Tony Sheridan Skinny Minny - The Brits Are Rocking Vol.6 (CD)

Good collection with an obviously underrated artist.

The sixth volume in The Brits series Are Rocking and the turn has come for Tony Sheridan who was a talented singer, something Ray Charles witnessed in 1963 when this legend visited Hamburg. In addition, Tony was one of England's better guitarists in rock'n'roll in the early years and is said to have created the guitar riff in Vince Tay's "Brand New Cadillac". Born Anthony Esmond Sheridan McGinnity on 21 May 1940 in Norwich, East Anglia, he grew up in what has been described as difficult circumstances and seems to have become a tormented soul who often blew his chances with a wayward performance. He left Norwich for London but moved (fled?) to Hamburg in 1960 and, with a few cumbersome moves, became the first English rock'n'roll band to play there under the name the Jets. He was a superb live performer who gave his all on stage. He is best known for his association with the Beatles, which is why the album opens with "My Bonnie", in which Tony sings, plays lead guitar and compasses the Beatles. He also arranged the song. Two more tracks with the Beatles, "The Saints" and "Take Out Some Insu- rance On Me Baby" are included. The songs are mostly American rock'n'roll songs or standards, the only original as I understand it is "Top Ten Twist". But it swings well and many versions compare well with the best. A few that I would particularly like to point out are "Jambalaya", "My Babe" and "Swanee River". All recorded in Hamburg, with mostly English musicians, between 1961 and 1965 with the emphasis on the period 1961-1963. Very extensive text in the booklet, which is really interesting. Good collection with an obviously underrated artist.