Live Review
Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers
w/the Tom Hunter Band
Brewbaker's, St. Paul
November 13, 1999
by Ann Wickstrom
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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I got to Brewbaker's at 8:15, expecting to beat the crowd. NOT! By that time, all the tables were taken and the edges of the dance floor were lined with anxious "standing room only" Thackery fans. The Tom Hunter Band opened with an EXCELLENT set and it was obvious from the dancing, hootin' and hollerin' crowd that they gained themselves some enthusiastic new followers. Thackery started with Jimmy McGriff's instrumental ear opener, "All About My Girl", a la Albert Collins. Mark Stutso is still faithfully keeping the beat for the Drivers, but there are some other new faces behind the wheel. Long-time Luther Allison bassist Ken Faltinson has replaced Michael Patrick (now with Joe Juliano). Ken is one of those bass players who doesn't stand out a whole lot, which means he's doing his job PERFECTLY. And, no longer a power trio, the band now includes sax man Jimmy Carpenter. Not being a big horn fan, I have to say I was apprehensive about how a sax would sound with the band. It seemed like it wouldn't be a good fit for Thackery's style and format. Having now seen the show with the new addition, I will say that I was not disappointed; Carpenter is a very good player and did not detract from Jimmy's guitar mastery as I feared he might (I should have known better). However, I'd have to say that I feel pretty neutral about the situation. Although the addition of a sax player did not detract, in my opinion it didn't add enough to justify the move.
As has been the case for the last several years, Thackery favors his "Drive to Survive" album for live material. In addition to "All About My Girl", he did the instrumentals "Burford's Bop" and "Apache", "Cool Guitars", and the powerful ballad "That's How I Feel", featuring the outstanding vocals of Stutso.
After a break, Thackery rocked us with "Mercury Blues", got funky on Jr. Walker's "Shotgun", and had the joint swingin' cuz he was "Crazy 'Bout a Saxophone". Tom Hunter joined in on a few tunes; he and Jimmy teased each other and bounced some great lines and licks back and forth. It was fun to watch Jimmy's face as he closed his eyes and listened intently to Tom on the 88's.
As always, Thackery dug into his trick bag and played with his left hand only and with his teeth. The encore was his Hendrix "Star Spangled Banner"/"Red House" extravaganza. After seeing Thackery five times, I think it's safe to say that his shows are, without fail, the best in the business. He could use some fresh material, but I think we'll get to hear that next time he comes through town. If Blind Pig Records doesn't drag their feet, the band expects a new album to hit the streets next spring.
This review and photograph is copyright © 1999 by Ann Wickstrom, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
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