seasick steve
“I haven’t been home more for than a month in the last two years,” ‘Seasick’ Steve
Wold drawls in the sort of calming, cosy tone that could alert you to some really
horrible news and you’d just shrug and be pretty much OK. It’s a few days before
the release of his new album: Man From Another Time and the Oakland native is
in London recording at the BBC for Later...With Jools Holland.
Finding a quiet spot in the hotel, he continues: “If it wasn’t for them I’d have
nothin’ goin’”, he acknowledges. “That show’s like a family, I really love playing
on there.” Since his first appearance the sturdy figure has kept moving, winning
a large and varied fanbase in the process. “When I go play now the audience is
full of all kinds of different people – old, young, middle-aged – and that’s a great
compliment, it makes you feel good you know?”
Acknowledging the youthful section of his audience in particular he continues:
“The best thing about it is it’s keeping me, like, young in a way... mentally. Having
young people listen to you is like a reference point; if you can’t relate to them then
you are a boring old fart. That’s what I try to avoid”.
Despite this he tells me “My favorite place to be is still the past. Maybe it was
the most adventure in my life.” I wondered how his traditional ways fit a modern
recording studio. “It’s no problem cause I don’t use no hi-tech,” he chuckles; “we
do everything on old tape, no computers anywhere near it – we just sit there and
play.”
Preferring live to the studio every time, Steve insists, “I want to get out there
with the people, that’s the best. Everything else is just waiting around.” He also
remains grateful for being able to tour: “I’ve been doing music 45 years now, I’ve
seen a lot of things come and go. I’m just very lucky that people are liking this
more stripped-down music at the moment because I have a job,” he admits. “My
other option would be sitting on a porch.” GREGG HARMSTON
Seasick Steve, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay. Thurs 12 Nov.
Tickets: £17.50. Info: 08700 402000
chuck berry
THAT this didn’t sell out in an instant is probably largely due to the amount
of time taken to recover from the slack jawed, wide-eyed incredulity that the
pairing of ‘Chuck Berry’ and ‘Newport’ has induced in the populace. It may be
surprise enough to discover that Mr Berry is still alive and touring; that he’s
playing The Newport Centre with His St Louis Band will no doubt be too much to
process for a large number of you.
You may think this unnecessary hyperbole but the magnitude of Berry’s
achievements really cannot be overstated. Although not subject to any kind of
rigorous paternity test, Berry is widely accepted to be the Father of rock’n’roll.
Whereas Elvis was a country boy who sang ‘black’ to some degree, Chuck
Berry provided the mirror image where country music was filtered through an
R&B sensibility. As a result of this synthesis, Berry’s music was successful in
transcending race, appealing to both black and white audiences alike.
Chuck Berry’s music has also transcended generations. Iconic songs such as
Maybelline, Johnny B. Goode and Roll Over Beethoven are cornerstones of the
rock’n’roll cannon and the fact that his music has been covered by artists such
as The Sex Pistols, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles is a testament to its
immortality. If that wasn’t evidence enough consider this; Johnny B.Goode was
played on the Voyager I spacecraft. Few artists can claim a musical legacy that
transcends geography, time and race to the degree that Chuck Berry can.
But Berry has never been one to be overly concerned with his place in Rock His-
tory. Although gratefully accepting his place in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
in 1986, his main concern has always been pleasing his audience. He is alive
to his audience’s reaction and will play accordingly, putting their amusement
above all else. Age hasn’t dampened Berry’s enthusiasm for putting on a show
so expect a thrilling, energetic performance from this legendary icon, innovator
and, above all, showman. IAIN PEEBLES
Chuck Berry And His St Louis Band, Newport Centre, Tues 1 Dec /
Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, Wed 2 Dec. Tickets: £45 (Newport) / £46.50
(Swansea). Info: 01633 656757 (Newport) / 01792 635432 (Swansea)
BUZZ 12
NOVEMBER 2009.indd 12 28/10/09 12:51:50
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