July 2023 seems such a long time ago, but that was when I reviewed Jimmy Regal and the Royals last album, “First and Last Stop.” Working through independent label Lunaria Records, I have revisited that album a couple of times with those wonderful song titles, such as “Fat Man’s Chicken.” If you are new to the band, that album is well worth a listen; it is quite funky and has a sort of shuffle boogie within it that you just have to get up and dance to!
Turning to the press pack for the new release, this was recorded during the pinnacle of their 2023/2024 album promotional tour; this special one-night-only performance was an unforgettable event. The band, consisting of Joff Watkins (harp, vox), Sammy Samuels (drums), and CJ Williams (guitar), were joined on stage by a stellar lineup of guest musicians: Titch Walker (trumpet), John O’Neill (sax), Alan Hughes (djembe and percussion), Toby Kinder (keys), John Heal (bass), and Tricia Davies Nearn (backing vox).
“Live at Elephant and Castle” is released on the first anniversary of the show, featuring the first full live performance of “First and Last Stop,” which brings the album to life with raw energy and soulful musicianship. From the fiery opening track “Burn It Down” to the poignant “Empty Streets” and the anthemic “Got To Make A New Flame,” each song is delivered with the passion and intensity that Jimmy Regal and The Royals are renowned for.
This is a limited edition, bootleg-style CD, restricted to just 100 pieces, that allows fans to own a piece of this unforgettable night. It’s more than just a recording; it’s a keepsake, a tangible memory of a landmark performance in the band’s career. So I’m reviewing a limited edition here that I’m thinking will sell out quick!
And on with my review:
Track Listing:
“Burn It Down” opens the set with a track from the first album. WOW, that harmonica! Great rhythm section; the track has a blues feel in the urban groove. It’s an instant statement song, and as we are walking in the daylight, those vampires can keep away!
“Can’t Keep From Losing You” is from the new album and retains that bluesy feel. The backing harmony vocal adds a depth to the piece; it’s pleasing and the harmonica again excels; I am in awe of that harmonica, as you can tell.
“Empty Streets” from “First and Last Stop” retains the rockier vibe from the album, probably turned up a notch live. The guitar work has a neat groove, and the instrumental section delivers a live beat that certainly takes you directly to the performance.
“First and Last Stop.” I liked the rhythm section of this one when I reviewed the album track. It leads with a funky beat and the lyrics are good fun: “Keep me coming on, Hey Mama Silva, Paul be your river. Now’s not a time of rain, Hey Mama Silva, Front on the mirror, dance to the end of the day. Yeah, they hear the sound and I fade it fast.”
It’s a fun song with a decent chorus, and you get the feel of the live show in the groove.
“Mickey Two Suits,” named after ‘a shady character in a south London pub’ was a favourite of ours when we reviewed the album. It’s an instrumental that really lets the guys have fun. They are well on the nail, driving from the percussion through to the harmonica, which takes the lead on this little blaster of a song.
“Fat Man’s Chicken” gets off to a great drum and harmonica start. I think that, live, it is the strongest vocal; it’s a song with plenty of humour and is delivered in a hurry! I would guess that this would have been a load of fun live; you just want to sing along to the chorus, even on the record.
“Bones to Dust.” When I reviewed the album, I noted that this track was infused with boogie; live, that aspect remains. I still enjoyed that instrumental break midsection that seems to gain a new life here.
“You Can’t Run” retains that rocky, funky groove that was a feature on the album. I did suggest at the time that this would sound fine live, and as the proof is in the pudding, I can confirm it does!
“Got to Make a New Flame” opened the studio album and closes the live version. It has a big sound that uses the talents of all the nine musicians on the stage; it hits that sonic boom nicely.
In summary, I always have mixed opinions about live albums. My basic position is they have to add something to the music rather than merely reproduce what you hear in the studio exactly. That is why I controversially love Kiss “Alive II” but reject the studio-enhanced Kiss “Alive.” You get a more live connection with that. My favourite live album is Queen “Live Killers.” However, I digress! Having reviewed the studio album, I did wonder at the benefit of having the same material to review again live. Nevertheless, each song does gain vibrancy from the live environment and the instrumental breaks especially showcase the feel for the guys on that night. As a collector’s piece and for fans of the band, it offers a moment in time captured for you and your listening (and dancing) pleasure.
It’s time to get funky!
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You can stream music from Jimmy Regal and the Royals from here
The band website, where you can pre-order the CD and merchandise, is here
By Stevie Ritson