Ben Waters

Although Keith Richards didn't say it in so many words, there was little doubt from the comments he made at the time of Ian Stewart's death in 1986 that he felt it took the heart and soul out of the Rolling Stones. Although only briefly an official band member when they formed in the early '60s ― he was demoted by manager Andrew Loog Oldham because he didn't look the part ― Stewart remained the glue that held the band together for the next 25 years, working as road manager and adding boogie woogie piano both on stage and in the studio whenever necessary. Boogie 4 Stu marks the 25th anniversary of his passing, and the album's creator, fellow British pianist Ben Waters, has assembled a suitable cast to pay tribute. In the process, the album evokes the simple, but highly effective spirit of the original British blues boom. The album's main selling point is the appearances by various Stones, including a pseudo-reunion with bassist Bill Wyman on Bob Dylan's "Watching The River Flow," although fans of PJ Harvey ― Waters' cousin ― will also want to hear her sultry version of Ray Charles' "Lonely Avenue." Boogie 4 Stu is a leisurely collection of jams that should appeal to any fan of blues piano.