I found this after reading about it Keith Richards' Autobiography. It was a major influence on a young Keef since Chuck's band is comprised of old school jazz musicians who probably hate this new rock and roll sound and attitude. They're laughing at him and trying to trip him up but Chuck pulls it through! Great post!
Chuck in his prime, looking awesomely cool. Thanks for uploading this clip. It's mentioned in Philip Norman's biography of the Stones - which is why I looked for it. Deserves more views!
I think that this version leaves the Chess record one in the dust. It really has fire in it. I love the blue notes on his guitar accompaniment. Usually due to the noise from the band you can't hear them. This is one of a set if you listen to the soundtrack. The other tracks have heavy brass accompaniment and don't work as well. They chose the best track for the movie. "Papa Jo Jones" on drums-god of Jazz drumming and Blue Devil. Rudy Rutherford wails on the clarinet. This rocks big time!!!
If you want to know the connection between jazz and rock give a listen to some jump blues. I recommend "Jumping at the Woodside" with Count Basie. The drummer here, Papa Jo Jones, was the drummer for Basie's band for many years. Jones was known for his irascible, combative temperament and was an influence on many drummers, including Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones. Jo got angry with Charlie Parker(also known as Bird) when Charlie lost the melody and the beat. He threw a cymbal at him.
@stormcats2 Thanks for the stories it was very interesting although not being a musician I don't quite understand the technical problems I get the general idea that video with Chuck and Keith was a riot That bit about the bass gives me a little insight into the tecnical for someone who has trouble with a few chords thanks again
Incredible footage that a caught a moment in time: RnR was birthing all around and no one realized it fast enough to hold (it in time). They were jitter-bugging that music...the drummer just kept jazzing away, not knowing what to make of it and put it away as a "gas of a moment". But the clarinet-player just went wild. Looks like our parents were sophisticated, but certainly started into it. Loved the moment in time this picture depicts!
Chuck's guitar is a Gibson ES-350T. What I hear in this clip is old jazz guys resenting the hell out of the firestorm of rock n roll that is about to mow them down permanently. So, Jo Jones refuses to play a backbeat. Oh well. Q: What's the difference between jazz and rock n roll? A: In rock you play 3 chords for a thousand people. In jazz you play a thousand chords for 3 people.
I'm intrigued by the concept that Chuck Berry would even consider demonstrating to the likes of Jack Teagarden, Buck Clayton and Jo Jones "What real music was" because he was a knowledgeable jazz fan. This performance was for the benefit of the audience not the band. If you don't like Jazz that's your problem because many other people do including Chuck Berry.
If you want to hear more of the blues power of this backup band listen to them backing Big Maybelle's "I ain't mad at you." It's here on TH-cam too. I think it was the next set here at Newport. It's been edited down but you'll get an idea. I think people are mistaking Papa Jo Jones' facial expressions for contempt. Nothing could be further from the truth. He's having fun here.
Reminds me of the 1969 NJF. Hitched from Oakland to RI for it. George decided to expand his audience and it was a musical riot. Some say it was a bad thing. Miles and Led Zeppelin and everything in between at one venue? Try to complain about that. A treasured weekend indeed!
@stormcats2 I see your point these guys were no amateurs I should have worded my comment more carefully That must have been an experience playing with Chuck back in the 70s I envy you especialy since I can't play more than a couple of chords
CHUCK PLAYED WITH MOST ANY BAND THAT HAPPENED TO.BE WHERE HE PLAYED IT DIDN,T ALWAYS SOUND LIKE THE RECORD BUT THEY HAD THE PLEASURE OF PLAYING WITH THE ROCK ICON !....////
@stormcats2 Chuck was well known for using pick up bands to back him on his engagements most of all his best stuff is from the studio with some exceptions He didn't want to pay much and he wanted cash money too that's why he got in trouble with the IRS although I can understand his resentment that other people made a lot more money off his music than he did but he is truly one of the great ones
Charles Edward Anderson Berry (San Luis, Misuri, 18 de octubre de 1926-Wentzville, Misuri, 18 de marzo de 2017),[1][2] conocido artísticamente como Chuck Berry, fue un compositor, intérprete, cantante y guitarrista estadounidense. Es considerado uno de los músicos más influyentes de la historia del rock and roll,[3] siendo uno de los pioneros de dicho género musical. Gracias a canciones como "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven" (1956), "Rock and Roll Music" (1957) y "Johnny B. Goode" (1958), Berry redefinió los elementos del rhythm and blues.[4]
@Sagurasu you're right about the big maybelle vid. mind you, she was a big old unit and they were probably scared she'd thump them if they messed her about. and i still think the clarinet player is taking the gypsy's on this one!
