Released to commemorate what would have been a legends 75th birthday …’Listen To Me’ relives his music.
To many Charles Hardin Holley was one of rock and roll’s true pioneers who stamped an indelible mark on the musical world that will never been forgotten.
The world of course new him as Buddy Holly, the name ‘Buddy’ having been given to him by his family as it seemed he was a ‘buddy’ to everyone.
He was taught by his brothers to play a varity of instruments which included lap steel guitar, guitar and banjo and was brought up on country music listening and singing Hank Williams and Hank Snow songs.
Teaming up with High School pal Bob Montgomery they formed a duo singing bluegrass and harmony duets but having seen Elvis Presley perform in 1955 he began to incorporate a rockabilly style into his music.
The rest they say is musical history.
His true identity was born through the fact that unlike other artists of the day who recorded songs from established songwriting teams, Buddy’s unique talent was that he wrote his own.
Sixteen of those songs are now interpreted on a new release from many Holly appreciators on an album entitled ‘Listen To Me- Buddy Holly’.
Although many of the artists are not associated with country music the album is worthy of a place in anyone’s CD collection that either remembers Buddy’s music first time round or wishes to take a backward glance at how music of todays ‘pop’ music was shaped.
Artists contributing their interpretation of Holly’s song include Lyle Lovett, Stevie Nicks, Pat Monahan of Train, Brian Wilson, Jackson Brown, Ringo Starr, Linda Ronstadt, Jeff Lynne, Imelda May and a host of others.
There are some brilliant arrangements of songs with each individual artists putting their stamp on their performance and it’s great to see the inclusion of ‘That’ll Be The Day’ , featuring Linda Ronstadt.
Other songs featured include ‘Maybe Baby’, ‘Everyday’,'Peggy Sue’,'It’s So Easy’,'Listen To Me’,'Crying Waiting Hoping’ and a brilliant offering of ‘I’m Looking For Someone To Love’ from Imelda May.
Full credit must go to producer Peter Asher who many will remember from the sixties as one half of the ’Peter and Gordon’ duo and their ‘World without Love’ chart topper, who has honed and produced what I would consider to be a ‘collectors item’.
The release also comes with great sleeve information written by Peter, explaing each listing and as a bonus a DVD featuring some of the making of the album ‘behind the scenes’.
For me its Buddy Holly magic…and a class release just in time for that extra stocking filler!
Listen To Me – Buddy Holly Various Artists Wrasse Records WRASS295