Carl Perkins, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Dave Edmunds, Rosanne Cash – Carl Perkins/Rockabilly Session 1985 Stereo Remix Edition

Carl Perkins’ “BLUE SUEDE SHOES: A ROCKABILLY SESSION” television special featured a star-studded lineup including George Harrison, Ringo Starr, and Eric Clapton. This studio live performance was repeatedly released on VHS during the VHS era, and after the deaths of Perkins and George, it was also released on DVD. While a set including a CD with the audio is now available, the original 1985 television audio is in mono. This is hardly noticeable when viewing the video, but listening to the audio alone on the accompanying CD leaves a somewhat disappointing impression. The release company was likely aware of this, as the CD was processed with pseudo-stereo, but this only contributes to the lackluster sound quality. This audio is now readily available on streaming services, but its mediocre sound quality is unsatisfying. Despite being an official release, it lacks the appeal of a live audio album, and frankly, it’s not enjoyable to listen to purely as an audio-only experience. It was overseas enthusiasts who used AI to give this classic live performance a boost. They transformed it into a truly stereo experience on a completely different level from the official CD. The result is truly magnificent; if you listened to it without any prior knowledge, you might mistakenly think it was originally released as a stereo mix. Just listen to Ringo’s rendition of “Honey Don’t” and you’ll understand immediately. The instrumentation and vocals are beautifully separated and leap out in a three-dimensional way. Not only that, the sound quality itself is incomparably clearer than the official CD, and the spaciousness provided by the stereo is outstanding. It makes you wonder again why the official release had that sound quality. This stereo sound also shines in the following track, “Matchbox,” featuring Clapton. It’s a luxurious scene that is reminiscent of his collaboration with Perkins on the Johnny Cash Show in 1970 during the Dominos era, with Ringo also joining in on vocals. Clapton’s playing on this song and the following “Mean Woman Blues” comes across with a vividness enhanced by the stereo. Moreover, this performance took place just before his beloved guitar, Blackie, was retired, making the opportunity to hear it in this clear sound quality all the more significant. Then, as always, the biggest highlight is the appearance of George. At the time, he had completely shifted his focus to filmmaking, so his appearance with his Gretsch guitar and singing “Everybody’s a Good Girl” (I’ve deliberately used the Japanese title) again was met with great surprise. While the visual impact was undeniable, hearing it in this stereo recording really brings out his charm. In the interlude, he even throws in a phrase straight out of his Beatles days, which is truly heartwarming. From here on, George’s presence becomes even more prominent, and he sings on “Your True Love,” and even plays a major role in the session corner where the performers sit in a circle, such as on “Glad All Over,” where Perkins forgets the lyrics and hands them off to George. This part is clearly reminiscent of the sit-down sessions from Elvis’s 1968 comeback special, and the stereo format perfectly conveys that relaxed atmosphere. Furthermore, the addition of Dave Edmunds, Rosanne Cash, and Earl Slick (who had been working with the rhythm section after the Stray Cats disbanded) makes it even more impressive in retrospect, truly a star-studded session. imehouse Studios, London, England 21st October 1985 STEREO SBD (55:38) 1. Boppin’ The Blues [Carl] 2. Put Your Cat Clothes [Carl] 3. Carl welcomes the band 4. Honey Don’t [with Ringo Starr] 5. Matchbox [with Eric Clapton & Ringo] 6. Mean Woman Blues [with Eric] 7. Turn Around [Carl] 8. Jackson [with Rosanne Cash] 9. What Kind Of Girl [Rosanne] 10. Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby [with George Harrison] 11. Your True Love [with Dave Edmunds & George] 12. The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise [Carl] 13. welcome to rockabilly schoolhouse 14. Medley: That’s Alright Mama; Blue Moon Of Kentucky; Night Train To Memphis [with George & Eric guitar solo] 15. Glad All Over [with George guitar solo] 16. Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On [with Eric guitar solo] 17. Gone Gone Gone [Carl, with George & Eric guitar solo] 18. Blue Suede Shoes [Carl, with George & Eric guitar solo] 19. Blue Suede Shoes (Encore) [Carl & band members] 20. Gone Gone Gone (Repeat) Carl Perkins – vocals, lead and rhythm guitars George Harrison – vocals, rhythm and lead guitars Ringo Starr – vocals, drums, tambourine Eric Clapton – vocals, rhythm and lead guitars Dave Edmunds – vocals, guitar, musical director Rosanne Cash – vocals, maracas Mickey Gee – guitar Greg Perkins – bass John David – bass Geraint Watkins – piano Dave Charles – drums Phantom, Rocker & Slick Slim Jim Phantom – drums Lee Rocker – double bass Earl Slick – guitar