Choose Love (CD - 2005)

Personnel: Ringo Starr (vocals, organ, drums, percussion); Ringo Starr (loops); Barbara Starkey (vocals); Gary Burr (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar, harmonica, background vocals); Mark Hudson (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harmonica, piano, keyboards, bass guitar, background vocals); Steve Dudas (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, harmonica, background vocals); John Amato (saxophone); Billy Preston (piano, Hammond b-3 organ, background vocals); Jim Cox (piano); Dean Grakal, Rose Stone Girls, Rose Stone Choir (background vocals); Chrissie Hynde (vocals); Robert Randolph (guitar); Mark Mirando (electric guitar, background vocals); Dan Higgins (woodwinds, saxophone, horns); Gary Grant (horns).

Audio Mixer: Dave Way.

Recording information: RoccaBella Studio U.K; Studio U.S.A; Village Recorder, Los Angeles, CA; Whatinthewhatthe?.

Authors: Smohalla; Ray Charles.

Photographers: Ringo Starr; Mark Hudson; Gary Burr; Barbara Starkey; Teness Herman; Edward Ajaj.

Arrangers: Mark Hudson; Jim Cox.

Unlike much of Ringo Starr's previous solo work, CHOOSE LOVE eschews the all-star approach that dominated the world's most beloved drummer's latter-day career. Expanding on predecessor RINGO RAMA's focus on self-containment, the production, songwriting, and instrumental chores are mainly handled by Ringo and his longtime band, spearheaded by main man Mark Hudson. To someone who'd spent their life in a cave and was unaware of Starr's fabled past, CHOOSE LOVE would still be a highly enjoyable album of sparkling power pop, full of catchy, well-written tunes and inspired, fun-filled performances. Ringo and company are not afraid to get Beatlesque now and again--he's got a right if anyone does--and those moments never feel forced. Ringo's ever-present warmth comes across not only in his personable vocal delivery, but in such Starr co-writes as the optimistic "Some People" and the inspirational "Oh My Lord." Also, there's not a session drummer in sight here--it's strictly Ringo on the skins throughout, reminding listeners all the more of why they grew to love him in the first place. minimize