AMG Review of Live & Eclectic

Greg Prato
All Music Guide

With the Rolling Stones taking extended periods of time between albums since the mid-'80s, most of its members have filled up their spare time with solo projects. Guitarist Ron Wood was no different, as evidenced by his 2000 release, Live & Eclectic. Recorded live at ~Electric Lady in New York City (on December 12, 1992) and Austin, Texas (on November 13, 1993), a pretty solid cross section of all Wood's eras are included: solo material ("Always Wanted More"), the Faces ("Stay with Me"), and the Stones ("It's Only Rock N' Roll") are all touched upon. Additionally, to the delight of longtime admirers, quite a few obscurities are included -- the Stones' "Pretty Beat Up," as well as such covers as "Testify," and "Little Red Rooster." While not exactly the most necessary Wood release from his solo discography, Wood delivers on the promise of the album title.