Shake My Tree

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "Shake My Tree" by Coverdale-Page, a track from their 1993 self-titled album that’s got the Zoo Freaks grooving. This song’s opening riff has a storied past, tracing back to Led Zeppelin’s 1979 album In Through the Out Door, showcasing Jimmy Page’s knack for reworking his own magic. David Coverdale has shared that the song came together organically during their writing sessions, with Page’s guitar riffs driving the energy. In a 1993 interview, Coverdale described the recording process as “like capturing lightning in a bottle,” emphasizing the raw chemistry between him and Page. The track’s success is no surprise—it climbed to number three on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart, with its gritty blues-rock vibe resonating widely.

Interestingly, an alternative mix of "Shake My Tree" exists, tucked away in the unreleased vaults from the Coverdale-Page sessions. Coverdale once hinted in a fan Q&A on X that other tracks from these sessions, like the unreleased “Saccharine,” could see the light of day someday, sparking excitement among fans. The song also got a nod from Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, who performed it during their 1995 “Unledded” project, a moment Plant later called “a fun nod to Jimmy’s recent work” in a Rolling Stone interview. A 2016 post from the whitesnakeblog account on X, linking to a YouTube clip of the song, called it “a timeless banger,” reflecting its enduring love among fans.

David Coverdale, the voice behind Coverdale-Page, kicked off his career in the early 1970s when he answered an audition ad for Deep Purple. Hailing from Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England, Coverdale was a relatively unknown singer working in a clothing boutique when he landed the gig, replacing Ian Gillan. His powerful vocals helped Deep Purple churn out hits like Burn and Stormbringer. After Deep Purple’s breakup in 1976, Coverdale formed Whitesnake, blending blues and hard rock into a sound that dominated the ‘80s with albums like Slide It In and 1987. His journey is well-documented on his official Whitesnake website, which also covers his solo work and collaborations.

Jimmy Page, the guitar wizard of Coverdale-Page, began as a session musician in London, playing on tracks for artists like The Who and The Kinks. His big break came in 1966 when he joined The Yardbirds, but it was forming Led Zeppelin in 1968 that cemented his legend status. Page’s innovative production and guitar work on songs like “Stairway to Heaven” redefined rock music. After Zeppelin’s 1980 split following John Bonham’s death, Page explored projects like The Firm and his solo album Outrider before teaming up with Coverdale. His storied career is chronicled on his official site, jimmypage.com.

The Coverdale-Page collaboration was born from a mutual desire to create something fresh. Introduced by A&R executive John Kalodner in 1991, the duo wrote and recorded over two years, producing an album that hit number five on the Billboard 200. Fans can dive deeper into their work through social media, including Coverdale’s Facebook and Instagram, as well as Page’s Facebook and Instagram. The David Coverdale X account and Jimmy Page X account offer glimpses into their current projects and reflections on past work.

For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with fellow fans, the Whitesnake Official Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant spot to discuss Coverdale’s projects, including Coverdale-Page. Another fan hub, Led Zeppelin Community, frequently shares love for Page’s broader catalog. Websites like whitesnake.com and ledzepnews.com keep fans updated on news and trivia, ensuring the legacy of “Shake My Tree” and Coverdale-Page lives on.