Chuck Berry is on Top

 

The father of rock n' roll. A true legend and pioneer. Master of the duck walk. Tonight, we are spinning Mr. Chuck Berry's hits album "Chuck Berry is on Top."

  A work that moves from beginning to end, this 1959 release is a time capsule of rock 'n' rolls early heartbeat. This was Chuck Berry's declaration that he was, indeed, on top. On top of his game and on top of the charts. Marrying rhythm and blues with country, Chuck created the sound that would define rock music for generations. His guitar solos, storytelling lyrics, and unforgettable stage presence made him a force to be reckoned with. 

  As I ventured into his discography, I noticed Chuck often leaned on the same rhythms, giving many of his songs a similar feel. But there was a method to his madness and somehow, he made it work every time. To me, that gave him his signature sound. Take a listen to "Carol," and "Roll Over Beethoven" and you will hear they echo with that same riff. I've read somewhere it draws from guitarist T-Bone Walker, but I may need to dig a little deeper on the 12- bar blues chord progression Nonetheless, this album is a treasure cove of Chucks work. 

         "Johnny B Goode", arguably his most famous track feels like his autobiographical anthem, a tale of a boy with a guitar and big dreams. Chuck presents it with a fiery swag so magnetic, you can almost feel the moment it was written in the rock n roll scriptures. Again, with that beautiful 12 bar riff, it tells the story of ambition and it still one of those tunes you simply cannot skip over every time you hear it. 

   Once again, Chuck Berry reminds me why this music has never and will never die. 

With Love,

Midnight Mama