Ben Waters

Today Ben Waters joins Nick in the Chatterbox studio and discusses what is almost a Rolling Stones album in terms of the people playing on it with him... there is Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Bill Wyman et al on it - It is an incredible story - His press release is below and the podcast is right here.

BEN WATERS - BOOGIE 4 STU

A TRIBUTE TO IAN STEWART - 15 YEARS ON

Fifteen years ago, I released Boogie 4 Stu as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Ian Stewart - one of my biggest inspirations and a true pioneer of rock 'n' roll piano. So much has happened since then, but one thing remains unchanged: Stu's influence continues to shape everything I do.

Looking back, I had no grand plan when I first started this project. I just wanted to honour the man who had given me so much, both through his music and his spirit. What started as a simple idea in a small studio in Weymouth quickly took on a life of its own. Charlie Watts, ever the gentleman, offered to play on it, and suddenly, I found myself needing a bigger space. Dave Green joined on bass, Rocket 88 legends Willie Garnet and Don Weller jumped in, and before I knew it, we were recording in Jools Holland's studio - free of charge, thanks to Jools' generosity.

Then came the incredible twist: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Bill Wyman all added their magic to the album. Then came my cousin PJHarvey! It was an overwhelming experience, a gathering of some of the greatest musicians on the planet, all playing for Stu.

I was introduced to Sir Peter Blake through a mutual friend, Pete Smith. Pete knew that Sir Peter Blake had seen one of the Stones' earliest shows and that he loved Stu's playing, so it was meant to be that Peter did the portrait of Stu. Thank you, Peter!

Sadly, several people have passed since the initial recording. This album is also dedicated to them, particularly Willie Garnet, who was a larger-than-life character and a brilliant sax player. He was an inspiration to young musicians, and both my son Tom and I were guided by him so much - we miss him terribly.

I am so proud that everyone on this album has been a real friend and shown kindness beyond belief. They had my back in the two years of preparation, helping me out and encouraging me every single step of the way. I can't thank them enough. I am very lucky to have such kind, thoughtful friends!

It's been 40 years since Ian's passing. To mark this special anniversary, I've added some brand-new recordings to the album - tracks that carry the same raw energy and love for the blues that Ian Stewart embodied.

The first is Come Back Baby; an old John Lee Hooker tune we recorded with an all-star lineup: Keith Richards, Dave Kelly, Ian Jennings, Paul Beavis, and me. This track is dedicated to the irreplaceable Charlie Watts, whose absence is felt every single day. Charlie's groove was the heartbeat of every band lucky enough to play with him, and we miss him dearly. This song is for him.

Fifteen years on, Boogie 4 Stu still stands as one of the proudest moments of my career. It was about celebrating a man whose influence reached far beyond The Rolling Stones. Ian Stewart shaped rock 'n' roll piano as we know it, and I hope this record keeps his legacy alive for many years to come. So here we are,15 years later, still playing, still remembering, and still feeling the spirit of Stu in every note we play.

THANKS STU!

Ben Waters