Jimmy Thackery
Healin' Ground
Telarc CD 83624
Jimmy Thackery is one of those blues-rock chameleons you hear about, but
don't get until you: A) catch his show or B) listen to a new disc. Fortunately I have done
both. It doesn't hurt to have been familiar with his first band the Nighthawks. Favored
band to many blues artists, Jimmy and the "Hawks" opened many shows for
established bluesers, and kept their Maryland roots red hot. Several years ago Jimmy broke
off from the security of the Nighthawks and decided to go out on his own.
Jimmy has many strengths, but I'd have to say his songwriting and vocals
are at the top of the list. You just have to listen to this new release on Telarc Records.
Jimmy wrote six of the eleven tracks and his writing partner Gary Nicholson wrote most of
the rest. There is a cover of a Henry Mancini tune and one from blues godfather McKinley
Morganfield a.k.a. Muddy Waters.
Like his label mate Tinsley Ellis, Jimmy Thackery has never been afraid to take what he
learned from the blues and expand on it. The first track, "Let The Guitar Do The
Work" proves he is funny as he gets a lady not with his looks but with his guitar
work. "Fender Bender" is one of three instrumentals on the set and his band gets
to shine as well. On drums you've got Lynn Williams, Michael Rhodes and Steve Mackey split
up the bass chores, and the great Hammond organ and piano of Kevin McKendree is a secret
weapon. Listen also for track 10, "A Shot In The Dark" with its nearly
rockabilly/surf groove going on.
Jimmy doesn't forget his blues fans though. Songs like "Weaker Than
You Know" with its salty guitar and great piano, "Upside Of Lonely" with
its good vocals and Excello like harp, and finally, "Can't Lose What You Never
Had" ends the set and has the blues covered. Jimmy Thackery has been around the
block, and isn't afraid to make a collection that several types of listeners could like.
Give this one a listen, and see why Telarc is covering not only the pure
blues artists, but the great artists unafraid to push the boundaries.
- Big Daddy Hal -
Southwest Blues CD Review - August 2005
Current Reviews - 2005 Reviews - available at our store
