Recorded in Los Angeles, in December 1988, Keith Richards’ “Live at the Hollywood Palladium” (and the X-Pensive Winos – funny name of his band) arrives years later in a pretty black hardback CD. From the first track – signed as the essence of what will follow by Keith Richards and drummer Steve Jordan – the voice of the guitarist of the Stones cut with a knife grabs us, just like his sharp playing. But the musical journey does not only give pride of place to rock and blues, crossed by wild riffs. Reggae comes into the dance with “Too rude”, by the famous rhythmic duo Dunbar-Shakespeare. The ballad register (adorned with soul and gospel choirs) is not to be outdone with “Make no mistake” and “Locked away”. And there’s even a little funk in the invigorating “Big enough”. What about the Stones in all of this? They have their place with “Happy” and “Connection”, two songs where a certain Jagger has put his hand. In a solo parenthesis that has obviously done good to his historical accomplice.
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