There's everything on here from his collaboration with Mark Knopfler, "Storybook Love" (the Academy Award nominated song from the movie Princess Bride), a scorching version of "Hound Dog", and a rocking medley of "Sea Cruise" and "Shake Rattle and Roll". It tells you how good these guys are that they played better and hotter than any full rock and roll band then I've heard in ages.
The last eight tracks on disc two of Acoustic Trio Live In Berlin are from a Mink DeVille concert in Stockholm, featuring the rest of Willy's band – Boris Kinberg on percussion, Freddy Koella guitars and mandolin, and Yadonna & Doreen Wise getting credit for back up vocals and soul. The highlight of this set for me was finally getting to hear Willy sing Warren Zevon's "Carmelita".
If there was ever a person and a song that belonged together it's Willy and this song. From the Latino inflections, to the voice made of gravel, he makes the song come alive like no one else has ever managed. But that's the beauty of Willie DeVille, he puts the song ahead of himself. It's not that he's irrelevant, it's just that he offers up his interpretations of the songs without putting his ego in the way.
Willy DeVille is a one of a kind in a world of carbon copies and that in itself would be more than enough to recommend him. But he is also one of the most honest, heartfelt interpreters of songs and gifted songwriters I've ever heard. Listening to Willy DeVille is to be reminded of how Rock & Roll should be played, and the true meaning of the word passion.
Article comments