featuring special guest: Chloe Feoranzo

Back In The USA (2:49) 2015
No Particular Place To Go (2:51) 2015

CD: Lovesick Duo [Pianezza LOV-01] • Italy, 2015

It’s kinda amazing that two people can make so much goode sound.

MIRACULOUS MULE (UK)

Rock quartet consisting of Alex Louise Petty, Ian Burns, Michael J. Sheehy, Patrick McCarthy. The album below was their debut. They have released three more since then.

Down Bound Train (5:07) 2011

10” EP: Miraculous Mule [Stag-O-Lee STAG-O 022] • UK, 2011

6 track EP recorded in London.

JAYNIE NORTON And Her Dominators (UK)

A south London rocker who had a 45 vinyl out in 2019. On this debut album she gathered some old rockers from bands like Wild Angels, Matchbox and Rockhouse including Wild Bob Burgos (drums), Dick Callan (guitar), Dave Thorncroft (sax), Ian Sab (piano) and Bob Plumb (upright bass).

Maybellene (2:25) 2021

CD: Rev’d Up & Rockin’ [TCY Records TCY-035] • Switzerland, 2021

But guys, “Maybellene” should only be credited to Berry, not the addition of Alan Freed and Russ Fratto. That’s ancient history.

ROLLING STONES (UK)

See volume 3, pages 1475-1477 for biographical info.

There’s a new 6-CD set out on Laser Media, “The Broadcast Archives – Rolling Stones Box” LM-5608 (UK), containing 89 various live recordings with the band, from radio broadcasts, 1965-1988. A lot of Berry covers here (14 to be exact) and several soundalikes but there’s no info on the set, and I will not use time and effort to try and find out what’s new or previously released and where, what or when. The sound is also a bit irritating bad on some cuts. So why bother. Just for die-hard Rolling Stones fans, and me because I bought a copy (!)

RULLATOR BOOGIE BAND (Norway)

Blues/Rhythm & Blues sextet from Drøbak. They usually perform cover versions but also include original songs. On the 12 track CD below they have two originals.

Carol (3:19) 2019 (live)

CD: Live Fra Rommen Scene [Rullator Boogie Band, no cat.#] • Norway, 2020

Recorded live 30 October 2019 at Rommen Scene, Groruddalen, Oslo, Norway. A good rockin’ version.

TOMMY STEELE (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1532 for biographical info. However, on 10 October 2020 he was knighted so he’s now Sir Tommy Steele. It was about time.

Maybellene (3:02) 1959 (live) (previously unissued)

3-CD: Hits And Rarities [Acrobat Music ACTRCD-9108] • UK, May 2021

BBC Radio “The Tommy Steele Show” broadcast 14 November 1959. Don’t know what to say except it was a big disappointment. Apart from making up his own lyrics and shouting, he’s just singing the refrain a few times while the orchestra is blowing away! The CD set itself is interesting containing a lot of rare and unissued stuff.

KENT WENNMAN ROCKABILLY QUARTET (Sweden)

Kent Wennman (vocals-guitar), Ulf Holmberg (lead guitar), Stefan Persson (bass), Per-Åke Persson (drums), plus add Nicke Widén (steel guitar).

Maybellene (2:01) 2019

CD: Guitar Man & Other Great Rockabilly Tracks Associated With The King Vol. 2 [Kattguld CD 024] • Sweden, 2019

6 tracks. Not quite sure if I should laugh or cry? Do they really mean that “Maybellene” is associated with Elvis? They do a very decent cover though.

CD: Good Rocking Tonight And Other Louisiana Hayride Live Performances Associated With The King [Kattguld CD 025] • Sweden, 2021

9 tracks. All the tracks are songs that Elvis performed on the Louisiana Hayride one time or another. Some he did record and others he didn’t. I mean, hey, “Tweedle Dee” = Elvis? Give me a break, and the Lavern Baker classic is performed country. The guys are pretty good musicians and have the rockabilly feeling for sure. But the album titles are pretty irritating.

JERRY WILLIAMS (Sweden)

See Volume 3, page 1607 for biographical info. Except that the man died in March 2018. He was 75.

Down Bound Train (2:58) 2006
Too Much Monkey Business (2:44) 2006

CD: Waterfront Studio Sessions [Universal Music AB 050257757369] • Sweden, 2019
LP: Waterfront Studio Sessions [Universal Music AB 050257757138] • Sweden, 2019

“Down Bound Train” is actually very good, but “…Monkey Business” is a cover of the Elvis version and that was a disappointment.

Down Bound Train (3:35) 2015

CD: Ghost Rider [Universal Music AB 060254730493] • Sweden, 2015
LP: Ghost Rider [Universal Music AB 060254731847] • Sweden, 2015

Now this is strange in two ways, first too much music/noise and second the whole album is so far from what I have ever heard from Mr. Williams. The whole concept of the album is quite dark which reflects the music and arrangements.

Almost Grown (2:47) 2016 (live)
You Never Can Tell (3:43) 2016 (live)

2-CD set: Man Måste Få Lira [Universal Music AB 060255717019] • Sweden, 2017

It was recorded live at the Scalateatern, Stockholm 29 April 2016. A typical Jerry show! He has a great band, great singers, and he gives it all during almost 2 hours. He also has a habit of talking between some songs and when Jerry starts talking nothing can stop(?) him. He also had something to say about “Chucken” (as he called him) before “Almost Grown”...

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: 40 more Chuck Berry covers from 27 artists and groups, including several versions of Run Rudolph Run.

Hey listen, you will be amazed of how many covers of Run Rudolph Run there are on YouTube. (Many just for digital downloading.) The latest being by a Norwegian group of 14 young blues musicians called Little Steven’s Blues School 2020 provided by none other than Little Steven (Bruce Springsteen) who has taken a deep interest of blues music in Norway. We’re talking 4 girl vocals, 2 guitars, piano, organ, 2 saxophones, 2 trompets, bass and drums. Recorded at Juke Joint Studio at Notodden, Norway. Produced by Morten Omlid and Jostein Forsberg. And all captured on video by Kristian Sundsvalen. Check it out.
And on 16 December 2020 Foo Fighters performed “Run Rudolph Run” live on Amazon Music Holiday Plays special. You’ll find it on YouTube and as a digital download exclusively through Amazon Music.

BEATLES (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1064 for biographical info.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:10) 1963 (live)

LP: Live At The Liverpool Empire 7th December 1963 [Rhythm & Blues Records R&B-67] • UK, 2020

Except for the irritating screaming and noise from the audience it’s an okay version, the Beatles way. Side B feature live performances from other venues.

BLUEJAYS (UK)

Said to be the UK’s premier vintage rock’n’roll band. Main members are Oliver Seymour (lead vocals-guitar), Matt Wycliffe (keys), Chris Reid (bass-vocals), Dan Graham (drums-vocals).
“Their high-octane performance will shake, rattle and roll your event with hit after hit. The band are available as a four, five or eight piece.” This will give you an idea of what to expect.

Around And Around (2:09) 2018 (live)

CD: On The Air With The Bluejays [Bluejays] • UK, 2018

A collection of 11 live recordings from various BBC Radio sessions to promote the Rock And Roll Revolution album below. However, the Berry number above is not on the album.

Johnny B. Goode (3:00) 2018

CD: Rock And Roll Revolution [Bluejays] • UK, 2019

Featuring 21 studio recordings of their favourite songs from the touring show.

You Never Can Tell (2:44) 2019

LP: The Bluejays To The Rescue [Bluejays] • UK, 2020

Limited edition (500 copies) on 180gm vinyl and deluxe gatefold cover. 15 of the Bluejays recordings for the first time on vinyl. Including 5 previously unreleased tracks like the Berry one.

CHEAP TRICK (USA)

Rock band from Rockford, Illinois, formed in 1973. Consists of vocalist Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen (guitar), Tom Peterson (bass), Bun E. Carlos and later Daxx Nielsen (drums). Their biggest hits were “I Want You To Want Me” in 1979 and “The Flame” in 1988. On the Xmas album below they have a lot of additional musicians participating throughout.

Run Rudolph Run (3:59) 2017

CD: Christmas Christmas [Big Machine Records BMRCT-0275A] • USA, 2017
LP: Christmas Christmas [Big Machine Records BMRCT-0275D] • USA, 2017

Although I like the guitar here the song becomes pretty heavy and annoying.

CLARKSDALE BROS. (Switzerland)

A folk/blues group founded in 2003 in Bern. Rick Steiger (vocals-r.guitar), Jürg Heiniger (lead guitar), Marc Herrmann (doublebass). They may perform as a duo, trio or quartet, acoustic set or electric set. Named after the famous town Clarksdale in Mississippi.

You Never Can Tell [as “Never Can Tell”] (3:04) 2012

CD: Studio Live Adventures [Self-released ] • Switzerland, 2012

Acoustic versions. Unusual.

Wee Wee Hours (5:30) 2015
You Can’t Catch Me (3:40) 2015

CD: From Rags To Riches [Self-released ] • Switzerland, 2015

Acoustic versions. Very authentic.

ERIK & THE DRAGTONES (USA)

Erik Mielzarek is from Washington D.C. and it seems like he’s kept the band for some 30 years. They play neo rockabilly or in that genre.

Let It Rock (2:33) 2020

EP: Rockabilly Child [Bohemian Amigos ] • USA, 2020

7 inch EP on pink vinyl with three tracks. According to the reviewer in Blue Suede News mag, it’s Rockabilly headbanger music. After listening to the album I fully agree.

SARA EVANS (USA)

Country singer/songwriter, born 1971 in Boonville, Missouri. In 1997 she got three chart hits, but hit it big in 1998 with “No Place That Far” #1. She continued with many hits, both Top Ten and #1s up to 2016. She has a great voice and was voted Female Vocalist by ACM in 2006.

Run Rudolph Run (3:25) 2014

CD: At Christmas [RCA 88750 29722] • USA, 2014

Now this is a great rockin’ version. Evans is not considered as a rockin’ country gal. The project is more like a pop/country album and again it’s interesting to notice the choice of material. The Berry cover really differs from the rest of the tracks. His music always seems like a winner when it comes to pick a rockin’ song.

SAMANTHA FISH (USA)

Born in 1989. Singer/songwriter/guitarist originally from Kansas City, Missouri. She’s a pretty versatile musician in genres like rock, blues, country and funk. She has won several awards, especially in the blues field. Her first album “Live Bait” came in 2009 and 9 more have followed.

Run Rudolph Run (4:51) 2019

45: Rounder Records 1166100825 • USA, 2019

Now this is pretty different, slower and with a little jazz/blues effect. It’s okay but loses a bit of the rock’n’roll feeling.
250 copies pressed and available only from SamanthaFish.com. White vinyl with red splatter.

ANDREAS GABALIER (Austria)

Born near Friesach, Austria in 1984. He’s regarded as a folk singer and has received several awards in that category. His first single came in 2008, and he’s released some 11 albums since 2009, seven of them being Platinum.

Run Rudolph Run (2:40) 2020

CD: A Volks-Rock’n’Roll Christmas [Electrola 06024 ‎3520176] • Germany, 2020
CD: A Volks-Rock’n’Roll Christmas [Electrola/Universal 06024 ‎35206318] • Austria, 2020

The Austrian CD is a limited fanbox with 15 songs, including a embroidered tablecloth, printed candle and a wood star.
He usually sings in German, but this Berry cover is in English and rockin’ okay.

