Rolling Stones legend Bill Wyman takes a nostalgic trip on Drive My Car, but there’s still plenty of fresh twists and turns along the way.
Bill Wyman, the iconic bassist who held down the rhythm for the Rolling Stones from 1962 to 1993 (with a brief return in 2023), is back with Drive My Car, his first solo album since 2015's Back To Basics. The album is a happy return for Wyman, showing you may be able to leave the Stones, but you can never leave behind the passion for making music. The album features five original tracks, showing off Wyman's still-sharp songwriting skills. "It's not something I do every day," Wyman admits, "but sometimes I just see a guitar in the corner of the room, pick it up to play around, and then something clicks into place." Recorded in the intimate setting of his home studio, the album features long-time friends, guitarist Terry Taylor and drummer Paul Beavis, a strong rhythm section Wyman values so much.
Drive My Car kicks off with a unique rendition of Bob Dylan's "Thunder On The Mountain," bringing together elements from both Dylan's original and Wanda Jackson's spirited cover. Wyman reflects on his long-standing friendship with Dylan, reminiscing about their time together in the '60s Greenwich Village scene. Another standout is a gritty cover of Taj Mahal's "Light Rain," a nod to their shared history dating back to 1968. Wyman's love for country music shines through in a heartfelt tribute to John Prine with a cover of "Ain't Hurtin' Nobody." He fondly recalls their friendship and admires Prine's unique lyricism. The album also introduces new talent, like Dutch guitarist Hans Theessink, whose fresh take on blues has inspired Wyman, despite the two never meeting in person. Wyman cites JJ Cale as a major influence on the album's laid-back groove. Friends who've listened to the album have remarked, "It really sounds like you," which delights Wyman. "I've never tried to be anyone else - I'm Bill, basically."
The last few years have been a reflective and creative period for Wyman. Besides recording Drive My Car, he published Billy In The Wars, a memoir filled with vivid anecdotes from his wartime childhood. As the oldest of the Rolling Stones, Wyman brings a wealth of experience and history to his work, yet he continues to look forward. Drive My Car is more than just a continuation of Wyman's storied career, it’s proof he’s driven by a lifelong love for creating music. It's a ride fans both old and new will want to take, as Wyman motors on with undiminished passion.