Bill+wyman

Even many serious Rolling Stones fans aren't aware that Bill Wyman issued a solo album in the early '90s, as Stuff initially came out only in Japan and Argentina. Like some other Stones projects of the time, it wasn't recorded in a concentrated dose, but pieced together from sessions dating back as far as September 1988. Even had it benefited from a worldwide release, however, it's hard to see how many fans – of the Rolling Stones or otherwise – would have taken to the record, for these are largely basic, repetitious funk-disco-dance-based tunes with a dated 1980s synthetic production. Wyman's thin, hoarse vocals don't help, and while it's possible these are intended more as satires of a trendy style or '80s stars like Prince than serious artistic statements, the wit is so mild that any jokes are wont to pass largely unnoticed.

This special set of studio recordings, the first ones to be issued since 2004, gathers up fifteen outtakes from eight different sessions, including two songs from as far back as March 1987 (before the actual formation of the Rhythm Kings). These previously overlooked and unheard gems have been newly mixed for this album by Bill Wyman and Terry Taylor. The booklet contains all the musician credits. It's a very eclectic selection of songs, from Midnight Oil to Canned Heat to Dan Hicks, via classics by Willie Dixon, Slim Harpo, Jimmie Rodgers, Louis Jordan and Don Covay, and some originals - there's a solo song by Georgie Fame, "Skiing Blues", and "Jazz Walk", a Wyman/Fame co-write. Bill Wyman put together his ten-piece Rhythm Kings ensemble after leaving the Rolling Stones in 1992. The band has a core rhythm section, but features a revolving combination of all-star guest front men and women. These recordings feature the talents of Gary Brooker, Georgie Fame, Beverley Skeete, Terry Taylor, Mike Sanchez, Andy Fairweather Low, Martin Taylor, Chris Stainton and Albert Lee.

2016 two CD collection of recordings by the former Rolling Stones bassist, both solo and with his Rhythm Kings. With all the tracks chosen by Bill Wyman himself, these two CDs present the perfect introduction to his recordings. Disc One contains songs from Bill's solo albums, kicking off with '(Si Si) Je Suis Un Rock Star', his big hit from 1981, as well as the follow-up hits. Disc Two features songs from Bill's Rhythm Kings, the ten-piece band with revolving guest stars that he put together in the 90s after leaving the Rolling Stones, as well as tracks from Willie And The Poor Boys, Bill's 1985 all-star side-project. The guest stars include Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers, Georgie Fame, Peter Frampton, Chris Rea, Gary Brooker, Andy Fairweather Low, Charlie Watts, Dr John, Joe Walsh, Van Morrison and many more. The booklet lists who plays what on every track, along with annotation by Tony Rounce.

Founding Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman essentially retired from music after leaving the band in 1993, choosing to dedicate time to his family and his restaurant, Sticky Fingers. He returned to music in 1997 with Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings, a rotating old-time rock & roll, R&B, blues, and boogie collective of superstar musicians anchored by keyboardist Georgie Fame, guitarist Albert Lee, pianist Gary Brooker, and guitarist Terry Taylor. Their first album, Struttin' Our Stuff, appeared that year and it was followed two years later by Anyway the Wind Blows, which featured cameos from Peter Frampton, Geraint Watkins, Paul Carrack, and, notably, fellow Stone Keith Richards.

Having proved his writing credentials with his debut album, Bill Wyman mixed his own compositions with outside material second time around. Issued in February 1976, Stone Alone was Bill Wyman's second solo album. As per usual Bill had worked with a star-studded session band, the contributions this time around including Van Morrison, Joe Walsh, Dr John, Ron Wood, Al Kooper, Nicky Hopkins, and Jim Keltner. Van Morrison added sax to a revival of Gary Bonds' A Quarter To Three, Ron Wood and Joe Walsh played guitar, and Bill Wyman steered his superstar band through a righteous set of bluesy rock'n'roll.

When it comes to good time R&B played by top class musicians, you can’t beat the sound of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. After Bill quit the Rolling Stones in 1993, the bass player set about forming his own all-star band. As well as touring the world, the Rhythm Kings released a succession of fine albums, beginning with ‘Struttin’ Our Stuff’ in 1998. We have selected the hottest tracks from this debut album, as well as songs from subsequent albums ‘Anyway The Wind Blows’, ‘Double Bill’, ‘Groovin’ and ‘Just For A Thrill’.

Struttin' Our Stuff, Bill Wyman's first album in nearly 15 years, is a surprisingly successful collection of blues and rock & roll. These performances are surprisingly energetic, even if they're a little too polished to accurately capture the gritty, roadside vibe they're trying to achieve. Nevertheless, there are a number of fine moments here, from covers of "Green River," "Tobacco Road" and "Mystery Train" to guest appearences from Eric Clapton, Albert Lee, Peter Frampton and Georgie Fame.

The companion volume to the hugely successful first ‘Best Of’, with yet more excellent highlights from 15 years of bassist/bandleader Bill Wyman’s post-Stones musical project, sampling six key albums. Includes standout tracks from studio and stage, where the Rhythm Kings are in their element. Numerous special guests include Albert Lee, Georgie Fame, Procol Harum’s Gary Brooker and former colleague Mick Taylor on slide guitar (‘Can’t Get My Rest At Night’). A re-cut of the Stones’ ‘Melody’ – originally from the ‘Black And Blue’ album on which Bill appeared – features Eric Clapton, while George Harrison guests on ‘Love Letters’. A lively cover of the Beatles’ ‘Taxman’ features Australian guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel. Specially released to coincide with Autumn 2012 Rhythm Kings European dates. Expertly remastered by Jon Astley (whose past credits include recordings by the Who, Led Zeppelin, George Harrison and many others). Superb sound – the best in the business!

Having proved his writing credentials with his debut album, Bill Wyman mixed his own compositions with outside material second time around. Issued in February 1976, Stone Alone was Bill Wyman's second solo album. As per usual Bill had worked with a star-studded session band, the contributions this time around including Van Morrison, Joe Walsh, Dr John, Ron Wood, Al Kooper, Nicky Hopkins, and Jim Keltner. Van Morrison added sax to a revival of Gary Bonds' A Quarter To Three, Ron Wood and Joe Walsh played guitar, and Bill Wyman steered his superstar band through a righteous set of bluesy rock'n'roll.

When Bill Wyman left the Rolling Stones, he didn't leave music at all. Instead, he went back to the songs he loved growing up, whether it was rock & roll or big band or folk/skiffle. Now, those tracks make up the majority of songs performed during Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings Live, taped during a Berlin concert in June 2005. Supported by a talented cast of musicians including guitarist Albert Lee, Wyman and company are introduced one by one, with each then joining in for a fun and lively boogie version of "I Got a Woman." Each member of the band takes their turn on lead vocals, with Albert Lee taking charge during the swinging, big band bop of "Jump, Jive and Wail," while "Baby Workout" has the soulful pipes of Beverley Skeete.