by
Rob Jones
The legacy of The Beatles is one that will never ever diminish. However, of the Fab Four only the terrific two of Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr remain. Macca is in full flow with a recent successful tour and the man born Mr. Starkey is also out there doing his bit on stage and in the studio. The two forces even recently united in December for the last night of Paul’s 2024 concert schedule.
Ringo has returned with a new album – ‘Look Up’ and its eleven offerings delve into the country calls of the U.S. Many artists swap genres and come out on these dalliances with egg on their faces – and country has been an area of exploration for more than the occasional artist. Is a legend at the tender age of 84 taking a sonic risk? Well, ‘no’ in that he will never ever be short of a buck or two with that Liverpool legacy but ”yes’ in the sense of being judged by both the critics and glitterati of this specific style. Nonetheless, to be honest – those dulcet tones, chilled arrangements and the influence of producer T. Bone Burnett put this work on to a pedestal.
Ringo is not a stranger to the country format and he has had previous delves into this world but the current popularity of this genre may have helped him to return to these rhythms. However, he has called in some heavy hitters to ensure that he gets it right – and in Alison Krauss he has gone to the top of the class after her previous successful union with Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant. The iconic Billy Swan is involved as are the game changing Americana, bluegrass and folk virtuosos including Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Larkin Poe and Lucius. The mighty T-Bone Burnett is at the production desk so this is a prestigious project and the songs back up the cast of performers.
Ringo states “I did love country music before I was in the band,” and his desires for this aural avenue led to a wish to move Stateside in his teens. “We got plenty of it in Liverpool, because the lads who were in the merchant navy would bring not only rock and roll over, but country — and when country bands went on tour in England, they always played Liverpool.”
Well, a circle has now been completed because Starr can take these songs out into the American market and beyond and stand tall with the aplomb of this achievement. The advice to pop punters is look up ‘Look Up’.
