This CD shows that two great guitar players can work together and not get in each others way. That's the mark of true professionals in this business. For about half the CD, you get covers os various various blues songs except for two Tab Benoit songs along with 'The Last Time' from the Rolling Stones of the 60's, Dylans 'Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat' and Neil Youngs 'Unknown Legend'. All in all quite a diverse range of songs.

'I Ain't Broke' opens up with a fast shuffle which leans towards a mix of Chuck Berry and southern rock in style. Jimmy kicks butt here on the guitar trading licks with Reese Wynans on the piano.

'Whiskey Store', the title track is a heavy slow blues song. Lots of room for long guitar bends and solos squeezed from their weapons of choice.

'Away, Away Too Long' leans towards Tab Benoits southern roots with a little bit of swing feel to the blues. This song is a bit laid back and relaxed.

'Strange Things Happen' features Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica, one of three songs that do on the CD. This is hard core 12 bar blues for the most part with everyone taking a turn much like a jam session you might hear at the end of the night at many clubs.

'Nice and Warm', a Tab Benoit original is down and dirty blues. Benoit takes the lead here. Plenty of soulful leads here.

'Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat' is an old Dylan tune that Thackery takes on. This is a popular tune with jam bands like Derek Trucks and others. Thackery does the vocals justice and fo course the guitar playing works also.

Neil Young's 'Unknown Legend' takes on a Jimmy Buffet style of sound. Laid back and not forced at all.

'Freddy's Combo' is a tribute to Freddy King and everyone takes turns on this one. It has a swinging style of blues that leans towards jazzy leads.

'The Last Time' is classic Rolling Stones which gets a little update with a little more rocking feel to it. This one has a fun feel to it like everyone was just having a great time recording this song.

Bottom Line: This is a good solid mix of blues and rock & roll with a good mix of talent from both Thackery and Benoit. Of course Double Trouble lays down a solid foundation for everyone else to play over. If you already like Jimmy Thackery and/or Tab Benoit then you should like this release. This is a good mix of blues and rock & roll. I give it three stars out of five.

Jimmy Thackery - guitar and vocals
Tab Benoit - guitar and vocals
Charlie Musselwhite - harmonica
Reese Wynans - piano and B3
Tommy shannon - Bass
Chris Layton - Drums

Web sites:
www.jimmythackery.com
www.telarc.com

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This review is copyright © 2002 by Robert T. Murphy, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
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