MOST JAZZ PEOPLE HELD ROCK IN LOW REGARD. HOWEVER THEY HELD MR BERRY IN THE HIGHEST REGARD. THEY RECOGNIZED HIS GREATNESS. AND SO HE GOT AN INVITE TO PERFORM IN 1958 AND WAS IN THE FILM
Yeh, you can tell from the body language of the band behind Chuck how much they disrespected him and it seems to make him nervous, but he still pulls it off!
if willie dixon and fred below had been the rhythm section on this segment they would have laid down a great beat AND been able to play jazz just as well as these sniffy bastards! (probably)
In Keith Richard's book "Life" Keith claims that the band tried to sabotage Chuck's performance here, especially the drummer. I am not able to tell, to me it seemed fine, but I would invite some opinion. Thanks. 👍
saw Chuck in April 58 at an Allan Freed show. One major difference Sam the Man Taylor and the orchestra were 100 times better than these guys, who are great players but hardly know chucks music, and besides that chuck as usual his hitting some bad chords during the break
How asinine. Jazz and rock can both be enjoyable, and sometimes great. Of course you have a right to your opinion, but if you don't like Chuck Berry, why the hell did you choose to watch this video? Just to make yourself unhappy?
I agree with AllBobsAllTheTime: Good performance except for that clarinet player shrieking like a tortured cat. Why anyone enjoys jazz, especially Dixieland, is beyond my comprehension. Hats off to Chuck for entering the lions' den and demonstrating to these old farts what real music was.
Saw chuck at ceasars atlantic city 1988
61 yrs old at the time. And still rocked. Duck walk and all. Thank u for the memories Mr. Berry.
Chuck Berry...rockin' across the decades...Super Star!
Once seen (and heard) never forgotten.
OMG, that´s priceless footage ... and wotahelluva clarinet solo = I dig Mr. Rudy Rutherford.
I found this after reading about it Keith Richards' Autobiography. It was a major influence on a young Keef since Chuck's band is comprised of old school jazz musicians who probably hate this new rock and roll sound and attitude. They're laughing at him and trying to trip him up but Chuck pulls it through! Great post!
Chuck in his prime, looking awesomely cool. Thanks for uploading this clip. It's mentioned in Philip Norman's biography of the Stones - which is why I looked for it. Deserves more views!
I love everything about Chuck Berry and his genius music. He is handsome, too.
Chuck in his prime, looking awesomely cool. Thanks for uploading this. It's mention
I think that this version leaves the Chess record one in the dust. It really has fire in it. I love the blue notes on his guitar accompaniment. Usually due to the noise from the band you can't hear them. This is one of a set if you listen to the soundtrack. The other tracks have heavy brass accompaniment and don't work as well. They chose the best track for the movie. "Papa Jo Jones" on drums-god of Jazz drumming and Blue Devil. Rudy Rutherford wails on the clarinet. This rocks big time!!!
If you want to know the connection between jazz and rock give a listen to some jump blues. I recommend "Jumping at the Woodside" with Count Basie. The drummer here, Papa Jo Jones, was the drummer for Basie's band for many years. Jones was known for his irascible, combative temperament and was an influence on many drummers, including Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones. Jo got angry with Charlie Parker(also known as Bird) when Charlie lost the melody and the beat. He threw a cymbal at him.
Cool.....!!! THANKYOU.
Man he is young in this (2021)
@stormcats2 Thanks for the stories it was very interesting although not being a musician I don't quite understand the technical problems I get the general idea that video with Chuck and Keith was a riot That bit about the bass gives me a little insight into the tecnical for someone who has trouble with a few chords thanks again
This looks like it was fun,wish I was there
Incredible footage that a caught a moment in time: RnR was birthing all around and no one realized it fast enough to hold (it in time). They were jitter-bugging that music...the drummer just kept jazzing away, not knowing what to make of it and put it away as a "gas of a moment". But the clarinet-player just went wild. Looks like our parents were sophisticated, but certainly started into it. Loved the moment in time this picture depicts!
Yep one of the great Jazz drummers couldn't handle something as basic and enjoyable as this (LOL) BTW Chuck was a BIG Jazz fan.
Chuck's guitar is a Gibson ES-350T.
What I hear in this clip is old jazz guys resenting the hell out of the firestorm of rock n roll that is about to mow them down permanently. So, Jo Jones refuses to play a backbeat. Oh well.
Q: What's the difference between jazz and rock n roll?
A: In rock you play 3 chords for a thousand people. In jazz you play a thousand chords for 3 people.
I'm intrigued by the concept that Chuck Berry would even consider demonstrating to the likes of Jack Teagarden, Buck Clayton and Jo Jones "What real music was" because he was a knowledgeable jazz fan.
This performance was for the benefit of the audience not the band.
If you don't like Jazz that's your problem because many other people do including Chuck Berry.
I love his voice
Can’t help moving to chuck berrt
The jazz's musicians who played with Chuck threw ridicule on him (the drummer ) ! History has only remembered Berry and not the others !
