Boogie for Stu, Superb Ben Waters CD

In the end I missed the Ben Waters Poole concert to launch this great CD.

I've been listening to some stunning tracks, including P J Harvey- "Lonely Avenue" and the Dylan song "Watchin' the River Flow" with Mick Jagger and others.

Great Dorset boogie and blues! Bridport's Hamish Maxwell (of Custer's Last Blues Band) sings the Joe Turner classic, "Roll 'Em Pete".

From the Dorset Echo (James Tourgout reports):

West Dorset: Singer joins music stars on tribute CD

11:20am Saturday 16th April 2011 

By James Tourgout

SINGER Hamish Maxwell from Bridport has teamed up with music legends to launch a new CD by pianist Ben Waters.

The frontman shared the stage at the Ambassadors Theatre in London for the launch of the Boogie 4 Stu tribute to Ian Stewart.

He joined such stars as Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, Stones guitarist Ron Wood, former Stones guitarist Mick Taylor, singer and pianist Jools Holland and Mick Hucknall of Simply Red.

Ben, who is based in Weymouth, recorded the charity CD in tribute to his childhood hero Stewart, who was a founder member and long time piano player in the Rolling Stones.

All proceeds from the CD – on which a galaxy of stars perform – are in aid of the British Heart Foundation as Mr Stewart died of a heart attack in 1985 aged 47.

Hamish, 76, of North Allington, said: “It’s a very special CD and all for a good cause.

“All the people gave their time because of the cause.”

Hamish, who is the singer with Custer’s Last Blues Band, said: “Ben did a great job. It is all down to Ben.

“He got everybody together and deserves credit.”

Hamish met Mr Stewart at a jazz club at the Red Lion in Sutton, Surrey, and they went on to play in a skiffle band together.

Hamish was best man at his wedding and they often came down to West Bay to meet up with friends from the skiffle scene.

He also sings on one track on the album. Other musicians to feature on the CD include Stones Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ron Wood. Their former bandmate Bill Wyman also played – for the first on a track with the band in 20 years.

Others to guest on the CD include bassist Dave Green, Jools Holland, saxophonists Don Weller and Willie Garnett.

Ben’s son Tom, 10, also played, on alto sax, and the CD also features his cousin, West Dorset rock star PJ Harvey.

Beatles, Who and Rolling Stones producer Glyn Johns mixed the album and Sir Peter Blake, famed for his cover of The Beatles Sgt Pepper album, did a portrait of Stu for the CD cover.

The album will be released on April 18 on Eagle records worldwide.

Ben is also playing a benefit gig for Broadmayne school, where his children attend, on Saturday May 14 but also using the occasion to launch the CD in Dorset.

l Hamish is also playing a gig with Custers Last Blues Band at the George Hotel in Bridport on Sunday, April 24 from 8am until late. Admission is free.