Ultimate Collection (Box) (Auto) (Uk) [CD], Bill Wyman / Rhythm Kings, CD

Bill Wyman and Demon Music are proud to present the 'Ultimate Collection', a new 10CD box set, celebrating the iconic British bass player and singer's "other" all-star band. Initial copies will be available in a limited edition, containing an art print signed by Bill. Featuring 144 tracks, 'Ultimate Collection' contains five studio albums (one a 24 song double set), two live albums, a collection of studio outtakes, plus 'Best Of The Bootleg Kings', a new compendium of live performances, assembled by Bill specifically for this release. Rounding it all off, are non-album B-Sides, and additional live recordings, previously only available on video. The Rhythm King's modus operandi was established right from their '97 debut album 'Struttin' Our Stuff', where Bill and long-time collaborator Terry Taylor, were joined by an eye-watering array of talent that included Albert Lee, Eric Clapton, Gary Brooker, Georgie Fame, Paul Carrack and Peter Frampton. Into this mix came singers Beverley Skeete and Mike Sanchez, drummer Graham Broad, a brass section anchored by Frank Mead and Nick Payn, pianist Dave Hartley, and guitarist Martin Taylor, all of whom would become regular Kings and Queens. A year later, 'Anyway The Wind Blows' introduced Andy Fairweather-Low as a frequent fellow traveller, while guest artistes included Chris Rea, and Bill's former bandmate, guitarist Mick Taylor. The 2000 collection 'Groovin' saw an appearance by percussionist to the stars Ray Cooper, who enjoyed it so much, he came back in 2001 for 'Double Bill', where the ensemble were joined by an appearance from George Harrison. Another stellar name was added to the credits on 'Just For A Thrill' in 2007, with Mark Knopfler lending his considerable talents. Capturing the sheer joy of the Rhythm Kings' stage performances, 'Live' (2005) and 'Live Communication' (2011) were recorded in Germany in '04, and the UK in '08 respectively. The 2018 collection 'Studio Time' features 15 outtakes from eight different sessions, originally recorded between 1987 and 2003. As you would expect from such a talented cast, the playing is of the highest calibre, breathing new life into a varied (and occasionally unexpected) selection of songs, drawn from Blues, Jazz, Rock 'n' Roll, R&B and Soul standards, plus some originals from Bill, that fit seamlessly into the feel and mood. The group's enjoyment of playing together is obvious on every track. As Bill himself says, "It was almost like doing solo albums with a lot of friends." Housed in deluxe 7-inch single-sized packaging, 'Ultimate Collection' includes a 24-page booklet, featuring photos from Bill's own archive, and a new interview with Bill and Beverley Skeete, conducted by broadcaster and journalist Paul Sexton.