The ex-Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman makes the music he likes with his Rhythm Kings. For each CD he invites a few friends and they have a lot of fun together. With many artists, that pleasure is better within four walls, but with The Rhythm Kings it would be a shame. The style exercises on Double Bill (indeed: a double album) are of a high level and very enjoyable. The repertoire consists of
… jazz, blues, soul, big band, rock & roll and even gospel. Singer Beverley Skeete and keyboardist Georgie Fame alternately provide the lead vocals. Other famous Rhythm Kings include Albert Lee, George Harrison, Gary Brooker, Andy Fairweather-Low, Chris Rea and Terry Taylor. Most of the songs on Double Bill are covers, but Wyman also wrote some new songs, which fit perfectly into the pattern. Within the Stones Bill was considered the fifth wheel on the car, but solo he proves himself with a surprisingly successful second career. (MvP)more
