Why the Stones recorded 'Blue & Lonesome' at British Grove and what the super deluxe adds

The super deluxe edition of Blue & Lonesome includes a Blu‑ray (or DVD) with a full documentary called The Blue & Lonesome Sessions, directed by Stephen Kijak. That film shows the band cutting the album live in the studio over just three days, with no overdubs or rehearsal. There’s also a hardcover book of photos by Anton Corbijn and hi‑res audio versions of the tracks. It’s the closest you’ll get to being in the room.

British Grove Studios, owned by Mark Knopfler, was chosen because the Stones wanted a vintage analog setup that could capture a raw, immediate blues sound. The studio’s Neve 88R console and collection of old ribbon mics were key—they let the band play together in one room without isolation booths, which is how the classic Chess Records sessions they were channeling were made. Keith Richards said the place “smelled right” for the kind of