Boogie Shoes: Live On Beale Street
Omnivore, 2021
8/10
Listen to Boogie Shoes: Live On Beale Street
An unreleased set from 1999 that was recorded at the New Daisy Theater in Memphis, the legendary Alex Chilton is in the company of the Hi Rhythm Section, which is composed of players who performed with legends like Ike & Tina Turner and Al Green, to name a few.
The title track starts the set with plenty of bright horns as Chilton’s inimitable pipes add much to the soulful, gritty rock’n’roll template, and “Precious, Precious” follows with a retro appeal that’s groove friendly and destined for the dance floor.
Further along, “Kansas City” glides with an upbeat and playful mix of brass and keys, while “Lucille” plants some gospel nods as Chilton pulls off vocal acrobatics amid a lively sax solo that does justice to the Little Richard tune. “Where Did Our Love Go”, one of the best from the evening, then puts a unique spin on The Supremes classic that’s probably never been covered quite like this.
Closer to the end, “Hello Josephine” displays remnants of Chilton’s power-pop past alongside jazz and soul nods, and “Trying To Live My Life Without You” exits the listen with beaming brass, radiant keys and Chilton’s always fluid guitar and vocals illuminating the Otis Clay song.
Included in the packaging are liner notes from David Less, a friend of Alex Chilton, and some eye catching artwork, as the late, great Chilton is documented having a lot of fun on stage while making his only appearance with the Hi Rhythm Section. We should all consider ourselves lucky to get to hear this rare performance, or anything that Chilton did for that matter, as his sudden death came at a time when he was still playing and writing music we would all appreciate.
Travels well with: Joe Jackson- The Duke; Matthew Sweet- Catspaw