The third of four volumes. Before Matchbox we hear Paul saying "Prost (cheers) Mrs Sutcliffe" indicating that either drinks or something else have been sent up to the stage by Stuart's mother, who made a pilgramage to Hamburg to visit the places where her son had frequented. But it doesn't sound like she's actually there when this takes place. Maybe because it was Christmas she sent something to the club, knowing they were playing there?
Talking of Matchbox I love the way John sings this, which to me is different to how he ever sang any other song I can think of. He wails like an old blues guy. I also love the way the guitar riff that starts the song is played quite slow, but when the others join in they keep the tempo and resist the temptation to speed up. The groove they create is just fantastic.
At the end is the mother of all versions of Long Tall Sally. In my humble opinion it's Paul who is the real star at the Star Club. His voice on every song he tackles is just peerless. His range and command of styles is unparallelled, and he reaches out and grabs the audience with every number.
http://tinyurl.com/exp-dec-22
Mind that motor car, Bambi!