JOHNNY HALLYDAY (France)

See Volume 3, page 1227 for biographical info.

Carol [as ‘O Carole’] (5:08) 2016 (live)
Nadine (4:15) 2016 (live)
Promised Land [as ‘La Terre Promise’] (4:40) 2016 (live)

3-CD: Rester Vivant Tour [Warner 0190295 923631] • France, 2016

Live at Palais 12, Brussels, Belgium, 25 March 2016. 41 tracks. There’s also a 2-CD set (minus “Promised Land”) containing 28 tracks. Actually this album came out in several variants, including also DVD.

HOME FREE (USA)

Acappella quintet consisting of Austin Brown, Rob Lundquist, Adam Rupp, Tim Foust, and Adam Chance, originally formed in 2000 in Mankato, Minnesota. They released their first album ”From The Top” in 2007 on their own label, and in 2014 got a record deal with Columbia and the album “Crazy Life”. Altogether they have 12 albums out. They sound really good and leave the listeners amazed with their vocal skills.

Run Rudolph Run (3:00) 2020

CD: Warmest Winter [Home Free Records 3961] • USA, 2020

Here they use a few instruments which was a disappointment to me.

LEVI KREIS (USA)

Singer and a Tony Award winning actor from Oliver Springs, Tennessee. Born 1973. His debut album “One Of The Ones” was released in 2005. He portraited Jerry Lee Lewis in Broadway’s “Million Dollar Quartet“ for which he received a Tony in 2010. He can look back at some 10 albums including his latest being “Bad Habit” in 2020.

Run Rudolph Run (2:38) 2018

CD: Home For The Holidays [Vision 9 Records ] • USA, 2018

A pretty standard rockin’ version.

LA SETTA (Italy)

Very authentic quartet, sounding just like the ‘60s.

Carol ( : ) 1992
Oh Baby Doll ( : ) 1992
Our Little Rendezvous ( : ) 1992

LP: 1965, Ramazzini Street [Dischi Impero/Contempo Records DI-102] • Italy, 1992

They are also covering “Don’t You Lie To Me” but since this is not a Berry song in the first place it’s not counted for.

Around And Around (2:59) 1993

LP: Hey! [Destination X Records DSX-33010] • Italy, 1993

They also do covers of “Route 66” and “Don’t You Lie To Me” (blues version).

You Can’t Catch Me (3:13) 1993

CD: Torture [Contempo Records CD-014] • 1993

LATERAL BLUE (USA)

A Nashville based string quartet, consisting of two guys, Caleb Edwards (mandolin), Kyle Lee (banjo) and two girls, Kori Caswell (bass), Laura Epling (fiddle), and it seems that they all sing.

Run Rudolph Run (3:27) 2019

CD: This Christmas [Green Hill Productions 562142] • USA, 2019

As the cover proclaims, A Progressive Bluegrass Holiday Collection. 15 mostly well known Christmas songs done in a traditional Bluegrass style. Again I find it interesting that they include this Berry classic among the other standard Yuletide songs.

SCOOTER LEE (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1312 for a cover of “You Never Can Tell” from 2005.
And!!! I beg you to excuse me for the very short and unfortunate comment on page 1312.
Line-dance queen (sounds better). She was born in 1957 and raised in the bayou’s of Lousiana, New Orleans that is. She’s been performing since 1971, so she’s been around for a while(!) And despite that her first album came as late as 1994 she has released over 20 albums. Currently, Scooter Lee lives in Atlanta, Georgia where she owns and operates her international distribution company for audio and video. She also runs a charity organization for better health through dancing for elderly people. “Dancing For The Dream, Inc.” is a non-profit charity.

Tulane (3:04) 2013

CD: Welcome To Scooterville [Scooter Lee/Superline Inc. ] • USA, 2013

Quite a good version.

EDDY MITCHELL (France)

See Volume 3, page 1367 for biographical info.

Medley: Almost Grown [C’est La Vie Mon Chéri] / No Particular Place To Go [Á Credit et en Stéreó] / I’m A Rocker [as “C’est Un Rocker”] (6:30) 2016 (live)

2-CD: Big Band - Palais des Sport 2016 [Polydor 572 315-5] • France, 2016

Recorded 2 December 2016.

I’m A Rocker [as “C’est Un Rocker”] (3:57) 2017 w/ Johnny Hallyday

CD: La Memé Tribu Vol. 1 [Universal 5788976] • France, 2017
LP: La Memé Tribu Vol. 1 [Universal 5788977] • France, 2017

No Particular Place To Go [Á Credit et en Stéreó] (2:48) 2018
Almost Grown [C’est La Vie Mon Chéri] (3:19) 2018

CD: La Memé Tribu Vol. 2 [Universal 7450542] • France, 2018
LP: La Memé Tribu Vol. 2 [Universal 7450573] • France, 2018

LEO MORACCHIOLI (Norway)

A singer and multinstrumentalist based in Oftedal. Born 1978 (Italian father). He is known for his metal covers of famous songs which have gained him over 4 million followers (!) on YouTube as Frogleapstudios. Besides arranging all the songs and playing all instruments (mostly) he also creates videos. The story goes that he has recorded over 400 covers. He also has a band called Frog Leap who did a European tour in the Spring of 2019 which resulted in an album, “Frog Leap Live In Europe”.

Johnny B. Goode (3:52) 2017

Mp3: Leo Metal Covers / Volume 13 [Frog Leap Studio] • Norway, 2017

This should not be here but thinking of how many albums he’s done I think he deserves it.

Run Rudolph Run (Metal Version) (4:03) 2019

Single mp3 [Frog Leap Studio] • Norway, 2019
Mp3: Leo Metal Covers / Volume 22 [Frog Leap Studio] • Norway, 2019

I know this should not be here either, however, I do fancy this version with great guitar work. They call it metal but to me it sounds more like rockin’ punk.

EMILY OSMENT (USA)

Actress, singer, songwriter Emily Jordan Osment was born in 1992. She has starred in numerous TV series and movies.
Nominated for several performances and has won a few. She has released two EPs (2009) and (2019) as Bluebird and one album called “Fight Or Flight” 2010. Plus some nine singles.

Run Rudolph Run (2:14) 2008

CD single: The Bicycle Music Company • USA, 1 January 2009

Recorded late 2008. There are various performances on YouTube where she sings this Berry cover.

KAT PERKINS (USA)

Kathy Joan Perkins, singer, songwriter from Scranton, North Dakota, born 1980. So far she’s released one full album “Kat Perkins” (2015) and four EPs and a few singles. She was also a part of the Voice 6th season in 2014 and reached the semifinale.

Run Rudolph Run (2:55) 2018

CD: A Kat Perkins Christmas III [Kat Perkins Music Inc. ] • USA, 2018

A rockin’ version with a horn section.
It’s interesting to notice that more and more female artists are covering this Berry classic.

ROCKPILE (UK)

See volume 3, page 1471 for biographical info.

Let It Rock / Let’s Talk About Us (6:58) 1980 (live)
Promised Land (3:40) 1980 (live)

CD: Live At Rockpalast [Repertoire REP-5325] • Germany, 2013

Previously unissued. 1 DVD and CD, same tracks. Recorded at Markthalle, Hamburg, West-Germany, 12 January 1980.
Featuring Dave Edmunds (vocals, lead guitar), Billy Bremner (guitar, vocals), Nick Lowe (bass, vocals), Terry Williams (drums).

S-CAPE (Germany)

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Sina Emmerich (born 1969) from Kloster Lehnin (near Berlin). After many years as a guitar player in various rock bands she decided to go solo in 2010 and released her first album “Imagination”. Rock & roll legends like Chuck Berry influenced her style of playing. She also uses the standard rock & roll set up, guitar, bass and drums.

Johnny B. Goode [In a Rock & Roll Medley] (4:58) 2020

CD: Raceday [RecordJet 1002 189REJ] • Germany, 2020

The medley consists of Let’s Have A Party - Blue Suede Shoes - Johnny B. Goode.

WILLIAM SHATNER (Canada)

Born in 1931. Singer and actor. He’s probably best known as Captain James T. Kirk of The USS Starship Enterprise from the science fiction TV series Star Trek and also the TV police series T. J. Hooker in the ‘80s and many others. He’s had several albums out and as late as 2020 he released one titled “The Blues” featuring a.o. Brad Paisley and Sonny Landreth.

Run Rudolph Run (3:13) 2018

CD: Shatner Claus - The Christmas Album [Cleopatra Records CLO-0959] • USA, 2018

It’s also been released as a limited LP variant (same cat.no.) in four different colours, red, green, white and splatter vinyl.
The rockin’ cover is a cross between talking and singing but he’s doing a good job of it. He was around 87 years old when he recorded this. Remarkable. And by the way, I had no idea he had recorded so many albums!

SHOWADDYWADDY (UK)

See volume 3, page 1504 for biographical info.

Bye Bye Johnny (1:05) [in medley with “Move It” (3:14)] 2002

CD: Hey Rock’n’Roll [Ovation Recordings CLAP-001] • UK, 2002

Tulane (2:35) 2006

CD: I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll [Demon Music Group DMGTV-030] • UK, 2006

SARAH SMITH (Canada)

Singer, songwriter born 1978 in Guelph, Ontario and now lives in London, Ontario. She’s a very popular rock artist who was the lead singer of the rock band The Joys but started her solo career in 2012 with the album “Stronger Now”. She’s won several awards in her homeland and play some 300 gigs a year. So far she’s released six albums, including her newest titled “Unveiling” (2019).

Run Rudolph Run (2:38) 2018

CD: A Christmas Wish [Sarah Smith Music ] • USA, 2018

This is a pretty goode hard rockin’ version and I must say doesn’t reflect the image of the CD cover. Most of the songs have a rockin’ beat to them although you get a few slower and kinder approaches.

GEORGE THOROGOOD (USA)

See volume 3, page 1558 for biographical info, and a lot of other Berry covers.

No Particular Place To Go (4:36) 1982 (live)
Reelin’ And Rockin’ (8:16) 1982 (live)

4-LP: Live In Boston, 1982–The Complete Concert [Craft (Rounder) CR00282] • USA, 2020
2-CD: Live In Boston, 1982–The Complete Concert [Craft (Rounder) CR00340] • USA, 2020

Previously unissued. Part of this concert was first out in 2010 on a single Rounder Records CD including “It Wasn’t Me” (see page 1559). So there are actually three Berry covers in the whole set, plus the Berry soundalike “House Of Blue Lights”.
This new edition is remastered and adds 12 previously unreleased tracks.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: You can add this release to both the DVD and the Cover Versions sections of CBID.

