In the early 80’s, The Fabulous Thunderbirds emerged with a unique sound that was equal part blues and what can be termed “down the bayou” swamp rock with lots of powerful guitar riffs and blues laden harmonica solos. They took the musical world by storm behind the talents of Kim Wilson and Jimmie Vaughan. After the death of his brother Stevie Ray Vaughan in 1990, Jimmie would move on to stardom as a solo artist. Kim kept the Fabulous Thunderbirds going and, over the years, the Fabulous Thunderbirds have produced 14 excellent recordings.
On June 28th, they will release another chapter of their ongoing love affair with the contemporary blues entitled Struck Down. The recording includes contributions from Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Mick Fleetwood, Billy Gibbons, Elvin Bishop, and several other luminaries of the blues. Kim and Steve Strongman wrote all the songs but one and they, along with Glen Parrish, produced the album. To say this is an awesome recording is an understatement!
The core band consists of Kim Wilson on vocals and harmonica, Bob Welsh on keyboards, Rudy Albin Petschauer on drums, Steven Kirsty on bass and saxophone, and Johnny Moller on guitars. Steve Strongman also plays the guitar on most of the cuts. Together they produce the solid and tight upbeat sound that has always been associated with this band out of Texas.
In terms of the music, for straight up Thunderbird rockin’ blues you need go no farther than Struck Down, Watcha Do To Me, I Got Eyes, and That’s Cold. All are strong upbeat tunes that make you want to dance. I also enjoyed the “down the bayou” feel of Don’t Make No Sense and Won’t Give Up. I highly recommend you listen to Nothing In Rambling, a Memphis Minnie original that features Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal and Mick Fleetwood. This contemporary rendition of a blues classic is incredible music! My favorite song on the recording is Payback Time featuring Billy Gibbons. Billy on guitar and backing vocals and Kim on vocals and harmonica is a match made in contemporary blues heaven!!
Since the first recording back in 1979, Kim Wilson has been the driving force of the Fabulous Thunderbirds with his iconic voice and harmonica style. Through the thick and thin years, Kim has kept alive the Thunderbird sound. With Struck Down, the Fabulous Thunderbirds continue to fly and soar in the rarified upper air of the blues…it doesn’t get much better!!
Ben Vee has been a radio host on Blues Music Fan Radio for over 6 years and has been writing about the blues on his blog at http://www.benveeblues.com since 2014.
Nice review. Can’t wait to hear it. I love the T-Bird’s.