Mitch Ryder - Songs From The Road - CD and DVD

 

 

Recorded by Michael Murauer

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CD and DVD Mixed and Mastered by Michael Murauer,Studio St. Annen

CD and DVD Produced by Thomas Ruf - Ruf Records GMBH

 

 

Ruf Records – When The Blues Crosses Over

Home Mitch Ryder : MitchRyder.net Official Web Site

 

 

 

 

 

 

When an artist of Mitch Ryder’s caliber looks back over a storied six-decade career, you should listen up. Ryder is the spiritual forefather to every blue-collar firebrand who ever turned up an amp and hollered their truth. He is the rock ’n’ roll pioneer who stood at the flashpoint of the late 1950s with hits like “Jenny Take a Ride” and his electrifying reworking of “Devil With a Blue Dress On.” Ryder was the last man to perform with Otis Redding in 1967 and became the first living white artist inducted into the R&B Hall of Fame in 2017. His recent studio album, “With Love,” produced by Don Was and recorded in Detroit, was released on February 21, 2025.

 

                         “I would like one day for one dedicated person — just one in the whole wide world — to get every recording I ever made, listen to them, watch the growth of the artist, follow the progression, follow the evolution, follow me to through my life’s work, up to the very end,” Ryder says. “Then I would be very pleased and proud to know that I had accomplished that in my life.

“As far as the judgment goes, that’s up to God. That has nothing to do with music.”

                 

 

                         At 80 years young, Mitch Ryder has lost none of his edge, his indomitable spirit, or his rebellious attitude. His dirt and whiskey voice still carries enormous fire—raw, emotionally charged, weathered, yet unwavering. Mitch Ryder - William Sherille Levise Jr. - is a survivor, a storyteller, an artist who refuses to fade away quietly. He is still touring, still recording, continues to write, and still speaks his truth. Mitch Ryder wants to have fun, sing, and make music that makes him feel good. Mitch continues to move forward, trying new things, taunting the devil to try and stop him. 

                   

                        The latest from Mitch Ryder, released on the prestigious RUF label, is a remarkable achievement: a live CD packaged with an extraordinary live DVD. It was in March,2025, that Berlin's legendary Frannz Club became the epicenter of a sonic soundscape—a pulsating wave of electrifying rock and roll and soulful blues. The accompanying DVD footage was filmed a month earlier in Lindewerra, Thuringia, the home base of Ruf Records. "Songs From The Road" is a powerful live document, blending Mitch Ryder's timeless classics with his riveting new material. Capturing blistering live performances from Mitch Ryder and a truly exceptional band of seasoned professionals - Laura Chavez and Sean Athens on guitars, Lea Worms on keyboards, Tomek Germann on bass, and Denis Patatin on drums - both the DVD and CD move seamlessly between rock , blues, and soul, capturing the powerful passion, unique authenticity, and electrifying stage presence that is Mitch Ryder. 

                     

                         Like so many other performers tossed aside and disregarded in the United States Mitch Ryder has found a welcoming home in Europe, especially in Germany, where he continues to tour and record with Ruf Records - "I started going there in '79," Mitch says. I worked there 17 years just in the West because they had the wall. When the wall came down, I did all of Germany for 30 years. So that's 47 years of going, every year, to Germany. And one thing I found out about artist in Germany, in Europe, is that, if they like an artist, they follow his art throughout his life. Over here, it's like you're as good as your last hit and that's how they value you," he shrugs. "Because of my age and my demographic diminishing, there's less and less work every year." 

                   

                      "Songs From The Road" showcases an artist who shows no signs of slowing down. Mitch Ryder has inspired countless artists and remains a respected figure in the music business. Mitch still captivates audiences worldwide. The chemistry between Mitch, his A-List band, and the audience is contagious, everyone enjoying themselves, having a wonderful time, and reveling in a moment where time stands still, at least for a little while. "Songs From The Road" is that rare live album - and DVD - that is not just a recording of songs but an experience that transports listeners right onto the stage. Capturing the raw energy of the crowd and the magic of the performances, this is a historic moment in time, showcasing an artist in constant motion: Mitch Ryder is still out there touring and recording new music, the devil be damned!! "Songs From The Road" is pure magic and absolutely amazing!!

 

 

Special thanks to Thomas Ruf , Founder of Ruf Records , who kindly brought me backstage to meet Mitch Ryder for a brief few minutes. Mitch was part of Ruf Records' 30th Anniversary Celebration held at Sony Hall in Manhattan, NYC, on November 23,2024 - where Mitch graciously signed a copy of one of his 1960s albums. What an extraordinary moment for me!! Thanks so much Thomas, I was completely blown away!!

 

 

Review written by John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations -