Go Go Swing Live

AMG Review of Go Go Swing Live

Andrew Hamilton
All Music Guide

If you're ever in the position of deciding whether to buy a studio or live recording by Chuck Brown, opt for the live disc every time; Brown's bounty of sounds marry and flow much better in a live setting. On this live capture, the multi-talented Washington D.C. native's transitions from go-go to swing, jazz, blues, and R&B, are smooth as butter. Standouts include "It Don't Mean a Thing," "Woody Woodpecker," a fantastic rendition of "Harlem Nocturne," and the old calypso tune "Run Joe," which Brown milks for nearly nine minutes. Other entertaining pleasers are Brown's adaptations of Stevie Wonder's "Boogie on Reggae Women" ("Boogie on Go Go Woman"); Sly Stone's "Family Affair," and Duke Ellington's "Take the a Train" ("Take the Go Go Train"), which features Brown's goofy but effective scatting.