Alex Chilton, the voice behind the iconic 60s hits of The Box Tops, proves his enduring showmanship in Boogie Shoes: Live on Beale Street
Despite a voice that has matured beyond his youthful Box Tops days, Chilton’s stage presence is undeniable. Opening with a spirited rendition of “Boogie Shoes,” the band, remarkably tight despite the notes mentioning no rehearsal, immediately establishes a groove that permeates the entire set. The Hi Rhythm Section, featuring Mabon “Teenie” Hodges and Charles Hodges on guitar and keyboards respectively, Leroy Hodges on bass, Archie “Hubie” Mitchell also on keyboards, and Howard Grimes on drums, alongside a potent horn section of Jim Spake, Ronald Kirk Smothers, and Scott Thompson, are more than just a backup band; they are integral to the soulful energy of this performance.
The recording quality of Boogie Shoes: Live on Beale Street is surprisingly crisp, creating an intimate atmosphere despite being a live show. While the notes suggest a smaller audience, the energy is palpable, and the band’s performance sounds worthy of a studio album. Tracks like “Precious, Precious” showcase the Hi Rhythm Section’s brass section in full bloom, adding layers of rich, soulful texture to Chilton’s vocals. Fans familiar with The Box Tops might note their occasional forays into soul-infused sounds in tracks like “Soul Deep,” but this live album fully embraces the genre, offering a deep dive into classic soul and R&B.
Alex Chilton performing live on stage
The album’s tracklist is a vibrant mix of rock, soul, pop, and R&B classics, each reinterpreted with a fresh, inventive approach. Rather than simply mimicking the original versions, Chilton and the Hi Rhythm Section inject their own personality into each song. Little Richard’s high-energy “Lucille,” for example, is delivered with the raw fire and passion it demands, fueled by blistering guitar solos, powerful drumming, and dynamic sax solos. The band operates as a well-oiled machine, driving the performance forward with locomotive force.
Chilton’s rendition of “Big Boss Man,” a hit for both Jimmy Reed and Elvis Presley, highlights his authoritative vocal delivery and the band’s tight groove. The set is consistently strong, with perhaps the only slight dip in energy coming with The Supremes’ “Where Did Our Love Go.” While Chilton’s version might lack the original’s inherent charm, the band compensates with sparkling horn arrangements and a unique spin on the classic. Overall, Boogie Shoes: Live on Beale Street is a testament to Alex Chilton’s versatility and the timeless appeal of the “boogie shoes song” spirit, expertly backed by the legendary Hi Rhythm Section. This 10-track collection, produced by David Less and available through Omnivore Recordings, is an energetic and soulful journey well worth taking for fans of Chilton, soul music, and live performance at its finest. You can find this 44-minute CD at Amazon and the Omnivore Recordings website.
