Ben Waters & Friends -Boogie For Stu

Tue 24th May, 2011 in Music Reviews

Ian Stewart, co-founder and pianist for The Rolling Stones, was a well loved man. Keith Richards has stated that there are only two people he has never heard a bad word about: Ian Stewart and Charlie Watts. Based on that notice, Ben Waters had serendipity and a few connections help him gather and produce a sterling tribute to Stu. As he writes in the charming liner notes: “When I decided to make this album for Stu I hadn’t got any big plans; I just wanted to say thanks to him.”

From little things big things grow and Ben mentioned his idea to Charlie Watts and he offered to play on it. Joining them was his long time jazz mate Dave Green on bass and some fellows from Stu’s band (Rocket 88) also came along. The cast was getting bigger and Waters needed a larger studio so he asked if he could hire Jools Holland’s studio. Holland said ‘NO” and gave it to him free of charge. Jools had met Ian and he definitely wanted to be part of this project. With all of The Rolling Stones eventually contributing to this stellar recording, it is a rollicking collection of fabulous tunes inspired by the beauty and legacy of one man.

Mick Jagger does an amazing vocal take on Dylan’s Watching The River Flow, Waters and Holland pound those ivories throughout and the dynamic horn section swing. We even get a taste of what Stu could do on the piano on the final live track from the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1984 featuring Stu and his Rocket 88’s. This is a record produced and recorded for all the right reasons and a true labour of love. Boogie On Stu!