EXCLUSIVE: The Rolling Stone are working with saxophonist Courtney Pine in a clear sign there is another album being put together by the iconic rock band
The Rolling Stones may have ruled out a tour in 2027 but they are working on new music with legendary saxophonist Courtney Pine. The rockers brought out their latest – and 25th album – called Foreign Tongues back in July, and already look to be working on another LP.
Critics called it ‘a near-miraculous return to form that balances playfulness and sharp political themes’ but, for now, there appears no likelihood of a tour.
However, the band members – who include Mick Jagger, 83, Ronnie Wood, 79, and Keith Richards, 82 – are not resting on their laurels and have already been back in the studio again.
The pioneering jazz saxophone player Courtney Pine has spilled the beans that he’s recently worked with the lads on some brand new tracks. He said: “I’ve just done another session a couple of weeks ago with him (Mick) for The Rolling Stones. Mick’s an amazing artist. That whole pop world is completely different to anything that I know.”
Courtney and Mick have been friends for many years and have collaborated before. He played sax on the frontman’s 1993 solo album called Wandering Spirit. But the 62 year old musician – who has also worked with Sir Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Bryan Ferry and Paul Young – admitted it was an extraordinary experience.
He had to hire top-notch saxes for the sessions as they can cost up to £20,000 a piece but ran into problems.
Courtney revealed: “I played on one version of Mick Jagger’s solo album and they threw it away and then I get a call ‘Can I come out to LA tomorrow and play on another version of the same album?’ Mick Jagger? Of course!
“So I’m up in America picking up local instruments and the Stradivarius of saxophones are Selmers. I got into the store and the owner of the store looks at me and says ‘Well, I can’t give you these instruments’. He takes one look at me.. I mean they’ve already made the deal and they’ve paid the money… but the guy says ‘No, you can’t have them’. They had to have Mick Jagger’s passport as collateral!”
But it all worked out in the end. He tells Radio Three’s Private Passions which airs on Sunday October 11: “We did the session and he had a hit with the track as well!”
Fans had been hoping The Stones would go on tour next year with the songs they released on Foreign Tongues. The group have not done gigs since 2024. However, it seems the reason why they have not rushed to announce any live concerts is because Keith is reticent about going on the road again.
In a recent interview with NME, his pal Ronnie said: “I know Mick is busting to go, and Keith is not busting to go. And you’ve got to have everybody’s enthusiasm to do it.
“When The Stones give me the call-up papers, I’ll be back but in the meantime, I have to keep playing. When my compadres say, ‘Let’s go’, I’ll be ready.”
Last night a spokesman for The Rolling Stones said: “Mick and the band are always coming up with new ideas and laying down tracks for possible future release. Watch this space!”
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