If you want to hear more of the blues power of this backup band listen to them backing Big Maybelle's "I ain't mad at you." It's here on TH-cam too. I think it was the next set here at Newport. It's been edited down but you'll get an idea. I think people are mistaking Papa Jo Jones' facial expressions for contempt. Nothing could be further from the truth. He's having fun here.
Reminds me of the 1969 NJF. Hitched from Oakland to RI for it. George decided to expand his audience and it was a musical riot. Some say it was a bad thing. Miles and Led Zeppelin and everything in between at one venue? Try to complain about that. A treasured weekend indeed!
Long live Chuck Berry
Jack Teagarden seems to be enjoying the moment. I'd love to know what he thought of the performance.
@stormcats2 I see your point these guys were no amateurs I should have worded my comment more carefully That must have been an experience playing with Chuck back in the 70s I envy you especialy since I can't play more than a couple of chords
CHUCK PLAYED WITH MOST ANY BAND THAT HAPPENED TO.BE WHERE HE PLAYED IT DIDN,T ALWAYS SOUND LIKE THE RECORD BUT THEY HAD THE PLEASURE OF PLAYING WITH THE ROCK ICON !....////
In this video, Chuck had the pleasure to play with jazz legends and not the other way round.
@stormcats2 Chuck was well known for using pick up bands to back him on his engagements most of all his best stuff is from the studio with some exceptions He didn't want to pay much and he wanted cash money too that's why he got in trouble with the IRS although I can understand his resentment that other people made a lot more money off his music than he did but he is truly one of the great ones
Charles Edward Anderson Berry (San Luis, Misuri, 18 de octubre de 1926-Wentzville, Misuri, 18 de marzo de 2017),[1][2] conocido artísticamente como Chuck Berry, fue un compositor, intérprete, cantante y guitarrista estadounidense. Es considerado uno de los músicos más influyentes de la historia del rock and roll,[3] siendo uno de los pioneros de dicho género musical. Gracias a canciones como "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven" (1956), "Rock and Roll Music" (1957) y "Johnny B. Goode" (1958), Berry redefinió los elementos del rhythm and blues.[4]
GOOD!
They were not laughing with Chuck. They were laughing at him. They tried to sink the song and Chuck carried it all by himself. A true performer.
I know, right? Jesus, he was beautiful.
Great version of Sweet Little Sixteen. I believe these Jazz fans dug him.
@gretschjazzer I hope you and the other 3 people that like jazz have a wonderful life together.
The height of cool no matter what
@Sagurasu
you're right about the big maybelle vid. mind you, she was a big old unit and they were probably scared she'd thump them if they messed her about.
and i still think the clarinet player is taking the gypsy's on this one!
Yeah, those jazz purists hate his ass. Haha. They're heckling him.
MOST JAZZ PEOPLE HELD ROCK IN LOW REGARD. HOWEVER THEY HELD MR BERRY IN THE HIGHEST REGARD. THEY RECOGNIZED HIS GREATNESS. AND SO HE GOT AN INVITE TO PERFORM IN 1958 AND WAS IN THE FILM
Yeh, you can tell from the body language of the band behind Chuck how much they disrespected him and it seems to make him nervous, but he still pulls it off!
Rudy Rutherford on clarinet, I gather.
@trufozo That solo would have been killer on a tenor sax - don't know about the squeaking clarinet ...
Who plays the clarinet solo?
Rudy Ruthford.I knew Rudy in Detroit.He played in the Count Basie band during ww2.
Same As harbetman, however without Keefs Text I would have made another Interpretation.
@cesarececeadda Newport, Rhode Island
1:20 & 3:15 daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang!!!!!!!
Chuck Berry I love you, marry me!!!
Jack Teagarden seems amused.
if willie dixon and fred below had been the rhythm section on this segment they would have laid down a great beat AND been able to play jazz just as well as these sniffy bastards! (probably)
In Keith Richard's book "Life" Keith claims that the band tried to sabotage Chuck's performance here, especially the drummer.
I am not able to tell, to me it seemed fine, but I would invite some opinion.
Thanks. 👍
rhode island
saw Chuck in April 58 at an Allan Freed show. One major difference Sam the Man Taylor and the orchestra were 100 times better than these guys, who are great players but hardly know chucks music, and besides that chuck as usual his hitting some bad chords during the break
Oh, awesome, you felt the need to say something just as stupid as what he said.
How asinine. Jazz and rock can both be enjoyable, and sometimes great. Of course you have a right to your opinion, but if you don't like Chuck Berry, why the hell did you choose to watch this video? Just to make yourself unhappy?
I agree with AllBobsAllTheTime: Good performance except for that clarinet player shrieking like a tortured cat. Why anyone enjoys jazz, especially Dixieland, is beyond my comprehension. Hats off to Chuck for entering the lions' den and demonstrating to these old farts what real music was.