The 62-year-old Rolling Stone is a guest guitarist on My Soul is a Witness -- a collection of African-American spirituals released without fanfare last month.

The book and CD project is the brainchild of Richards' sister-in-law, concert vocalist Marsha Hansen.

About half the music was recorded at the guitarist's Connecticut home in 2001.

Richards plays on a half-dozen tracks, including I Want Jesus to Walk With Me and Rock in Jerusalem. Also performing on the album is former Beach Boy Blondie Chaplin and Bob Dylan drummer George Receli.

The CD may be hard to find. Augsburg Books, affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, initially printed only 2,500 copies. A second printing is on the way.

Hansen, who is married to a Lutheran minister, says she didn't have to twist her in-law's arm to get his assistance.

"His understanding of music is very deep -- not just rock music," she said. "He's particularly intrigued by African-American music, roots music."

Looking frail with a stooped over stance and a short shuffling gait, Johnny Winter played a benefit show in the parking lot of Bucks County Custom Cycles on 611 in Pipersville on Saturday night. He sat in a chair for the set and on some songs let his band members take turns sounding like him (to rest his voice, or just to rest) then picked up the last verse himself to bring it home. All blues with the exception of Highway 61 which closed the show.
- johnsch (guest) 7-03-2006 6:01 pm [add a comment]

rock and rolllllllllll!!!!!!!!! nice report, thanks.
- bill 7-03-2006 6:07 pm [add a comment]