AWSoP sways to the rhythm method

Richard Solly, on Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings

Richard Solly sends this review to BtP (see here also)

Anyone still humming and ha-ing about seeing Bill Wyman well go … go ... go is my only advice. I saw them last night (26 June 2000) in Cambridge and they were great.

Gary and Georgie shared most of the singing and announcing honours, with excellent singing to from big baaaddd Bev-er-leeee, Albert Leeeeee and Janice Hoyte ... ee …

Once the sound settled down the show stormed along. It was mesmeric. Tell You A Secret (Gary), I Put a Spell On You, Groovin' (Beverley) from the new album.

The excellent Melody with Georgie and Beverley was a highlight as was Gary's Hit the Road Jack which seemed to go on forever with Frank and Nick's brilliant sax work. Lead Me To The Water pounded along to a great reggae sound working well with the saxes. Albert 'Liquorice' Lee singing I'm Ready was fun too. As was Mystery Train with Nick Payn on the harmonica.

They finished on Tear It Up. My God Martin Taylor and Albert Lee can trade licks. This was truly a virtuoso paradise. Fantastic. The band got a rousing demand for an encore.

Georgie did an excellent job alone with Martin Taylor on Georgia On My Mind. I've always liked Georgie Fame. His voice is still very strong and he has a style of his own. He had quite a funny story about when he met Hoagy Carmichael. 'Don't worry how you are, Boy, my songs will make you sound great'.

Bill Wyman with Henry Spinetti provided an absolutely stonking solid sound which let the 'front runners' bang away happily. It's a credit to him that in these days of Elton, Madonna type prima donnas that he's happy sharing the limelight - in fact on one number I couldn't even see him. Having said that Terry Taylor is even quieter! A great guitarist and between them they write some marvellous music.

Gary tinkled the old ivories and I swear there was a bit of Salty Dog and Grand Hotel in there. What followed was a two verse version of A Whiter Shade of Pale. Georgie on organ and Frank Mead soulful sax accompanied him. It brought the house down with an even bigger roar than I Put A Spell On You and Tear It Up. The finale was a powerful Hole In the Wall again with Gary singing.

It was good solid music so go … go ... go …