Bill Wyman was an original member of The Rolling Stones and was their bass player until his departure from the group in 1993. His last full album with the group was 1989’s Steel Wheels. Since then, he has authored acclaimed books on roots music and autobiographies, recorded five solo albums between 1997 and 2004, toured with his band the Rhythm Kings, and last year contributed to Hackney Diamonds, The Rolling Stones first studio album of new material since A Bigger Bang in 2005.
Drive May Car is his ninth solo album and third since leaving the Stones. His last solo album was Back to Basics in 2015. At 87, Wyman has made a solo album that reflects his love for roots music and his easygoing, understated approach to making music.
The album has the feel of a long-lost J.J. Cale album with its laid back, rollicking rhythms and tasty guitar feel, which could maybe have been produced by Mark Knopfler. Wyman’s sandpaper whisper of a voice works perfectly on these originals and folksy blues covers. His supporting cast, as on previous solo and Rhythm Kings releases, is stellar and includes the likes of Robbie McIntosh, Andy Fairweather-Lowe, and Guy Fletcher, among others.
The covers are perfect choices, beginning with the opening rendering of Bob Dylan’s “Thunder On the Mountain.” Other choice bluesy folk covers include songs penned by Taj Mahal, John Prine, and Chuck E. Weiss. Wyman collaborated with Terry Taylor on “Rough Cut Diamond” and there are two solo compositions, the title cut and “Bad News.”
The vinyl edition is a gatefold, with a custom sleeve and label that recalls old American blues and jazz records. In fact, this is a recording to very much be listened to on vinyl.
Sometimes these side or solo projects by artists from major groups don’t get the attention they deserve. This album and most of the solo and spin-off projects from the Stones are almost always excellent labors of love that reflect the roots and inspiration that make the Stones so great and partly account for continued longevity. Drive My Car: a rootsy joyride best experienced with the top down.
GRADED ON A CURVE:
B+
