Ronnie Wood’s new solo album ’I Feel Like Playing’ is his first new studio album since 2001’s ’Not For Beginners’ and is by far his finest solo recording to date. Ronnie’s solo career has always run alongside his stints in the Jeff Beck Group, the Faces and The Rolling Stones and has enabled him to explore other aspects of his guitar playing and singing.
The album comprises 12 new tracks featuring a stellar line-up of contributors, including Eddie Vedder, Slash, Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Bobby Womack, Jim Keltner, Ian McLagan (The Faces), Kris Kristofferson, drummer Steve Ferrone, Waddy Wachtel and Rolling Stones friends Darryl Jones and Bernard Fowler, who also produced the album.
This release of ‘I Feel Like Playing’ features 2 bonus tracks not included on the American or UK pressings, namely “I Gotta See (The Early Sessions)” and “Fancy Pants (The Early Sessions)”.
Review
Ron Wood had a rough couple years following the publication of his
2007 autobiography, splitting with his wife of over 20 years and entering
rehab for yet another time, but you never would be able to tell this based on
his 2010 album I Feel Like Playing. Like his previous six solo albums, it has
nothing more on its mind than a good time, a studio party where everybody is
invited. This time around, Slash, Billy Gibbons, Bobby Womack and Flea all drop
by to have a little fun on a collection rockers, reggae, blues and boogie, the
sounds that have been Woody’s stock in trade since 1974’s I've Got My Own
Album to Do. Everybody involved is a little bit older and straighter than the
crew in ’74, so the tempos don’t push as hard, the guitars aren't quite as
loud and the vocals are quite a bit more gravelly, but otherwise I Feel Like
Playing is of a piece with what Woody has done before. And this is not a bad
thing at all – in fact, it’s kind of remarkable that Wood has weathered as
much as he has and is still capable as knocking out a record as relaxed and
nonchalant as this. It’s no dark night of the soul, it’s just another good
all-star jam but one where it doesn't sound like Wood is over-staying his
welcome. Stephen Thomas Erlewine – Allmusic.com