CD Review
Tab Benoit and Jimmy Thackery
Whiskey Store Live
Telarc (CD - 83584)
by Tim Holek
Review date: October 2004
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Alliances don't always last and one party-member always seems to benefit at a greater level. This isn't the case on Whiskey Store Live which was recorded March 24, 2003 in Unity, Maine. Unlike the 2002 studio release which teamed Jimmy/Tab with Charlie Musselwhite and Double Trouble, this time the rhythm section is from Tab's band and the B3, sax and additional drummer are courtesy of Thackery's group. Most of the nine tunes are hearty jams in the seven plus minute range. Six songs come from the previous studio collection while Tab adds three more.
Things kick off with a tantalizing tribute to Freddy King called "Freddy's Combo." Gravel-throated Tab loads up the roots music stew shakedown entitled "I Got Loaded." You will hear quick, picking notes more accustomed to mandolin and a heavy, electrified rock guitar solo. This will have you as satisfied as an after dinner liqueur. "Bone Pickin'" is as down-home as a country dog who madly chases your car down a rural concession. At times, Tab makes his guitar sound like an old car that won't turn over. "Away, Way Too Long" has a real southern flair to it and "Strange Things Happen" has a lazy feel which showcases the sax and B3. Dueling guitars that remain in control are the prime focus of "Bayou Boogie." This outright party tune showcases what these axegrinders pack. It's amazing stuff and if the album ended here, you'd be completely satisfied but you get two more tracks. Tab emulates the Big O's voice effectively and hauntingly on "These Arms Of Mine." Most R&B classics feature a jubilant rhythm and emotional vocals. This version contains heartfelt six-string work which is assumed to make up for Tab and Jimmy's less than flamboyant stage presence.
Pittsburgh, PA born Jimmy Thackery is no stranger to blues-rock. He spent 14 years with The Nighthawks. Most recently, his aggressive style can be found on his numerous releases with The Drivers. A guitar player since his teenage years, Tab Benoit hung out at the Blues Box, (a ramshackle club in Baton Rouge run by guitarist Tabby Thomas), where Benoit was schooled at the feet of blues masters.
It would have been nice if the credits indicated which guitarist performed which solo. Although no one tries to outperform, Tab wisely handles more lead vocals and Jimmy Carpenter rocks his sax more than an exotic dancer. This disc was released too soon after its studio equivalent. Since purchasers only require one or the other, a live DVD would have been a better product. Still, Randy Labbe's production makes you wish you had been there to experience the fiery blues-rock of an elder and distinct bayou lightening of youth.
www.telarc.com
www.timholekblues.ca
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