The Rolling Stones – Live at the Wiltern (2) CDs
There could be an argument that The Rolling Stones aren’t Americana, but they do dip generously into the American blues, folk & country pot & thus, qualify. However, what makes this small venue special (2,000 seats) is that the band decided to not follow their big arena setlist. Instead, focus more on lesser-performed pieces along with some classics.
The shows (2002-3) are showcases for the “Licks World Tour,” which was in support of their 40 Licks compilation CD. It also celebrated the band’s 40th Anniversary. The tunes were recorded in L.A. at the Wiltern Theater. The shows are considered some of the best live Stones shows ever. (But if so, why wait so long to release it?).
Produced by The Rolling Stones, the 2-CD set contains 20 sparkling tracks for Live at the Wiltern (Drops March 8-Rolling Stones/Mercury/Universal/Promotone BV). Right from the start the performances were recorded pristinely. What’s important since a recording doesn’t put you in the arena it does capture the ambiance & energy of the theater where Mick Jagger’s (guitar/harmonica/percussion) voice resonates with what is a signature rock n’ roll tune in “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”
The interweaving guitars are hypnotic & Charlie Watt’s steady drums while not as inventive as some progressive rock drummers this comes from a special percussive rock world of perfection that is solely Watts’ signature. And many great drummers will tell you trying to imitate Watts’ style isn’t an easy chore. Maybe because Charlie was an admirer of Art Blakey & Charlie had his secrets. RIP Charlie – you were indeed one of the best.
A Charlie workout tune comes on this performance where he shines with incendiary fills on “Live With Me.” The whole band cooks like a midtown madhouse kitchen at lunchtime. Bobby Keys blows with fog horn blasts on his rock n’ roll sax. Wonderful. You don’t have an alarm clock? Wake up to this tune in the morning. “Neighbors,” (while not a favorite of mine) does smoke on this live set. Lots of sparks from the guitars.
What’s surprising is that even on the lesser-known tunes the Stones don’t cruise – they don’t get sloppy or rush. Each performance has inspiring moments. The excitement’s evident & consistent. Each follows a careful arrangement to make the songs accessible to an audience. It’s a well-paced show. What makes these veterans special is that they know how to generate power through their lyrics & melodies. Even the slower songs are individualistic & that comes with experience.
The flipside of their 1968 mono 45 “Street Fighting Man,” had this hidden gem “No Expectations.” A slow, yet superb rendition with slide guitar. “Stray Cat Blues,” is exceptional. Again, the intertwining guitar play between Richards & Wood creates a unique sound assault & it just builds expertly & expressively.
Soulfully, with a brass band backing & Solomon Burke on guest vocals “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love,” is quite a show-stopper. Like Bob Dylan, I admire Mick Jagger for being able to memorize with accuracy all the lyrics from a vast catalog of varied songs. These shows certainly had luster & even back in 2002-3 the band was decades from the punk/new wave explosion that was supposed to unseat bands like this.
But it’s 2024 now & The Stones & The Who still exist. With the soulful volatile magic of “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” Jagger puts on his best Otis Redding suit (think Otis’ Live In Europe’s “I Can’t Turn You Loose”) & you’ll understand. Another superior vocal.
Highlights – CD #1 (56:00) – “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Live With Me,” “Neighbors,” “No Expectations,” “Stray Cat Blues,” “Dance – Part 1,” with a special guest vocalist on “Everybody Needs Somebody To Love,” Solomon Burke & “That’s How Strong My Love Is.”
Highlights – CD #2 (51:00) – “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’,” “Start Me Up” & “Tumbling Dice.”
Musicians – Keith Richards (guitar/vocals), Ronnie Wood (guitar/keyboards) with Darryl Jones (bass), Chuck Leavell (keyboards), Bernard Fowler & Blondie Chaplin (bgv/percussion), Lisa Fischer (bgv), Tim Ries (sax/keyboards), Kent Smith (trumpet), Michael Davis (trombone) & Jim Keltner (percussion).
Handsome 12pp insert with liner notes, images & credits. Color image courtesy of Evan Agostini/Getty Images. CD @ Amazon + https://therollingstonesshop.com/collections/live-at-wiltern/products/live-at-the-wiltern-2cd