DVD

BROWN EYED HANDSOME MAN
Liberation Hall LIB-4057 • Germany, 2020
(Black & white/Colour 54 minutes + 26 minutes)

Carol – Chuck Berry, “Hail, Hail Rock & Roll” movie 1986 / Maybellene – Chuck Berry, Chess 1955 / Wee Wee Hours – Chuck Berry, Chess 1955 / You Can’t Catch Me – Chuck Berry, “Rock, Rock, Rock” movie 1956 / Around And Around – The Rolling Stones, “The T.A.M.I Show” (“Gather No Moss” UK) 1964 / Roll Over Beethoven – The Beatles, Washington Coliseum concert 1964 / Johnny B. Goode – Jimi Hendrix, “Jimi Plays Berkeley” 1971 / Back In The USA – Linda Ronstadt, “Hail, Hail Rock & Roll” movie 1986 / Nadine – Chuck Berry, “Hail, Hail Rock & Roll” movie 1986 / Sweet Little Sixteen – Chuck Berry, BBC TV show “Sounds For Saturday” 1972 / (Johnny B. Goode – Paul Shaffer & His Band, “Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame” induction 1986) see below / Johnny B. Goode – Chuck Berry & Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band, “Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame” Grand Opening concert 1995 / Roll Over Beethoven – Jeff Lynn & Electric Light Orchestra, “Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame” induction 2017 / Carol – Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers, “Soundstage” 2003 / Brown Eyed Handsome Man – Paul McCartney, “Live at the Cavern Club” 1999 / Let It Rock – Chuck Berry, BBC TV show “Sounds For Saturday” 1972 / Memphis, Tennessee - Chuck Berry, BBC TV show “Sounds For Saturday” 1972

Bonus: 26 minute interview with Chuck from the German TV show “Beat Club, 24 March 1972. (See page 2037 “The Lost Broadcasts” in Vol. 4.)

This could be a bootleg but who cares(?) Good picture and sound quality. This documentary has been transmitted on various TV stations but so far very few have seen it, therefore this DVD is a welcome addition. The best performance is by all means Tom Petty’s version of “Carol” !!! What a drive and what a band. This documentary is more like a musical tribute to Berry than the other documentaries coming out lately. All performances are complete with no interruptions.

Note: The Paul Shaffer performance from the induction in 1986 is not featured although it’s printed on the back cover. I have tried to find it on You Tube but it’s not there either.

When Jeff Lynne starts off with “Roll Over Beethoven” there’s a big screen behind showing a picture of Chuck Berry. This song was ELO’s first hit in the USA in 1973. Also he was inducteed in 2017 not 2016 as printed on the back cover.

I have searched for Liberation Hall (printed on the back cover) to see what turned up and they actually have a website and there seems to be some other releases like The Blasters, The Flamin’ Groovies, Commander Cody and more according to discogs. So maybe it’s not a bootleg after all (?)

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: CBID lists and shows Chuck Berry Vinyl and CD releases from all over the world. Recently I came across a release from a country not listed so far.

CHINA

CLASSIC CHUCK BERRY - The Universal Masters Collection
MCA (Universal) HD-0044 • 1999

Same 20 tracks with some electronic stereo cuts as the 1999 UK (EU) issue MCA (Universal) 112 172-2 (page 216). However, since this is from China there are some differences involved, a separate lyric booklet in Chinese for one and much other Chinese printings. And it also has a cardboard wrapper. Considering what I wrote about this release in ’99, the only interesting thing is that it was actually released in China (Made in China both on cover and label). We’ve never had anything from China before. It says in small printing For Distribution in Mainland China only. Also Shanghai Tendery Music Production Co., LTD.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: a wild mixture from blues to hard rock — and some more Jerry Lee.

CARBURETORS (Norway)

Hard rock quintet from Oslo who had their first single out in 2002 titled “Burning Rubber”. Edwing Pinilla Gustoff (vocals), Kai Kristiansen (guitar), Stian Krogh (guitar), Gunnar Lund Wang (bass) and Cristopher Lindahl (drums).
However, they all use various nicknames like Eddie Guz, Kai Kidd, Stian K, King O’Men and Chris Nitro. Their music is said to be a mix of Chuck Berry and Motörhead.

Let It Rock (2:31) 2016

45: Steamhammer SPV-269886 • Germany, 2016 (picture sleeve)

Hard rockin’ version. A-side is “Lords Of Thunder” written by the band.

Sweet Little Rock And Roller (2:41) 2018

45: FFR (3) FFR-006 • Norway, 2018 (picture sleeve)

This was a limited edition. Really noisy hard rockin’ version. A-side titled “Hurricane” written by the band.

BOBBY CRAFFORD And The Pacers (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1145 for biographical info.

Wee Wee Hours (2:44) 1961

45: Vaden 45-303 • USA, 1961
Various CD: Hot Rockin’ Music From Arkansas [Stomper Time STCD-32] • UK, 2013

Now this is a rare one. 45cat doesn’t have it and neither do Rockin’ Records but you’ll find it mentioned on the Rockin’ Country Style site . Anyway, it’s a lightweight white blues rendition, but still interesting that someone covered it in 1961 and released it as an A-side. The Fabulous Silver Tones had it as a B-side in 1960 (see page 1180).

JERRY LEE LEWIS (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1317 for biographical info.

Johnny B. Goode / Carol (6:17) 1974

LP: The Knox Phillips Sessions [Saguaro Road Records 30847-Z] • USA, 2014
CD: The Knox Phillips Sessions [Saguaro Road Records 30558-D] • USA, 2014
CD: The Knox Phillips Sessions [Ace CDCHM-1413] • UK, 2014

Previously unissued. It says in the booklet that this was recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Service in Memphis in late ‘70s, however, on-line it says 1973 or ’74 and also 1979. Take your pick, I did. Again it’s annoying that one can’t print when the damn thing was recorded. There must have been a tape-box or something. In 73-74 he was with Mercury. Anyway, the medley is again typical Jerry Lee but the sound is a bit woolen. What’s the matter with the guys mastering sound these days?

Promised Land (2:55) 2014

LP: Rock & Roll Time [Vanguard 78334-1 ] • USA, 2014
CD: Rock & Roll Time [Vanguard 78334-2] • USA, 2014
CD: Rock & Roll Time [Caroline Vanguard 5707833424] • UK, 2014

The sound here is also a little woolen (don’t like the mastering) but the song itself is okay in typical Jerry Lee style. Another Berry cover to fill in on the very long list of Jerry Lee Lewis Sings Chuck Berry. You can also add “Carol” on the Ace CD above.

SWEET SOUL (USA)

California band who plays something described like pop-punk.

Come On (1:45) 2020

EP: Noises Drown [New Morality Zine ] • USA, 2020

Rather a cover of the 1963 Rolling Stones version.

TONY VILAPLANA (Spain)

We still have no biographical info for this artist who was already listed in our July 2019 CBID Update.

Carol ( : ) 1965

EP: Tony [Vergara 299 XC] • Spain, 1965

I haven’t heard this one either. It never stops regarding Berry covers. This one was spotted on eBay on 1 July 2020. Think of all the ones we still don’t know about???

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: a few additions, two corrections, and a big surprise.

A new one to place in the NO CHUCK section.
Cathy Saunders (USA) – (I said) Johnny Be Good (2:05) (Edit 45-00-2002-V) 1962
This is teen pop with a little rockin’ voice. And has absolutely nothing to do with the Berry song. Written by one Triune who also produced the record.

BOOKER T. JONES (USA)

Booker Taliaferro Jones Jr. was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1944. He’s an multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer and arranger. Booker T & The MG’s should be a well known name for lots of people, soul music from the ‘60s. They were the unnamed house band for Stax Records. Along with Steve Cropper and Duck Dunn he did all the Stax hits from Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and so on. “Green Onions” is a classic instrumental hit from 1962 with a really good groove. His first solo album came in 1974.
Because of his studio work with so many artists in the last 60 years he won himself a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. He’s in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, inducted 1992.
It’s also interesting to notice that Booker T. actually sang lead on Santana’s version of “Havana Moon” in 1983 and that he co-produced the entire album.

Havana Moon (4:26) 2019

CD: Note By Note [Edith Street 51182] • USA, 2019

This album is released together with an autobiography titled “Time Is Tight – My Life, Note By Note”. He was on a national tour of concert and book reading events which started in November 2019 and went on through February 2020. On the album he has help from several people both on vocals and various instruments. Booker T. himself is handling the vocals on this Berry number and gets help from his son Teddy on guitar. This is not so different from several other versions and is performed in an okay latin way, all considered.

CONNECTION (USA)

Rock quartet from Rochester, New Hampshire, consisting of Brad Marino (vocals-guitar), Geoff Palmer (lead guitar-vocals), Bobby Davis (bass) and Zack Sprague (drums), plus additional musicians like Kris Rodgers (piano-organ). Again interesting that of 14 tracks 12 are written by Marino and Palmer, one cover by the Rolling Stones “Connection” and the Berry cover, which of course was also covered by the Stones.

Let It Rock (2:12) 2013

CD: Let It Rock [Collectors Club CCR-12] • USA, 2013
LP: Let It Rock [King Yum KY-002] • USA, 2013
LP: Let It Rock [Rumble/Ghost Highway GHR-67] • Spain, 2013

A good rockin’ version with elements of the Stones (naturally).

See also Brad Marino

JERRY GARCIA BAND (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1207 for biographical info.

Let It Rock (8:59) 1989 (live)

2-CD: GarciaLive Volume 13: September 16th, 1989 Poplar Creek Music Theatre [Round Records 40152] • USA, 2020

The 13th installment of an ongoing series of archival concert albums from the Jerry Garcia Band was released on Friday 24 April, featuring a previously unreleased performance the late Grateful Dead frontman's side group gave outside of Chicago that featured a guest appearance by late E Street Band sax player Clarence Clemons.

HATTERFOX (USA)

School Day [School Days] (2:11) 1970s

45: Med-Fly Records MFR-001 • USA, 1970s

This was spotted on eBay March 2020 and the seller wanted over 200 dollars for it so I passed. I wonder, old records aren’t gold anymore but some sellers still think so.
And sorry to say I don’t know anything about this, can’t find it mentioned anywhere. The label is out of Redstone, Al which could mean Alabama. The B-side has a song titled “Coming Down On You” written by Leverett/Leverett, which tells me nothing.
However, I did find another 45 by Hatterfox on Unique Records out of Daytona Beach, Florida titled “Lonely Tonight” also written by Leverett.

BIBER HERRMANN (Germany)

Acoustic folk/blues singer, songwriter. His first two albums (in 1993 & 1999) he released himself. The one below is his third and he also has four more CDs and a couple of guitar workshop DVDs.

You Can’t Catch Me (3:45) 2007

CD: Rainbow Walker [Wonderland Records WR-9043] • Germany, 2007

Pretty unusual acoustic guitar version with nice and easy drums put on to good effect.

SKIP JENSEN (Canada)

Real name Serge Gendron, born in 1967 and raised in Lachine, Montreal. Singer, songwriter, cartoonist. While also performing solo he’s been in various rock bands like Scat Rag Boosters (1996-2004), Stack-O’Lees, The Wrong Doers and Demon’s Claws.

Promised Land (3:56) 2002

EP: Skip Jensen & His Shakin’ Feet [Yakisakana Records SAZAE-010] • France, 2003

3 tracks. Issued with an insert quoting: Recorded at home in my room and bathroom at the end of 2001 and beginning of 2002. Skip Jensen sings, plays guitar, harmonica and his feet do the rest. If you read my comments on the below you’ll get an idea, although this sounds more simple in structure, interesting but pretty boring, sorry to say.

