Back at the Whisky

AMG Review of Back at the Whisky

Jonathan Widran
All Music Guide

In 1964, the legendary singer/songwriter (who achieved an equal amount of success with his own classics as well as cover tunes) recorded a club date called Johnny Rivers at the Whisky A Go Go, which contained his smash version of Chuck Berry's "Memphis." The new disc, recorded in late 1999, revisits his heyday while reminding listeners that Rivers is very much alive, in good voice, with edgy guitar, and still full of boundless energy. Having old colleagues like his original keyboard player, Larry Knechtel, is a bonus. It's a playful set featuring audience participation on his always welcome rendition of "Baby I Need Your Loving." Rivers' mix of edgy ock moods and tender allads is as appealing as ever, highlighted here by "Slow Dancin'" and "Poor Side of Town" balanced with "Secret Agent Man" and the opener, "Maybellene."