Review
Jimmy Thackery and The Drivers
Famous Dave's, MN
May 9, 2003
by Rich Benson
Photography © 2003 by Ray Stiles, all rights reserved.
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Making their Famous Dave's debut, Jimmy and the drivers managed to accomplish the near unthinkable in fishing obsessed, outdoor enthusiastic Minnesota: fill the house the night before the Fishing Opener. With the addition of talented, powerful sax player Jimmy Carpenter, this band has added depth and character. Sure, Jimmy still plays that powerful, driving, rocking, Texas influenced blues guitar. The band rocked on crowd favorites like "Drive to Survive" and "Detroit Iron," Jimmy's guitar snarling, howling and seeming to rage as he rocked the house. Mark Stutso on drums playing like the great blues drummer he is, while singing in his strong, rich, husky blues voice that matched the power of the quartet's playing. Jimmy Carpenter adding his sax that honked, hitting some great dirty tones. All the while bassist Kenny Faltinson smiling and playing fast, powerful, expressive bass. This is a tight, talented band that can really rock. Yet tonight they did a lot more.
Jimmy brought it down to play some great, back alley, Chicago style blues guitar. And a little country blues spiced with swamp rock, and some great, energetic jump blues. While you have to love the driving, rocking Thackery sound, he really showed his range and versatility, like going back to some of the things he was doing 10 years ago or even earlier with the Nighthawks. Their heart felt tribute to Freddie King had Thackery at his best, playing great, circular guitar riffs, strong chord progressions while Carpenter added his dirty tone sax. This up-tempo, enthusiastic blues workout was a highlight. Jimmy played his signature, Hendrix inspired version of "The Star Spangled Banner," wowing the enthusiastic crowd with his guitar solo. They even served up some powerful, old school R&B with "Shotgun," giving Carpenter a great workout on sax and allowing the band to show off some strong vocal harmonies.
The encore was like the entire show, full of great playing, attitude, and Jimmy's snarling, lead guitar and vocals with attitude on "I'm Gonna Sell the Bitch's Car!"
Jimmy's strong, raspy vocals and clear, strong guitar licks ringing out put an exclamation point on a great night of blues by one of the Twin Cities favorite touring blues guitar players. Jimmy is probably one of the top blues guitarists in the nation, so don't miss him when he some back.
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Copyright © 2003 Ray M. Stiles All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. Blues On Stage is a ® Trademark of Ray Stiles.
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