Promised Land (3:57) 2005

CD: Abscond [Delta Pop Music DPM-005] • USA, 2005
LP: Abscond [Demolition Derby NITRO-28] • Belgium, 2005

Strange mid tempo folky version with harmonica (Dylan type). Actually he’s trying to sound a bit like Dylan in his singing too. The beauty of Berry’s original is almost gone.

KAISERS (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1283 for biographical info.

Nadine (2:20) 2018

CD: Ruff ‘N’ Rare [Sound Flat Records SFR-10-005] • Germany, 2018

LIVIN’ BLUES (Netherlands)

Rock/blues band who’s been around since 1967 in various formations. So far they have released some 12 albums, the first coming out in 1969, titled “Hell’s Session”. Also a lot of compilation albums throughout the years. It seems like they are being very popular.

Havana Moon (3:50) 1987

LP: Now [Bounce Records BR-8701] • Netherlands, 1987
CD: Now [DMI Records DMI-201205080] • Netherlands, 2012

Less caribbean and more bluesy version with harmonica.

BRAD MARINO (USA)

Rock singer/songwriter from Rochester, New Hampshire. Founding member of the rock group The Connection who had an album released in 2013 titled “Let It Rock”.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:30) 2019

CD: Extra Credit [RUM BAR Records RUM-042] • USA, 2019
LP: Extra Credit [Ghost Highway Beluga077 GHR-203] • Sweden, 2019

The LP was a limited edition with only 500 copies pressed.

See also Connection

MORRIS FONTANE (USA)

Maybellene [as “Maybelline”] ( : ) 1955

45 EP: EP Records EP 4 Hits EPR-11 • USA, 1955

Various artists performing then current hit records. Budget label out of Brooklyn, New York. Morris Fontane was better known as Morris Fontain who recorded “Juicin’ And Goofin’ ” on Savoy 1139 in 1954. The other two artists featured are The Echoes (2 songs) and Emmet Hobson.

PANIKS (Spain)

Punk/garage rock quartet consisting of José Ramón Rioja (vocals, guitar), Ainoa Astiazaran (guitar), Maribel Ortiz De Urbina (standup bass), Patxi López Monasterio (drums). At least that was the band when they recorded the album below.

Stop And Listen (2:55) 2007

CD: Panik Piknik [Bi Batean Diskak BBD-004] • Spain, 2008
LP: Panik Piknik [El Beasto Recordings EB-033] • Spain, 2008

There’s an extra track on the LP at the end of side B.
Now what a BIG surprise finding this very obscure Berry track being covered in 2007. Never thought anyone would do this although they actually did a decent job of it.

POPA CHUBBY (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1422 for biographical info.
However, there are some justifications and amendments regarding the actual release, see below.

No Money Down (9:59) 2002 (live)

2-CD: Live At FIP [Dixie Frog DFGCD-8550 ] • France, 2003

This is what happens when you don’t have the actual album in hand. The track was recorded live at Radio France (Studio 105), Paris, 12 February 2002. He also does Carl Perkins’ “Matchbox” and the country classic “Jackson” a.o. And it was a 2-CD set and album released in France.

TOMMY C & THE BLACK WIDOW GREASE BAND (USA)

Tommy C has been rocking crowds since 1979. Singer, saxophone player. He’s played on stage with many of the rockn’roll legends and also had a 10 year stretch as a musical director for Chubby Checker. Tommy C is a Detroit native and has been influenced by musical styles from Motown to rock ’n’ roll. A revival band with a Detroit sound from Santa Clarita (California).

Bye Bye Johnny ( : ) 2019
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] ( : ) 2019 (instr)

CD: Hidden Treasures [TCI 0968] • USA, 2019

A Tribute to the Finest Era of American Rock And Roll, so the add tells us. And he and the band are doing concert dates throughout the US during 2020, also Canada.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: A South Korean record from the 1960s we hadn't seen before.

SOUTH KOREA

CHUCK BERRY’S GREATEST HITS
Seill SL-137 (Tae Do Record Co.) • mid 1960s

This looks very much like the ones from Taiwan. Thin paper jacket, however, it has an open folio sleeve with an art work for a George Jones album on the opposite side. Same tracks as the original US Chess LP.
(There are still records out there that we have never seen or heard of. It’s a strange world.)

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: Some corrections, one answer to a long open question and yet another list of cover versions to be added to the chapter on Chuck Berry covers in Volume 3.

It has come to my attention that “Roll Over Beethoven” from 1964 by the Searchers is not actually this group but rather by Ian & The Zodiacs aka the Koppykats. The German LP referred to in the text on page 1494 seems like a Searchers album and nothing is mentioned that the track in question is actually not by this group. And not just that, six of the songs are by the Searchers and 6 songs by the Koppykats – page 1296 (aka Ian & The Zodiacs). That’s really too much monkey business.
Thanks to Peter Checksfield for this info.

On page 1650 (Vol. 4) Mystery Cover Version. Now finally it seems we have found the answer. A popular Canadian rock band called April Wine was the support act for the Rolling Stones when the Stones played in Toronto, Canada in 1977. Unfortunately I have not been able to find this track “Little Queenie” on the April Wine album “Live At The El Mocambo” (1977). So maybe this single in disguise was a try to see what happened. Very strange though.

On page 1249 John Hill & The Retreads (USA) “Johnny B. Goode” must be erased as you will find the same entry on page 1449 as by The Retreds (USA) which by the way is the correct name. It’s a garage rock version.

ANIMALS (UK)

See Volume 3, pages 1041-42 for biographical info.

Sweet Little Sixteen (3:04) 1966
Wee Wee Hours (3:55) 1965

2-CD set: Broadcasts 1964-1966 [Rhythm & Blues Records RANDB-057] • UK, 2019

I haven’t been able to check if the “Sweet Little Sixteen” track on the LP R&B-13 is the same as the one above on this release. “Wee Wee Hours” is a live recording from a radio session, and again Eric Burdon proves his ability as a singer of great power.

BALLROOM ROCKETS (Germany)

Aka The Rosmaity Brothers, Christoph (guitar) and Fabian (vocals, bass), plus René Lieutenant on drums.

Thirty Days (2:29) 2008

CD: Ready If You’re Willin’ [Rhythm Bomb Records CDRBR-5682] • Germany, 2008

Straight ahead rockabilly version. See also The Rosmaity Brothers.

CLIFF BENNETT & THE REBEL ROUSERS (UK)

The band Rebel Rousers was formed in 1957 by Cliff Bennett. They released singles on the Parlophone label but it was first in 1964 that they got hit singles with a.o. “One Way Love” and 1966 “Got To Get You Into My Life”. The members consisted of a.o. Chas Hodges who would later team up with Dave Peacock as Chas & Dave.

Bye Bye Johnny [as “Johnny B. Goode”] (2:27) 1963 (mono)
Bye Bye Johnny [as “Johnny B. Goode”] (2:27) 1963 (stereo)

4 CD-set: Into Our Lives: The EMI Years 1961-1969 [EMI 50999 6 97388 2] • UK, 2009

Previously unissued. It’s a tough and rockin’ goode version. Strange but it says “Johnny B. Goode” on the album. They couldn’t tell the difference in 2009?

GRATEFUL DEAD (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1218-1220 for biographical info, and Vol. 4 page 2048.
If you look in Vol. 3 of CBID on the above pages you’ll see that there are a huge number of entries by this group.
Especially regarding the Dick’s Picks series. It was organised by Dick Latvala who was the custodian of the Grateful Dead tape vault until his death in 1999. From 2000 it was overseen by David Lemieux until 2005 when the Road Trip series took over and lasted till 2011, and the Dave’s Picks started in 2012.
The thing is that there are almost a Berry song or three on every release and I feel it will take too much space. The Dave’s Picks series have now reached Vol. 32 so you can imagine how many covers we are talking about. I have included a few issues below to give you an idea, and they have also covered “Run Rudolph Run” a couple of times (Christmas you know).

Around And Around (9:10) 1977 (live)
Johnny B. Goode (4:20) 1977 (live)
Promised Land (4:32) 1977 (live)

3 CD: Dave’s Picks Vol 1 -The Mosque, Richmond, VA –5/25/77 [Rhino / Grateful Dead R2-529201] • USA, 2012

Run Rudolph Run (3:43) 1971 (live)

3 CD: Dave’s Picks Vol.22 – Felts Forum, New York –12/7/71 [Rhino / Grateful Dead R2-557453] • USA, 2017

Run Rudolph Run (3:28) 1971 (live)

3 CD: Dave’s Picks Vol.26 –Albuquerque Civic Auditorium, NM 11/17/71 [Grateful Dead R2-565049] • USA, 2017

Recorded live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, 14 December 1971. Bonus concert.

Around And Around (7:50) 1977 (live)
Johnny B. Goode (4:23) 1977 (live)
Promised Land (5:03) 1977 (live)

3 CD: Dave’s Picks Vol.29 –Swing Auditorium San Bernardino, CA [Rhino Records R2-573507] • USA, 2017

“Johnny B. Goode” recorded live at Robertson Gym, University Of California, Santa Barbara, CA 27 February 1977, bonus track.

Johnny B. Goode (3:55) 1973 (live)
Promised Land (3:22) 1973 (live)

3 CD: Dave’s Picks Vol.32 –The Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA 3/24/73 [Rhino Records R2-573510] • USA, 2019

This would have to do. Volumes 1 – 2 – 3 - 4 – 5 – 7 – 8 – 11 – 12 – 16 – 18 – 20 – 21 – 23 – 24 – 25 – 28 – 31 also includes one or two Berry covers, such as Around And Around, Johnny B. Goode or Promised Land .
And on top of that there’s a lot of other Grateful Dead releases, a.o. a series titled Europe ‘72 that includes some 24 volumes!!! which of course also includes Berry covers.
It’s estimated that the group performed Berry’s songs around 1100 times !!! Quite a number (the info could itself fill a whole book).

RICHARD GRAY & THE FOUR BROTHERS (Australia)

This is not a new entry, see page 1221, but additional information and correction.
A white vocal quintet from Sidney. Musically, think Deep River Boys.

Maybellene (2:33) 1955

78: Philips P-37031 • Australia, 1955

KINKS (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1292 for biographical info.

Bye Bye Johnny (2:27) 1965 (live)
Little Queenie (1:48) 1964 (live)

2-CD set: Transmissions 1964-1968 [Audio Vaults AV-201809] • UK, 2019

”Little Queenie” recorded 7 September, 1964, BBC Saturday Club, Playhouse Theatre, London.
”Bye Bye Johnny” French TV broadcast - Recorded live 24 April 1965 at the Palais De La Mutualite, Paris.
Again sorry to say, but there’s something wrong with The Kinks and rock’n’roll, they just don’t match.

CHARLIE LILLY (USA)

Nadine (3:30) 1974

45: Revelation Records Ltd. AS-1027 • USA, 1974

The seller on eBay wrote that it was a garage 45, however, it’s more like a soul blues with harmonica. It’s in stereo and was as printed on the label Recorded in the country at Appalachia Sound Recording Studios, Chillicothe, Ohio. The A-side is “Mama Can’t Sleep” written by one Walt Cook.

MASTER’S APPRENTICES (Australia)

See Volume 3, pages 1347-1348 for biographical info.

