The Rolling Stones
El Mocambo 1977

LA RECENSIONE

One of the initiatives to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the Rolling Stones' activity was, in 2022, the release of this "Live at El Mocambo," the show held at the historic live club in Toronto.

The Stones, presented under the guise of Cockroaches, brought to life two shows on March 4 and 5, 1977, literally soaked in the most raw rock'n'roll and blues.

There are some of their most well-known tracks, like the opening "Honky Tonk Women" (here in a blazing version), "Tumbling Dice," "It's Only Rock'n'roll," "Brown Sugar," "Jumpin' Jack Flash."

However, there are also many references to the then more recent Stones material, which did justice to some tracks left somewhat forgotten, given the not particularly excellent level of the records between '74 and '76 ("It's Only Rock'nRoll," and "Black And Blue," though acceptable, are certainly not among their peaks).

In addition, there's the famous blues session, a part of which also appeared on the live album "Love You Live," which, released in September 1977, strongly united the public and fans in its beauty.

Muddy Waters is honored with a splendid "Mannish Boy," Bo Diddley with an airy "Crackin' Up," then the classic tribute to Chuck Berry with "Around And Around," and then the other classic, "Worried Live Blues" by Big Maceo Merriweather.

The Stones are in top form, especially Ron Wood, who was practically a newcomer to the group and therefore certainly wanted to make a good impression, but also Keith Richards (despite the problems due to his recent arrest for drugs with Anita Pallenberg) stands out with good level solos.

Jagger is a great entertainer, as usual, and Charlie and Bill are as good as ever behind the drums and on bass.

Also noteworthy is the duet with the great Billy Preston in "Worried About You," the beautiful piano performance by the "sixth Stone" Ian Stewart, and the keyboard performance by the aforementioned Billy Preston.

Completing the lineup of musicians is Ollie Brown on percussion.

In conclusion, a record of raw and vibrant rock blues, and one of the most serious candidates to be the best live album of the Rolling Stones.