The concert footage, the banter, the personal bits… all make for a interesting ride through what looked at times to be a frustrating production for director Taylor Hackford. The Two-Disc Special Edition is a must-have for any rock ’n’ roll musicologist’s collection. Keith Richard’s official gig in it was the music director trying to form the ultimate band for Berry’s music in the concert, sometimes against all odds - or, at least against a stubborn Chuck Berry.
In the band were folks like Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Steve Jordan (drummer from NBC’s original World’s Most Dangerous Band with Paul Shaffer); taking over vocals on his songs in the concert were Linda Rondstadt, Julian Lennon, Etta James and members of the band. Bruce Springsteen was interviewed about his own band's back-up gig at one of Chuck Berry's concerts some years back. Oh, and Chuck Berry was the sometimes difficult, man about the money honey, poet, singer, songwriter, and without a doubt, a mesmerizing character throughout the footage.
I learned a lot about Chuck Berry from this DVD set. A lot remains a mystery. But, now, in addition to thinking of his popular songs when I think of him, I’ll think of a polyester-suited man arriving alone at a concert driving a vintage Cadillac; a man reciting poetry like he was born to tell the vision of the poet; a man who’s focused on money and a demanding businessman; a man gently playing guitar and softly singing a tender song; a man who hired local bands to back him on stage without rehearsals; a man whose friends don’t seem to really know all his facets and assets… a man who created rock ‘n’ roll.
The additional two discs making for the Four-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition are composed mostly of interviews, the history behind the music (and the man). Bo Diddley, Little Richard, and Chuck Berry are featured in one segment. Anyone my age tends to know Little Richard’s personality, but I knew more of Bo Diddley’s music than anything about the man.
Article comments
1 - DJRadiohead
Excellent review. I also experienced Chuck Berry's music after the fact. Actually, I started listening to it only in the past couple of years and am just amazed by how much great material there is and what an influence he has been.
I've been debating which version of this I am going to get. I think the completist and student in me is going to require the 4-Disc set. Either way, it's not a matter of "Will I own it?" It's a matter of "Which one will I get?"
2 - Jackie
Thanks! One thing I forgot to mention in the review, one person really, is Johnnie Johnson - Chuck Berry's original pianist. He actually seems to have created Berry's guitar riffs on the piano. If you want a lot of the history and interviews, I'd go for the 4-DVD. The 2-DVD is most of the music. Your choice! ;-)
3 - -E
Congrats, this article was picked for one of this week's Ed Picks. Keep up the good work.