Around And Around (2:55) 1966
Carol (2:34) 1966
I’m Talking About You (1:56) 1966
Johnny B. Goode (2:27) 1966
Maybellene (2:02) 1966
Too Much Monkey Business (2:35) 1966

CD: From Mustangs To Masters, First Year Apprentices [Nickoff Records NCD-1] • Australia, 2004

21 previously unreleased tracks. They also did “Route 66” (two versions) which is modelled after the Berry/ Stones versions. All recorded in April 1966 at The Garage. Sound quality is not perfect, and for fans only.

EARL PRESTON & The T.T.’s (UK)

Mersey Beat quintet who had one single out on Fontana in 1963, and was also featured on tracks by Eden Kane and Cy Tucker. The latter part of the group. Lead singer George Joseph Spruce from Liverpool took his stage name from his brother-in-law Earl and American artist Preston Epps.

Betty Jean (2:37) 1963

CD: Unearthed Merseybeat Vol. 3 [Viper CD-032] • UK, 2005

Previously unissued demo. Thanks to Peter Checksfield for this entry.

PRETTY THINGS (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1431 for biographical info.

Johnny B. Goode (1:42) 1964 (live)

CD Box set: Bouquets From A Cloudy Sky [Snapper SMABX-1029] • UK, 2015

Previously unissued track from the BBC 2 Live on the Beat Room, recorded December 1964. The box is a collectors item consisting of all their original albums on 11 CDs, a copy of an acetate (4 tracks), and rarities on 2 CDs, and 2 DVDs, plus memorabilia and a thick hardcover book. Released to commemorate the band's 50th Anniversary.

ROLLING STONES (UK)

See volume 3, pages 1475-1477 for biographical info.

Little Queenie (4:18) 1998 (live)

2 CD: Bridges To Buenos Aires [Eagle Rock RBCD-5407] • USA, 2019 (CD + Blue-Ray)
3 LP: Bridges To Buenos Aires [Eagle Rock 20451] • USA, 2019 (Black or blue vinyl)

Recorded live at River Plate Stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina on 5 April 1998.
Don’t know what happened but this one doesn’t live up to the band’s reputation. There’s something wrong with the drums and bass.

STORMY TEMPEST (UK)

Johnny B. Goode (2:38) 1989

45: Everbimes EVB-0071 • UK, 1989 (picture sleeve)

I did spot this on 45cat but haven’t been able to find a link to listen to it or any info. Maybe a reader can?

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: Chapter 14 in Volume 2 describes tribute songs and albums. Here are some additions to this:.

ROSMAITY BROTHERS (Germany)

Fabian and Christoph Rosmaity, guitar and bass respectively featuring Christian Bleiming (piano) and Alex Lex (drums). The brothers have been playing together for over 20 years.

Let It Rock (1:50) / Thirty Days (2:27) / Carol (2:55) / You Never Can Tell (2:56) / Roll Over Beethoven (2:38) / Wee Wee Hours (4:22) / Johnny B. Goode (2:49) / No Particular Place To Go (2:36) / Nadine (4:02) / Sweet Little Sixteen (2:52) / Little Queenie (3:02) / Maybellene (2:34) / Worried Life Blues+ (3:06) / Promised Land (2:21) / Rock And Roll Music (2:42) – 2016

CD: Berry Pickin’ - A Salute To the Genius of Chuck Berry [The Rocket Sound Lab] • Germany, 2016

I do appreciate that the guys took the time and recorded an album with 14 Berry songs and one related. Unfortunately they almost sound like the originals, updated that is. The tracks that really work are the two blues oriented songs. Interesting to hear “Worried Life Blues” the Berry way. It’s okay to record ones favourite Berry song(s) but since they have been recorded by almost who’s who in the music business it’s therefore important to get a personal and different approach, like they did with “Wee Wee Hours”.
See also The Ballroom Rockets.

RICHARD THOMPSON (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1181 under Fairport Convention for more info.

Guitar Heroes (7:40) – 2015

CD: Still [Propel Records PRPCD131] • UK, 2015
CD: Still [Fantasy Records FAN-37274 02] • USA, 2015

Here Thompson pays tribute to his guitar heroes. One of them being Chuck Berry, others being Django Reinhardt, James Burton, Hank Marvin (The Shadows) etc. In one verse he sings about Berry and imitates his guitar style.

RONNIE WOOD & His Wild Five (UK)

Ronald David Wood, singer, songwriter, guitarist, author and radio personality, born in 1947. Today best known as a member of The Rolling Stones since 1975, but also as a member of Faces and The Jeff Beck Group.

Tribute To Chuck Berry (2:04) 2018 (live)
I’m Talking About You [as "Talking About You"] (3:07) 2018 (live)
Mad Lad+ (3:13) 2018 (instr) (live)
Wee Wee Hours (4:46) 2018 (live) feat. Imelda May
Almost Grown (2:50) 2018 (live)
Back In The USA (3:58) 2018 (live)
Blue Feeling (3:52) 2018 (instr) (live)
Worried Life Blues+ (5:28) 2018 (live)
Little Queenie (4:27) 2018 (live)
Rock And Roll Music (2:17) 2018 (live) feat. Imelda May
Johnny B. Goode (3:34) 2018 (live)

CD: Mad Lad – A Tribute To Chuck Berry [BMG 538527702] • UK, 2019
LP: Mad Lad – A Tribute To Chuck Berry [BMG 538527711] • UK, 2019
Box-set Deluxe Edition: Mad Lad – A Tribute To Chuck Berry [BMG 538542250] • UK, 2019
CD: Mad Lad – A Tribute To Chuck Berry [BMG 4050 538527704] • USA, 2019

The box-set above contains the LP (180G vinyl), CD and album cover art print. Nothing fancy really. Playing time of around 40 minutes is way too short today. But I like the music and Imelda May lifts the result on the two tracks she’s involved in. She also sings backup vocals on “Almost Grown”. Irritating that the running time of the tracks are completely missing.
The tribute is okay but nothing to brag about, and Ronnie is no quality singer but he’s a tremendous guitar player. The Berry sound is all in there.
Interesting to notice the two instrumentals, especially “Mad Lad” since it becomes the very first cover of this. Although not written by Berry it is credited to him on the album. “Blue Feeling” was done by The Trashmen in 1966 (page 1568).
On YouTube you’ll find Ronnie and Imelda doing “Johnny B. Goode” on BBC’s Later with Jools Holland show. There’s also videos of Ronnie playing “Mad Lad” and Ronnie and Imelda with “Wee Wee Hours”.
Apart from Imelda May Ronnie is helped by the likes of Ben Waters (keyboards), Dion Egtved (bass) and Dexter Hercules (drums). Augmented by Antti Snellman on tenor saxophone and Tom Waters on alt saxophone. Also Amy Mayes and Denise Gordon are doing backup vocals on some tracks. All tracks were recorded at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne Minster, Dorset in 2018. It doesn’t say when, though. Produced by Ronnie Wood.

MIKE ZITO And Friends (USA)

Mike Zito, singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer from St. Louis, Missouri, born in 1970. Since 1998 when his first CD “Blue Room” came out he’s released some 15 albums.

St. Louis Blues+ (3:19) 2019 - Charlie Berry III
Rock And Roll Music (3:08) 2019 - Joanna Connor
Johnny B. Goode (3:49) 2019 - Walter Trout
Wee Wee Hours (5:25) 2019 - Joe Bonamassa
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (3:05) 2019 - Anders Osborne
I Want To Be Your Driver (2:55) 2019 - Ryan Perry
You Never Can Tell (4:00) 2019 - Robben Ford
Back In The USA (3:02) 2019 - Eric Gales
No Particular Place To Go (2:50) 2019 - Jeremiah Johnson
Too Much Monkey Business (3:13) 2019 - Luther Dickinson
Havana Moon (4:21) 2019 - Sonny Landreth*
Promised Land (3:29) 2019 -Tinsley Ellis*
Down Bound Train (4:03) 2019 - Alex Skolnick
Maybellene (2:55) 2019 - Richard Fortus
School Day (3:02) 2019 - Ally Venable
Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:16) 2019 - Kirk Fletcher & Josh Smith
Reelin’ And Rockin’ (4:01) 2019 - Tommy Castro*
Let It Rock (2:26) 2019 - Jimmy Vivino
Thirty Days (2:56) 2019 - Albert Castiglia
My Ding-A-Ling(+) (3:16) 2019 - Kid Andersen* **

CD: Rock’n’Roll – A Tribute To Chuck Berry [Ruf Records RUF-1269] • Germany, 2019
LP: Rock’n’Roll – A Tribute To Chuck Berry [Ruf Records RUF-2059] • Germany, 2019

The LP contains 15 tracks, but you can download the 20 tracks for free. The following songs are NOT on the 180 gram audiophile vinyl pressing: I Want To Your Driver / No Particular Place To Go / Down Bound Train / School Day / Brown Eyed Handsome Man.

Some of the artists are already in the covers* or soundalikes** sections, or like Jimmy Vivino in the Johnnie Johnson discography (Vol. 2). So what should one say about such a gigantic release, I mean 20 tracks, 20 different guitar players and singers! This album might help younger people to get to know Berry’s music. In that sense the album is very important and a rockin’ goode one.
“Memphis” is true to Berry’s original, not the same but simple in structure and sound. However, most of the others are filled with musical instruments, sometimes a little too much. Chuck’s grandson follows very much the arrangement his grandfather did in 1965. Well performed. Luther Dickinson makes it swing on “Too Much Monkey Business” and even includes the final lyrics with I don’t want your botheration, get away leave me be… which is so often forgotten. “You Never Can Tell” is without the identical piano playing but remember this is a guitar based album. “Down Bound Train” is strange and even more “scary” than Berry’s own, think 63 years difference. “School Day” is quite goode, one of two females on the album, and Ally Venable is doing a very decent job of it.
The worst will have to be “Wee Wee Hours” and Joe Bonamassa. That guitar playing destroys the whole tune. After just a few seconds when I heard it I said what the f…? I have played the album a few times but skip this track every time. What were they (Zito and Joe) thinking? A reviewer said it was a highlight(!), well in that case we are living in two different worlds. Maybe because that kind of guitar playing to me it’s just noise.
On the contrary, check out Mike Zito and Walter Trout on YouTube performing “Johnny B. Goode” in a garage!!!
Again the running time on each track is missing. That’s an European problem on many releases.
Of course an artist wants to cover a Berry tune that most people know so it’s interesting that songs like “I Want To Be Your Driver”, “Havana Moon” and “Down Bound Train” were chosen, but why Ding-A-Ling? Although his biggest hit, unfortunately, it doesn’t give Berry nor Andersen the best of credits.
The Mike Zito band is as follows on all tracks: Mike Zito (vocals, guitar), Lewis Stephens (keyboards), Terry Dry (bass, percussion, vocals) and Matthew Johnson (drums, percussion, vocals). Recorded at Marz Studios in Nederland, Texas, December 2018 – July 2019. Produced by Mike Zito.
Twenty Berry songs covered and you think where are “Sweet Little Sixteen”, “Roll Over Beethoven”, “Little Queenie”, “Bye Bye Johnny”, “Carol”, “Around And Around”, “I’m Talking About You” and “Nadine”? Well that gives you an idea of how many classic rock’n’roll songs Berry created.
However, again on YouTube you can see and hear Mike Zito and Joe Louis Walker doing five and a half minutes of “Around And Around” at the Casselberry Craft Beer & Blues Fest 2019 in Casselberry Florida.
I like the front cover and also the image of Berry on top of the St. Louis skyline and the Gateway Arch painted by Rip Kastaris. A beautiful touch to the memory of Chuck Berry.

