BILL WYMAN – Back To Basics
aaamusic | On 30, Jun 2015
Unpretentious singer, producer and songwriter Bill Wyman left The Rolling Stones at their peak in 1993, after 31 years as bassist. Since 1997 he’s toured and recorded with his own band, Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, and recent influences include Tom Waits, JJ Cale and Leonard Cohen.
A collection of demos inspired Bill to make his new album Back To Basics, his 4th UK solo album and his first in 33 years. It was released on Proper Records on 22nd June, 2015 and, of 13 tracks, eight are completely new songs. He was joined by Robbie McIntosh (The Pretenders & Paul McCartney), Guy Fletcher (Mark Knopfler) and long term collaborator Terry Taylor. Production was by Andy Wright (Jeff Beck & The Eurythmics).
The upbeat opener ‘What & How & If & When & Why’ swaggers rhythmically in a playful way reminiscent of The Blockheads, whilst easy going ‘Stuff (Can’t Get Enough)’ seems enjoyable fun. Relaxed ‘She’s Wonderful’ is followed by the soulful ‘Seventeen’ which recalls a romantic adventure and in Latin styled ‘November’ there’s a delicate flamenco guitar. The simple and minimalistic ‘It’s A Lovely Day’ sounds warm and intimate.
Back to Basics is a cohesive and introspective album. Bill Wyman said: “I thought all the old blues musicians played till they dropped, so why don’t I give it a go”? So he did, and throughout the album we find his whispered, almost spoken vocals and a personal style of stripped back country blues that’s gentle and refreshing.
