CHUCK extraordinary album
Dixie Hummingbirds honored
Chuck Berry, “CHUCK” (Dualtone) Nearly three months after Chuck Berry left the stage, here’s his entertaining encore.
“CHUCK” might even be Berry’s best album. While his hit singles in the 1950s helped lay the foundation for rock ‘n’ roll, LPs were then an afterthought, and it has been nearly 40 years since he released one. But “CHUCK” was assembled with plenty of care — Berry began working on the material in the 1980s, and wrapped up the project shortly before he died in March at age 90.
“CHUCK” doesn’t traffic in nostalgia. Yes, his patented guitar intro with the three-note pickup kicks off two tunes, following the formula of Berry classics. But he ventures far beyond that formula with slow blues (“You Go to My Head” and “She Still Loves You”), swampy story-song R&B (“Dutchman”) and a country ballad that serves as his “My Way” (“Darlin’’’).
All of which leaves room for an occasional nod to the past. “Lady B. Goode” is prime Chuck, a sequel to his best-known hit. On “Jamaica Moon,” Berry rewrites his 1956 single “Havana Moon,” the setting changed because he always blamed anti-Castro sentiment for the song’s so-so success. His island patois is pitch perfect, and throughout his distinctive vocals add to the set’s charm. He sounds wise, not wizened.
It wouldn’t be Berry without plenty of solos. “Lady B. Goode” features guitar work from three generations of the family — Chuck, Charles Jr. and Charles III. Gary Clark Jr. and Tom Morello, Berry descendants in another way, are among the guest performers.
Historian Douglas Brinkley contributes enthusiastic liner notes, but Berry gets the last word. The final cut, “Eyes of Man,” is an extraordinary dust-to-dust Biblical ballad — real roots music, and a fitting farewell
has emerged as a national heroine there following an emotional televised benefit performance.
In the days following Grande’s sold-out show on Sunday, which raised some $3 million for a victims fund and became the
Vedder
By Steven Wine
Grande
from the hereafter.
Is “4:44” a code for a new Jay Z album? That’s what has the Internet speculating after the numbers, in an elemental black font over a salmon pink background have been appearing as a banner ad on a number of hip-hop websites, including Complex.com, Fader and Hypebeast.
Click on the ad and nothing happens, but check the source code on Complex’s version of the ad and it’s revealed the URL for the image contains the text “tidal-444” and “SuperHero,” which has some speculating that’s the name of the release, which has been in the works for months.
The mysterious numbers have also appeared on an outdoor advertising campaign in several New York City subway stations, coincidentally enough the Jay St. stop in Brooklyn as well as Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. Signs were also spotted in Los Angeles.
Also: PHILADELPHIA:
Philadelphia is honoring longtime local gospel group the Dixie Hummingbirds with a historical marker.
Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney unveiled a plaque Tuesday in front of founder John B Davis’ former home.
Davis established the Dixie Hummingbirds in 1928 in Greenville, South Carolina. After several moves, the group settled in Philadelphia.
The Hummingbirds received national acclaim in 1973 as backup singers on Paul Simon’s hit “Love Me Like A Rock.” They also produced their own version, which won a Grammy for best soul gospel performance.
Tuesday’s ceremony highlighted the Hummingbirds’ groundbreaking hard-gospel stylings, which influenced musical performers including James Brown, the Temptations and Stevie Wonder. (Agencies)
UK’s most-watched TV broadcast of the year, Britons have embraced the 23-yearold singer. They have called for her to be formally honored by Queen Elizabeth and the city of Manchester. (RTRS)
NEW YORK:
Jon Bon Jovi, Whoopi Goldberg and Usher are set to attend the 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame event inducting Jay Z, Berry Gordy and others.
The Songwriters Hall announced Thursday that Irving Azoff, Benny Blanco, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff also will appear June 15 at the New York Marriott Marquis hotel.
The organization previously announced that Max Martin, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Chicago’s Robert Lamm and James Pankow will be inducted this year. (AP)