Late addition and a little enlightening on the “Wee Wee Hours” track.
On the Guitar World (magazine) site there’s an indept interview with Zito explaining what went on in preparing for this album. Regarding the Joe Bonamassa version of “Wee Wee Hours” he had this to say:

We started to work on these basic tracks at the end of 2018 and the beginning of January 2019 My group cut basic rhythm tracks and then e-mail them to the guitarists in question and have them add their parts. Joe Bonamassa texting him: “Hey man, I’m getting ready to record this track. Do you want me to play it tradional or do you want fire and fury?” I said, I want fire and fury, by all means. And he just blew the doors off.

Well now we know why it ended up sounding like it did. I still don’t like it, but that’s not the point here. They got it how they wanted it and that’s what counts.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: Sometimes it takes decades until I am finally able to see and show a specific Chuck Berry album. And sometimes getting one requires me to rewrite a description.

JAPAN

CHUCK BERRY’S GREATEST HITS
Globe (Chess) JET-7198 • 1964

No Particular Place To Go / You Never Can Tell / Maybellene / Nadine / Brenda Lee / You Two / Memphis, Tennessee / Sweet Little Sixteen / Roll Over Beethoven / Rock And Roll Music / Johnny B. Goode / Brown Eyed Handsome Man (1961 version)

Referring to page 374. The tracks are of course not the same as the US release Chess LP-1485, as you can easily see. I didn’t have this album back then and unfortunately I messed it up when writing. Anyway, it really says The Best of Chuck Berry on the back cover and on the label. As far as I can see this was the very first Berry LP issued in Japan. Including “No Particular Place To Go” and “You Never Can Tell” were wise, however, “You Two” and “Brenda Lee” were not, even though they were B-sides of the first two tracks. The front cover is the same as the US LP-1485 with the yellow sticker.
For some strange reason they included the 1961 version of “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” (from the On Stage album with the audience noise).
This particular album was also issued in Taiwan in two different disguises, see pages 475-476, and also this blog.

SOUTH AFRICA

LIVE AT THE FILLMORE AUDITORIUM
Fontana STL-201 • April 1968

See page 2019 in Volume 4. Since I finally got a copy, I would like to show you the cover and label here.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: a rarity from the UK

UK

CHUCK BERRY’S GREATEST HITS (Test pressing)
Marble Arch MALS-660 (white label) • January 1967

See page 176 for info.

Now this is the first time we have found a test pressing of any UK albums from the ‘60s. The label is pure white with Side 1 and Side 2 handwritten on each side. Very few test pressings of albums turn up so this is a rare treat for collectors. We can assume that the other Marble Arch albums might be around as test pressings also. And maybe others too. At least now we know they exists.

This is how the labels of the commercial release look like:

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: A huge list of cover versions to be added to the chapter on Chuck Berry covers in Volume 3.

This time I must emphasize the help I have been given from Ari Niskanen in Finland (he was also a great resource with Vol. 3). Several months ago he sent me a bunch of 5 CDs with over 20 Berry covers on each, and many of them I had never heard of before. A big thank you Ari for your enthusiasm and knowledge for Berry covers.
Also I would like to thank Bjørn Knudsen of Norway who supplied me the other day with 19 newer Berry covers (2014-2019) I had never heard of. And I have also been searching a little myself, so …

AC-ROCK (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1033 for biographical info.

Rock And Roll Music (2:10) 2012

CD EP: Framed ! [AC-Rock AR-007] • USA, 2012

The album contains 6 tracks.

CHRIS ANDREWS (UK)

He’s been around since the ‘60s when “Yesterday Man” was a big hit for him in 1965 and “Pretty Belinda”. He was born in 1942. He’s been writing songs and recording ever since.

No Particular Place To Go (2:13) 2014
Rock And Roll Music (2:26) 2014
You Never Can Tell (3:22) 2014

CD: Still Rockin’ And Ravin’ [CAP-Sounds ] • Germany, 2014

To be quite honest, these versions are very goode indeed. Solid band and straight ahead arrangements. 15 tracks of good ole rock’n’roll music. Berry is the only one who has 3 songs covered, although there’s a Buddy Holly medley and “Peggy Sue”.

BILLY BOY ARNOLD (USA)

Blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter from Chicago. Born in 1935. He recorded with Bo Diddley in the ’50s. And has released many solo albums throughout the years.

Nadine (3:23) 2014

CD: The Blues Soul of Billy Boy Arnold [Stony Plain SPCD-1378] • USA, 2014

Produced by Duke Robillard and backed by fabulous musicians, plus the Roomful Of Blues horns. However, the presentation is standard.
It’s kinda interesting to notice all the artists who have taken a new interest to this song during the last 20 years.

BREAKAWAYS (New Zealand)

Beat, R&B, rock quartet from Wellington.

Guitar Boogie (1:55) 1966 (instr)
I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ About You”] ( : ) 1966
Little Queenie ( : ) 1966

LP: Let’s Take A Sea Cruise! [His Masters Voice MCLP-6221] • New Zealand, 1966
CD: Let’s Take A Sea Cruise! / Album Two [EMI 7243 8 21714] • Spain, 2009

I have only managed to listen to Guitar Boogie and they have almost followed Berry’s arrangement.

BULLFROG RATA & THE UNDERGATORS w/ Midge Marsden (New Zealand)

According to himself, I do all sorts of things depending on what feels right, with me, and the vibe in the crowd at the time! But blues is definitely the glue that holds the gumbo together. This could mean a driving Texas shuffle, or a sly West Coast swing, maybe a riveting acoustic ballad or a stinging slide solo perhaps.
He started out in the ’80s playing street corners, busking in various towns and he’s also played in some of London’s most packed bars.

No Money Down (4:41) 2002

CD: All I Need – Live At The Globe [Jayrem no # ] • New Zealand, 2002

Now this is faster than the original, becoming an uptempo R&B number. Very different and unusual.

No Particular Place To Go (2:55) 2002

CD: It Is What It Is [Jayrem CDMULL-14] • New Zealand, 2003

A little bit slower than Berry’s but pretty simple and soulful.

DAVID CARBE Kvartett (Sweden)

Martin David Carbe was born 1993 in Kungãlv, Sweden. He started playing piano when he was 15 and studied piano while in college. He’s played and toured with Robert Wells and in 2016 was a part of his Rhapsody in Rock Summer tour.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:18) 2016

CD: 88 Toner Och 13 Kompositioner [Self released 73 2556 00014 4 5] • Sweden, 2017

CHANG PO CHING (New Zealand)

He’s a full time working singer, songwriter, guitarist from South Auckland. He’s become very popular.

Johnny B. Goode (2:03) 2018 (live)

CD single: Universal Music Australia • 2018
The VOICE Australia performance

This probably shouldn’t be here, but I couldn’t help wondering why an artist/singer would perform this classic for a TV performance in his third entrance in the competition. Interesting isn’t it? Maybe because most of the viewers of the Voice are at the age from 30 and down(?)
Anyway, the most peculiar thing is that the stage was arranged just like Berry’s performance in the TAMI Show movie. Check it out on You Tube.

ERIC CHURCH (USA)

One of the popular modern rockin’ country artists. Born in 1977 in Granite Falls, North Carolina. In 2008 he had his first Top Twenty hit and later on he hit #1 several times with songs like “Drink In My Hand” 2011, “Give Me Back My Hometown” 2014 a.o. Seems like he’s a great Berry fan. Check out “Tulane” on You Tube.

Nadine (3:22) 2017 (live)

CD: 61 Days In Church Vol. 4 [EMI Nashville EC-61 / 73683 4 2] • USA, 2017
LP: 61 Days In Church Vol. 14 [EMI Nashville EC-61 / 36775 0] • USA, 2017

Tulane (3:06) 2017 (live)

CD: 61 Days In Church Vol. 3 [EMI Nashville EC-61 / 73683 4 2] • USA, 2017
LP: 61 Days In Church Vol. 9 [EMI Nashville EC-61 / ? ] • USA, 2017

“Nadine” recorded live at Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri on 13 May 2017. “Tulane” recorded live at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, Utah on 25 March 2017. The 100 songs are from the Holdin’ My Own Tour. I read somewhere that it was a box set of 5 CDs, but when checking Amazon it’s just mp3 downloading. However, on eBay there’s a lot of LP’s for sale from volume 1 to 15. I feel Eric is a very good performer of these two Berry covers. He has the right drive and voice.

COLWELL BROTHERS (USA)

Guitar brothers. They “advertise” the CD as follows: Old School Soul/Blues/R&B 100% autotuneddrummachinesynthesizerfree stuff.

Beautiful Delilah (3:08) 2012

CD: Guilty Pleasures [Colwell Brothers CBCD-793447357720] • USA, 2012

COUNTRY MUSIC FIVE (USA)

No biographical info.

Promised Land (2:19) 1971

Various CD: Rare 1960s Country Rock From Nashville [SPV 309002] • USA, 2011

This is strange and again I wonder what people (compilers) might be thinking when they say 1960s, as this cover is truly based on the hit version by Freddy Weller which was big on the country charts in the Autumn of 1971.

DUM DUM BOYS (France)

France's number one fuzz rockers. When I saw this I thought, hey, has one of the most popular bands in Norway recorded a Berry song, but I was wrong. This is a French band who’s released some 12 albums so far.

Havana Moon (2:52) 2019

LP: Play All Your Favourite Songs [Mono Tone Records MT 030LP] • France, 2019

HOWARD EMERSON (USA)

Born 1951 in Boston, MA. It says that his musical DNA was permanently disarranged upon hearing Chuck Berry’s “Maybellene” when he was 4 years old (my oh my, that was early!). However, he learned playing guitar by listening to a dozen albums by The Ventures. He became a very accomplished master on the guitar, electric slide and fingerpickin’. Since 1998 he’s released 4 albums with mostly self penned original songs.

Maybellene (3:33) 2004

CD: A Tale To Tell [Orchard 804986] • USA, 2004

As Howard says himself: The CD represents all the musical influences that have affected me since childhood. Then it’s interesting to notice that he performs only original songs except the Berry one.

NATHAN FOLEY (Australia)

Singer and musician born in 1979. For ten years he was a member of the Australian children’s entertainment group Hi-5.
He’s been part of several musicals and has won several awards both as a solo performer and with Hi-5. He’s released several albums, containing mostly covers.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:45) 2018

CD: At This Moment [self released 01 9192 49250 6 4] • Australia, 2018

This is a cross between Berry and Beatles with a more nod to Berry. I think this is just available digital.

GHOSTS OF NOTHING (Australia/UK)

They are actually Sean Lowry and Ilmar Taimre with artistic collaborators including Lee Devaney, Charles Famous, Coleman Grehan, Lyndall Johnston, Laura Purcell, Frank J. Miles and more. See below for more info.

