Eagle Rock Entertainment

Sophisticated Rolling Stones fans are unquestionably cognizant of drummer Charlie Watts’ work beyond his key role in the World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band with his excellent and daftly underrated forays into big band and bebop jazz.

And before the old boy steps back behind the kit for the Stones’ upcoming 50th anniversary shows this holiday season, Charlie reveals his latest left hand turn from Let It Bleed with the debut album from the A, B, C & D of Boogie Woogie alongside dual pianists Axel Zwingenberger and Ben Waters and bassist Dave Green. Working from the template created by Waters on his critically acclaimed 2011 tribute to sixth Stone Ian Stewart Boogie 4 Stu (which managed to reunite Bill Wyman with his old mates for the first time since the Steel Wheels era), this 14-song set stems from a multi-night residence at the Duc Des Lombards jazz club in Paris.

Armed with a setlist of original tunes, improvisational jamborees and faithfully interpreted standards, Live in Paris finds this combo in solid form, digging into vintage boogie woogie gems like Bobby Troup’s “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66” and Big Joe Turner’s “Roll ‘Em Pete” with serious swing and shine the spotlight on their legendary bandmate with the slyly titled “More Sympathy for the Drummer”.

This stellar live debut from the A, B, C & D of Boogie Woogie is a surprise treat for Charlie fans who hold the likes of From One Charlie and Live at Fulham Town Hall in as high regard as the Performance soundtrack and Keith Richards’ Talk is Cheap amongst the best works outside the scope of the Rolling Stones’ half-century of big hits and fazed cookies.