BGO Records has released a 2-disc CD set containing four albums released by Chuck Berry between 1967 and 1969 on Mercury Records. The guitarist and singer moved to Mercury Records in 1966, issuing five albums on the label. The first was a re-recording focused album of Berry songs, which is not featured here. The remaining four albums, Chuck Berry in Memphis, Live at the Fillmore Auditorium, From St Louie to Frisco and Concerto in “B. Goode“, are represented on this set. Berry would return to Chess Records in 1970.

This appears to have been an era of great experimentation for Berry, as each album has a unique angle on Chuck’s established strengths. 1967’s In Memphis adds a horn section to the artist’s sound, with mixed results. His trademark guitar sound is still evident on tracks including the upbeat “Check Me Out”, but the real beauty comes when Chuck lets the production take the lead on songs such as the luscious “I Do Really Love You”.

The same year’s Live at the Fillmore Auditorium is a Bluesier effort that sees Berry backed by the Steve Miller Blues Band in front of an audience. Rather than a smattering of greatest hits, it is a mix of instrumentals, covers and a closing rendition of “Johnny B Goode”. Things get funky, such as on “Feelin’ It”, but Chuck’s guitar sound blends it quite nicely. Overall, it’s a solid performance with spontaneous energy.

Berry takes the reins as producer the following year with From St Louie to Frisco, an underrated album held back by excessive reverb in places. There’s still a lot to love in quintessential Chuck Berry pieces, including “Little Fox” and “Misery”. The album is notable for “My Tambourine”, a reinterpretation of Dave Bartholomew’s My Ding-A-Ling. The song would later revert back to the original intention, and be a bit hit for Chuck in the 70s.

The collection finishes on Concerto in “B Goode”, an album made to house the long song that took up the entirety of side B. Aside from the rocking opening track, the rest of the standard-length tracks are a mellow affair. The long song, which shares the album title, is an experimental piece of improvisation built around a set motif. Chuck employs studio techniques and effects throughout, with little flashes of guitar while a consistent rhythm plays. It’s 18 minutes that have hits and misses, but it works beautifully when you’re locked in.

Sound Quality

The sound quality on this release is exceptional, especially given the age of the material. Some of the production choices of the time don’t aid the clarity in places, but everything sounds as it should. The live album doesn’t sound too out of place amongst the studio material.

A Little Something Extra…

The package, as with all BGO releases of this type, contains a standard CD case inside a cardboard sleeve. The cover art features all four albums placed in a pattern in the centre, with text around it. The booklet contains original sleeve notes plus new liner notes by Charles Waring that cover the period of the album’s material. These booklets are always an enjoyable read, as they help give extra context and stories for the music.

Conclusion:

Although not a complete collection of Chuck Berry’s Mercury Records material, excluding the cash-in album of greatest hits was a wise choice. This later period of Berry’s recording career is often overlooked, but there is much to admire about the sides laid down on these four albums. They represent the eclectic nature of this artist’s output, more than just a 12-bar rocker, a musician with plenty of light in their repertoire that stands up. This set explores Berry’s period of experimentation on a new label that had its ups and downs, but it all adds up to a fascinating listen that might just contain your new favourite Chuck Berry song.. This album is available to order from BGO Records.

Please be sure to check out my reviews of all four of these albums on this website!

TRACKLIST

Disc One:
IN MEMPHIS

Back To Memphis
I Do Really Love You
Ramblin’ Rose
Sweet Little Rock And Roller
My Heart Will Always Belong To You
Oh Baby Doll
Check Me Out
It Hurts Me Too
Bring Another Drink
So Long
Goodnight Well It’s Time To Go

LIVE AT THE FILLMORE AUDITORIUM

Medley: Rockin’ At The Fillmore / Everyday I Have The Blues
C.C. Rider
Driftin’ Blues
Feelin’ It
Flying Home
I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man
It Hurts Me Too
Fillmore Blues
Wee Baby Blues
Johnny B. Goode

Disc Two:
FROM ST LOUIE TO FRISCO

Louie To Frisco
Ma Dear
The Love I Lost
I Love Her, I Love Her
Little Fox
Rock Cradle Rock
Soul Rockin’
I Can’t Believe
Misery
My Tambourine
Oh Captain
Mum’s The Word

CONCERTO B. GOODE

Good Looking Woman
My Woman
It’s Too Dark In There
Put Her Down
Concerto In “B Goode”