Review: The Fabulous Thunderbirds ‘Struck Down’
By Jim Hynes
The Fabulous Thunderbirds led by Kim Wilson celebrate their 50th Anniversary in fine style by signing with Stony Plain Records and issuing their first studio album in eight years, Struck Down. The genesis of this recording was when blues guitarist Steve Strongman, who co-produced along with Wilson and Glen Parrish, collaborated for six days writing songs with Wilson, culling these nine co-writes that make up the album along with one cover tune.
The T-Birds remain a tight quintet that still tours with Wilson (harmonica, lead vocals,) guitarist Johnny Moeller, keyboardist and guitarist Bob Welsh, drummer Rudy Albin and bassist/saxophonist Steve Kirsty. It’s great to hear a band that still plays traditional blues, mixing in contemporary stylings along the way. The band is a six-time Grammy nominee and a twenty-time BMA nominee.
Co-founder Kim Wilson is the only constant from the band which formed in 1974. Its cast of members over the years reads like a Blues Hall of Fame list with Duke Robillard, Jimmie Vaughan, Fran Christina, Kid Ramos, Gene Taylor, and Nick Curran among them. Their 1986 album Tuff Enuff sold over a million copies and spawned two minor hit singles: the title track and “Wrap It Up.” Wilson states, “I think Struck Down is my best album with The Fabulous Thunderbirds…by far.” Others may differ, but it’s clearly rooted in blues and soul, steering clear of the rock tinges that marked earlier efforts. There are eleven guests in total, four of whom appear on one track.
The first single, “Payback Time” features Wilson’s longtime friend Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top who takes the fiery guitar solo and sings backgrounds. The track features the wailing harmonica of Wilson, his major harp solo on the record. The exchanges between these two maestros is one of the best moments on the recording. Another scorching guitar lead comes courtesy of Steve Strongman on the driving opening “Struck Down by the Blues.” The Cajun-flavored (not zydeco) “Don’t Make Sense” stars Terrance Simien on accordion and washboard while Elvin Bishop in a tastefully clean solo joins the proceedings on the power-driven shuffle “Watcha Do To Me,” another rave-up for Wilson’s blues harp.
The band takes it down for the acoustic blues of “The Hard Way” with Wilson delivering an expressive, convicted vocal supported by his blues harp and guitar licks from Dean Schott. The standout cover, Memphis Minnie’s “Nothing In Rambling” is another acoustic tune, featuring these guests–Bonnie Raitt (vocals/guitar), Taj Mahal (vocals), Keb’ Mo’ (vocals, slide guitar) and Mick Fleetwood (drums/percussion).
The core band shines on the defiant “Won’t Give Up” and the Texas blues-styled “I’ve Got Eyes,” where Kirsty walks a filthy bass line. Guitarist Moeller tears it up on “That’s Cold” and the band digs into a soulful groove, admonishing procrastination on the closing “Sideline,” with guest Chris Ayries harmonizing with Wilson as Kirsty fills in with an impassioned tenor solo. It makes for the grandest of exits.
With this batch of solid songs, Wilson’s vocals have never sounded better, and his versatile bandmates keep the listener engaged as they course through the varied program of electric and acoustic blues. Yet, moving past the ‘name’ guest tracks, the most indelible one is that closer, “Sideline.” It will floor you.
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“Payback Time” feat. Billy Gibbons
Absolutely brilliant