Johnny B. Goode (5:07) 2014

CD: In Memory of Johnny B. Goode - A Rock Opera [Ghosts of Nothing 940499] • Australia/UK, 2014

This is not even peculiar, this is weird. There are absolutely no guitar riffs or melody and if you listen carefully you’ll hear the lyrics. It’s not easy to explain what this is all about, however, it’s a play in 3 acts containing 13 songs altogether. You can visit www.ghostsofnothing.com and see and read for yourself. Also visit You Tube and listen to Johnny B. The CD cover is a fold-out with lots of old fashioned pictures. 5 of the songs are covers a.o. Rock Around The Clock, and Mercedes Benz (Janis Joplin), the rest are composed and arranged by Sean Lowry and Ilmar Taimre. Very strange concept indeed.

IAN GILLAN & THE JAVELINS (UK)

See Volume 3, page 1268 under Javelins for biographical info.

Memphis, Tennessee ( : ) 2018
Rock And Roll Music ( : ) 2018

CD: Ian Gillan & The Javelins [Ear Music 0211877 EMU] • Germany, 2018
LP: Ian Gillan & The Javelins [Ear Music 0213164 EMU] • Germany, 2018

Ian is reuniting with original band members from the early ‘60s to play the songs they did back then. 15 tracks from the likes of Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, Sam Cooke, the Drifters, the Coasters, Buddy Holly, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison and the Contours.

RON HACKER And The Hacksaws (USA)

Blues-rock singer, guitarist born 1945 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He released his first album back in 1988, titled “No Very Music”.

Almost Grown (5:57) 1990 (live)

CD: Barstool Blues [Hacksaw HRH-1990] • USA, 1990

Recorded live at the Saloon North Beach, San Francisco

Almost Grown (3:01) 2003

CD: Burnin’ [Hacksaw HR-6415] • USA, 2003

“Almost Grown” on a blues record? Well folks, it works! Really. What a groove.

Nadine (3:28) 2015

CD: Goin’ Down Howlin’ [Hacksaw WTB-1003] • USA, 2015

Slower and more bluesy.

STEVE HACKETT (UK)

Real name Stephen Richard Hackett. Born 1950 in Pimlico, London. He’s regarded as a first class guitar player and is well known for his prominent work with Genesis. He did 8 albums with the group before he would concentrate on a solo career.

Guitar Boogie (2:12) 1982 (instr)

CD: Highly Strung [Virgin 00946 377318] • UK, 2007

Too fast and too noisy. Loses the beauty of the melody… This album was a reissue of the original from 1983 with 3 bonus tracks including the Berry cover.

WARD HAYDEN And The Outliers (USA)

Country rock quartet from Boston, Massachusetts, formerly known as Girls, Guns and Glory.

Promised Land (2:34) 2018

CD: Can’t Judge A Book [ unknown ] • USA, 2019

Now folks, this is a really raw, rockin’ country version with great guitar work (by Cody Nilsen). One of the best versions I’ve heard in years. Check them out on You Tube.

RICHARD HENDERSON (Canada)

Country-blues player on acoustic lap steel which is a pretty rare solo instrument. The CD below contains 15 tracks and he has help from other people on several but it’s only Henderson and his lap steel featured on the two Berry covers. He has some original songs but mostly it is covers of blues standards. Again it is interesting to notice the inclusion of Berry’s music. As it says in the album notes: Chuck Berry’s “Nadine” and “You Can’t Catch Me” are not really blues standards I guess but they certainly do get re-interpreted on solo lap steel.

Nadine (2:33) 2010
You Can’t Catch Me (3:44) 2010

CD: Seventh Day: Acoustic Lap Steel Guitar [Richard Henderson 775020996328] • Canada, 2010

HETTY & VIBES (Australia)

No biographical info.

Johnny B. Goode (4:40) 2012

CD: Hetty & Vibes [Belmar Records mp3 ] • Australia, 2012

Johnny B. Goode the slow way… I know, it’s mp3 and I usually don’t include mp3’s, but I wanna make an exception as I think this is quite unusual and goode.

JACKYS (Switzerland)

A quartet led by pianist and singer Jacky, real name Ueli Schmutz, born in 1945 in Bern. The band has released 11 albums since 1976, and Jacky himself has released a few. Jacky is known as MR. Swiss Rock’n’Roll.
Strange I have never heard of them before??? Remember I have been searching for Berry covers on the net since the early ‘90s.

Sweet Little Sixteen ( : ) 1976

LP: Jacky’s Boogie [EMI 3E 054 33865] • Switzerland, 1976

11 country and rock’n’roll covers plus two originals.

Memphis, Tennessee (3:46) 1980
Sweet Little Sixteen (2:43) 1980

LP: My Little World [EMI 13C 058 76103] • Switzerland, 1980

Rock’n’roll and country covers.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:36) 1988
You Never Can Tell (3:00) 1988

CD: Hello Rock And Roll [Phonacord CDPA-82007] • Switzerland, 1988

Rock’n’roll and country covers and originals.

Little Queenie ( : ) 2015
Promised Land ( : ) 2015

CD: 50 Years [Sound Service JACKCD-11] • Switzerland, 2015

10 rock’n’roll covers and one by Kris Kristofferson.

MARVIN JENKINS (USA)

American jazz pianist and composer. Has played with many of the jazz greats and was a member of the Barney Kessel Quartet. Born 1932 in Aultman, Ohio, died 2005 in Pasadena, California.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:37) 1965

LP: Big City [Palomar G-24001 (mono) /GS-34001 (stereo)] • USA, 1965

Nice to have another jazz man recording a Berry number. We are still looking for Stan Kenton’s cutting Maybellene(?)
Although this is not an instrumental as expected but a vocal one that sounds like a cross between pop/jazz and soul. Quite unusual.

EVAN JOHNS (USA)

Johns was born 1956 in McLean, Virginia, but started his musical career as a songwriter and guitarist in Washington D.C. In the ‘70s he played with Danny Gatton and later started his own band The H-Bombs. He died in 2017.

No Money Down (2:50) 2016
Rock And Roll Music (3:51) 2016

CD: Does The Great American Songbook Vol. 1 [Jelly Roll Record ] • USA, 2016

12 tracks from the pens of Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Carl Perkins, Merle Haggard and more. Again Berry is the only one with two songs !!! Produced by Evan Johns and recorded at Teenie Weenie Sound Studios in Vancouver, Canada.

J J JOHNSON (USA)

James Louis Johnson, jazz trombone player and songwriter, born 1924 in Indianapolis, Indiana and died in 2001. According to Wikipedia he played jazz, bebop, hard bop and third stream (!)

No Particular Place To Go (2:13) 1965

LP: Goodies [RCA Victor LSP-3458] • USA, 1966

He must have been one of the very first to cover this Berry tune, and in the jazz field(!) Again I am amazed how many different styles and artists/musicians who covers Berry.

LORANES (Germany)

Garage rock, neo-blues, psychedelic trio who came on the scene in 2015 with their debut single and album “Trust”.

Johnny B. Goode (4:12) 2018 (live)

LP: Live At Acoustic Lakeside Festival 2018 [H42 Records H42-059] • Germany, 2019

According to Discogs this was a one sided limited vinyl release with 250 copies pressed, 125 on black vinyl and 125 on clear-red vinyl. It also seems it was released as a full 11 track album. Sorry to say but to me this is just noise.

LORENZO MENZERSCHMIDT (USA)

Just so you know, this is a three piece blues band, consisting of “Lost Jim” Ohlschmidt (lead vocals, guitars), Tony Menzer (bass, vocals) and Victor de Lorenzo (drums, vocals). Kinda interesting invention of a band name.

Johnny B. Goode (4:19) 2012

CD: Lorenzo Menzerschmidt [Lorenzo Menzerschmidt 884501814195] • USA, 2012

A minor swing version of this classic. Very unusual. As they say at CD Baby: What do Sleepy John Estes, Mississippi John Hurt, Chuck Berry, and Blind Blake have in common? - They're all covered by this adventurous roots trio with an original song list shaped by old-school blues and rock 'n' roll.

TRADE MARTIN (USA)

Born in 1943, Union City, New Jersey. Musician, songwriter, producer. He worked with Johnny Powers in the late ‘50s, recording as Johnny & The Jokers. He later on recorded for Roulette a.o. and released an album on Buddah in 1972. But it is as a composer and producer he’s best known throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s especially. In 1990 he was also involved in B. B. King’s Grammy Award winning CD “Live At San Quentin”.

School Day (2:45) 2005

CD: Then - Songs Of Our Youth [Innovation Digital ] • USA, 2005

He’s followed Berry’s arrangement to the point, even the guitar is in the same key.

SWEET MIKEY C (USA)

Real name Mike Campbell. Family moved from Phoenix, Arizona to Odessa, Texas in 1956 when he was about 9 years old. He remember seing Roy Orbison on TV and later got hooked on the guitar playing by Scotty Moore. So there you have his roots.

Nadine (4:18) 2012

CD: Scooby Daddy [Mikey C Music 1951089] • USA, 2012

Featuring Bobby Keys and Johnny Hiland. This was his second CD where he is in a little Roy Orbison mood by covering 3 early songs by him. Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Java Jive Studios in Nashville, TN. Mikey’s first album came out in 2009 titled “Rock ‘n’ Roll Time Capsule”, a 2-CD set, where he a.o. covered 4 Buddy Holly songs, and a lot of other rock’n’roll classics.

MOODY BROTHERS (USA)

Country music trio , Carlton Moody, Dave Moody, and Trent Moody who started out in the early parts of the ‘80s. Got nominated for a Grammy for their recording of the classic “Cotton Eyed Joe” in 1985. In 1988 they recorded an album in Prague, Czechoslovakia with Jiri Brabec and Country Beat. The album Friends was the first such cooperative production between an American company, Lamon Records and what was then a communist state-owned record label Supraphon.
Later on the Moodys have focused on individual careers while still performing together occasionally.

Johnny B. Goode (2:37) 2012 (live)

CD: Live From Billy Bob’s Disneyland Paris [Lamon Records ] • USA, 2012

MARIUS “BUTCH” NORDAL (USA)

Jazz pianist, jazz journalist and educator. He was born in New Orleans but family moved to Seattle when he was seven. After several years of piano lessons he became an accomplished boogie woogie and blues player with a little rock and roll thrown in for good measure.

School Day (3:35) 2009 (instr)

CD: Boomer Jazz [Origin Records ‎82545] • USA, 2009

Nice to see even another jazz musician playing Berry. Of his background he has this to say: During my high school years,I grew up during the last few years of an eclectic, bluesy era where Miles Davis, Count Basie, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and Bill Doggett co-existed with Doris Day, Pat Boone, Perry Como and Frank Sinatra. You could even hear any of them on a single radio station!

CLAIRE PETRIE (USA)

Country singer who grew up in a large musical family in Saratoga Springs, New York. "You Never Can Tell" was her debut single from the album and also with a following video.

You Never Can Tell (3:32) 2015

CD: The One [Playback Records ] • USA, 2015

She does a very decent cajun version of this Berry classic, good voice and arrangement, check out the video (pretty nice) on You Tube.
People, think of all the great videos you can actually do to a Chuck Berry tune. The story lines are so great they could have all been small and short movies.

QUIREBOYS (UK)

Heavy hard rock band from London, formed in 1985 disbanded in 1993. They got together again in 2000. They released 5 albums from 1990-1994 and some 16 albums from 2000-2019. Man they have been productive.

Little Queenie (4:24) 2017

CD: White Trash Blues [Off Yer Rocka Recordings OYR-044] • UK, 2017

On an album from 2014 they do a song titled You Never Can Tell which is not the Berry classic, although they repeat several times It goes to show… So they learned something.

RATS (UK)

See The Treacle below

RONA (Israel)

No biographical info.

Johnny B. Goode (3:06) 2015

CD: Goose Chase [ ? ] • Israel, 2015

Synthesizer … very slow interpretation and the guitar has been sampled several times during the 3 minutes playing time, the same opening riff over and over again while Rona sings very sensual. Don’t know if there’s an actual CD release here. I can only find two songs with her from 2015. And there’s even a couple of videos on You Tube of her singing Johnny B.
You probably need to download the songs, in case.

JIM RORIE (USA)

Country singer, songwriter It says that he plays Mississippi country blues, but I feel he sounds much more country than blues.

Memphis, Tennessee (4:18) 2012 in medley with “Mr. Crumb” (1:31)

CD: My Home Is Memphis, Tennessee [Jiro Records 887516161537] •

Unfortunately he follows the Johnny Rivers arrangement almost note for note. All songs on the album are about Memphis, the home of Rock and Roll and the home of the Blues. Songs by W. C. Handy, Hoagy Charmichael, Berry, Tommy Tucker and Curley Williams, plus six new songs written by Rorie.

WOLFGANG SCHMID (Germany)

Fusion, Jazz-Funk, Jazz-Rock quintet.

Johnny B. Goode (5:07) 2004

CD: A Swift Kick [Skip Records SKP-9053 2] • Germany, 2005

Recorded live at Dreamscape studios, Munich, 2004.

SHAKERS (Canada)

Now here’s another Shakers group, this time from Canada. A rock quartet who was active from 1979-1982. They had two albums out, 1981 - 1983. Rick Andrew played bass. Hail! Hail! boys for pickin’ an obscure Berry song. In 1980 nobody else had ever thought of covering "My Mustang Ford". Strange actually because it’s a good rocker, again a car song with excellent lyrics.

My Mustang Ford (3:02) 1980

12” EP: Rock And Roll [Warpt Records WRC1-1515] • Canada, 1980
CD:The Shakers [Warpt Records # 909] • Canada, 2000

No Money Down ( : ) 1980

12” EP: Rock And Roll [Warpt Records WRC1-1515] • Canada, 1980

SHOVELS & ROPE (USA)

A country/folk duo from Charleston, South Carolina. They are husband Michael Trent and wife Cary Ann Hearst.

You Never Can Tell (2:19) 2017

CD: Busted Jukebox Vol. 2 [New West Records NW-6415AD ] • USA, 2017

Strange version, it starts with a Johnny B. guitar riff and then runs way too fast. Also with a weird sound.

BJØRN SPELLMANN (Norway)

Accordionist. Real name Bjørn Brenne. Playing pop and country oriented music. He also had an album out in 2001 “Trekkspill I 2001”.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:40) 2004 (instr)

CD: Trekkspill I 2004 [Busk Records BCD-245] • Norway, 2004

Not bad and it swings, but he’s followed the Johnny Rivers arrangement (as so many others) and it becomes sort of predictable.

JOHN THIBODEAU (Canada)

John and the boys play a kind of accoustic blues and folk music. John Thibodeau (guitar, vocals), Barry Brown (guitar), Chris Turner (harmonica) and Mark Thibodeau (piano).

Maybellene (3:48) 2009

CD: Passin’ through [Ruination Records 700261266374] • Canada, 2009

A slower more bluesy version.

TREACLE (UK)

Featuring guitarist Mick Ronson and Benny Marshall and Keith Cheesman. It seems like the connection between the Rats and the Treacle were actually Mick Ronson. The Rats had three singles out in 1964-65. Don’t know if Treacle released any records but three songs by them are on both the CDs mentioned below.

Guitar Boogie (4:28) 1969 (instr) prev. unissued

CD: The Rise And Fall Of Bernie Gripplestone And The Rats From Hull [Tenth Planet TP-012] • UK, 1995
CD: The Fall And Rise – A Rats Tale [Angel Air Records SJPCD-165] • UK, 2004

This is not the worst I have heard but it comes pretty close. Okay, so they got he idea from Jeff Beck, but… Harmonica doesn’t fit the song guys, and the so-called short drum solos sounds like a joke. I am almost sure this was not supposed to be issued, and it should have stayed in the can. The overall sound is rotten too.

TRIPWIRES (USA)

Rock and roll group from Seattle, Washington featuring John Ramberg on vocals and lead guitar.

Tulane (2:39) 2007

CD: Makes You Loook Around [Paisley Pop 678277145924] • USA, 2007

Not quite sure what to make of this heavy version. It’s like a total mess The vocals are not following the music. It sounds like they were living in two different worlds.

JOHN VERITY BAND (UK)

Blues-rock band. Guitarist John Verity was born in 1949 in Bradford, West Yorkshire. He’s been in bands like Argent and Phoenix. Has released some 20 albums, the latest being “Blue To My Soul” in 2017.

Johnny B. Goode (5:16) 2015

CD: Live At Bosky [VaVoom Records 478897] • UK, 2015

They also do a version of “Route 66” the Berry/Stones way. Recorded live in one day at Bosky Studios in the village of Ireland in Bedfordshire. Live?

JOHN C. WAKELY (USA)

Son of country & western singer/songwriter Jimmy Wakely. The man who wrote a.o. “Too Late” which Berry recorded in 1974.
I have tried to find out when this album below was recorded but with no luck. It was produced by his dad Jimmy (who died in 1982). I did find an album by John Wakely released on Decca 75139 in 1969, titled “Please Don’t Hurt Me Anymore”, but “Memphis” is not on it.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:48) late ‘60s or early ‘70s

CD: Country Son Of A Western Singer [Essential Media Mod 5191076] • USA, 2012

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: still we discover releases which were missing from the book, including some from well-documented countries.

UK

CHUCK BERRY’S GREATEST HITS
Marble Arch MALS-660 • January 1967

See page 176 for info.

Same tracks as the mono LP but in electronic stereo. STEREO MALS is stamped in red letters on the back cover.  You will find the labels with the printing Stereophonic or without. Both have MALS 660 printed on the labels.

NETHERLANDS

Nadine / Come On
Funckler AR 45.111 • 1964 (picture sleeve, Chuck Berry Song Series #6)

Here we have three different variants. The Chuck Berry Song Series was a series of 45s going way up to #17. This one pictured had an orange Funckler label with some variations in printing. However, you might find it with a black label although I have never seen one. The other two images show two different (earlier) releases having colour tops, blue and purple. One with orange and one with black Funckler label, the latter being the first issue. Although we have no info what came first, the hen or the egg.
There is also a third label variant from Holland, Chess International orange label. Although I have never seen ARI 45.111 like that. Hopefully to give you a better explanation regarding all of this, please see page 400 under ARI 45.082 Roll Over Beethoven / Sweet Little Sixteen.

Probably third issue:

Probably second issue:

Probably first issue:

NEW ZEALAND

ST. LOUIS TO LIVERPOOL
Viking [Chess] LP-1488 • 1964

This is the mono variant. Don’t know if the stereo one was released.

PHILIPPINES

You Never Can Tell / Brenda Lee
Chess ARI-1013 • 1964

Multicolor label. The sound here is pretty poor. According to Thierry Chanu it seems like master (the tape machine) might have fluctuated.

SPAIN

ROCKIN’ AT THE HOPS
Zafiro [Serdisco] 301 12367 • 1989

Same as the UK reissue Charly (Green Line) LP GCH-8041 (1986).

NEW JUKE BOX HITS
Zafiro [Serdisco] 301 12364 • 1989

Same as the UK reissue Charly (Green Line) LP GCH-8008 (1986).

BERRY IS ON TOP
Zafiro [Serdisco] 301 12369 • 1989

Same as the UK reissue Charly (Green Line) LP GCH-8043 (1986).
The above three albums have printed 1988 on the back cover, but the labels says 1989.

TAIWAN

CHUCK BERRY’S GOLDEN DECADE VOL. 2 [2-LP]
Giant TD-1215 16 • 1973

Same as US LP 2CH-60023, but it seems as this was a single LP cover, no fold-out. And the back cover is in black & white, no colours.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: An addition to chapter 18 in Volume 2. This chapter covers the session work and records by Chuck Berry's main musical partner Johnnie Johnson, recorded in addition to his work with Berry.

SESSION WORK and GUEST APPEARANCES

Keith Richards

TALK IS CHEAP (30th Anniversary De-luxe edition)

2-CD: BMG 4050538466980 • USA, 2019

(See page 876.) A remastered edition of the 1988 original album, released 29 March 2019. CD one has the original album and CD two has 6 tracks all previously unissued. The track above featuring Johnnie Johnson is previously unissued. It’s a midtempo bluesy tune with Johnnie in good form and Keith throwing in some Berry riffs at the end. Also available on 180gr. vinyl as a 2 album set.

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: three additions to chapter 14 in Volume 2 which covers tributes to Chuck Berry.

ÅGE ALEXANDERSEN (Norway)
See Volume 3, page 1036 for biographical info, and also Volume 4, page 1763.

Gå Gå Gå (3:52) (Chuck Berry-ge Alexandersen) 2018

CD: So far this is only available on line. He performed it live during his 70 years birthday party (where he spoke highly of Berry) which was filmed for TV.

This is Åge’s tribute to one of his mentors, Chuck Berry. He says he once did get some Berry singles with Johnny B. Goode and Sweet Little Sixteen and he knew what he was going to do. He says that there wouldn’t be any rock’n’roll as we know it without Chuck Berry. He uses a great deal of the text from Sweet Little Sixteen and then writes his own lyrics to fit in. It’s actually a rock song but it’s not rockin’, if you get my drift. Anyway, it’s a good tribute.

LA MANZANA PLASTICA (Mexico)
1960s rock/beat band who is still out there playing “pure rock of the ‘60s” as they call it.

Berry Rides Again (as “El Gran Chuck Berry”) (2:20) 1970

45: CBS 6644 • Mexico, 1970

Sung in Spanish. Taken from The Steppenwolf’s tribute to Berry from 1968 (see Steppenwolf on pages 761 and 1895).

GUNN-TRUSCINSKI DUO (USA)
Steve Gunn (guitars), John Truscinski (synths, drums). According to something I’ve read they play a mixture of folk, rock and experimental music. And if you listen to the tribute below it sounds something like that.

Seagull For Chuck Berry (5:02) (Gunn-Truscinski) 2017 (instr)

LP: Bay Head [Three Lobed LPTLR-124] • USA, 2017

Recorded at Echo Canyon West (?) in March 2017. Not so much Berry pickin’ on this slow and unusual instrumental. You can hear traces from “Deep Feeling”, but Gunn explains that we sometimes took direct inspiration from the late rock’n’roll godfather. However, you will have to listen closely. Anyway, because of the title it’s a tribute all right. The album above was their third as a duo.