Search - Jimmy Thackery :: Guitar

Instrumental Inspiration!

J. E FELL | Carterville, Illinois United States | 09/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While this is a compilation from the ex-Nighthawks guitarist's tenure with the Blind Pig label, it effectively works as a showcase for Thackery's diverse influences. The disk also adds a few unissued tracks to the mix. One of the interesting aspects of this disk is that the material is entirely instrumental. While blues guitarists Freddie King and Albert Collins released some great blues instrumental albums in the past there are not many released these days. The approach works here because not only does Thackery get to utilize a variety of styles but it also takes the focus off of his vocals and points it to his great guitar playing (hence the title Guitar). Songs like "Jump For Jerry" and "Burford's Bop" let Thackery exhibit his clean jazzier licks. Tracks like "Apache" and "Sinner Street" bring to mind movie or television theme music. Thackery pulls out all the stops for his take on Roy Buchanan's "Roy's Bluz" and "Jimmy's Rude Mood" is sort of a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan. "Hang Up & Drive" and "Last Night" are uptempo burners while the closing "Jimmy's Detroit Boogie" is based on the tasty John Lee Hooker "Boogie Chillun" or for newer blues converts the ZZ Top "La Grange" groove. All in all this "Guitar" compilation proves to be more tasty than some of his releases for Blind Pig. While not strictly blues the release will please fans of excellent guitar playing and instrumental music. Hopefully more blues/rock guitarists will explore this intrumental genre in the future."

Great guitar work - thankfully without vocals

J. E FELL | 04/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a fan of Thackery's blues and swing guitar work but have always cringed at his vocals. This album is the perfect answer as it is all instrumentals. The title says it all. Thackery is comfortable with a wide range of styles and all shine through in this collection. There are nice tips of the hat to various artists and style on a few numbers and plenty of great solos. He also steps back nicely into a supporting role behind some great sax solo work as well. If you like the late, great William Clarke's albums, this one from Thackery should have a special appeal."

Blues Instrumental Bliss

Philip Snyder | Amherst, New York United States | 01/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Fans of Jimmy Thackery seem forever split between those who love the sound of his voice and those who wish he'd run out and hire a lead singer. One thing we can all agree on, however, is this guy can play! And that tone! Mixing jazzy bebop, 50's rock-n-roll, 60's surf, and just about anything else into his blues/rock stew, Thackery commands like few others. This all-instrumental "greatest hits" package is a fantastic glimpse into the musical world of Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers. Details for the uninitiated and curious:



Hang Up & Drive (Trouble Man) - Think of a less frantic version of SRV's "Scuttle Buttin'". When Jimmy slams on the bridge pickup in the middle of that slow bend to kick off his lead, you're hooked. Great way to start off the album.



Roy's Bluz (Switching Gears) - This is a loving tribute to a fellow unsung guitar great and lost comrade. Thackery captures Roy Buchanan's spirit with a piercing lead attack and plenty of Roy's trademark squeals and volume swells. Smokin' hot.



Sinner Street (Sinner Street) - Sort of like an amped up "Peter Gunn". Great tune to jam on.



Jump For Jerry (previously unreleased) - That Bebop/50's rock-n-roll influence is evident here. Nice.



Blues 'Fore Dawn (Sinner Street) - Incredible slow blues. Has a slight flavor similar to Rik Emmett's "Little Boy Blues". Very aptly titled as it has that after-hours-end-of-jam-session vibe to it.



Apache (Drive To Survive) - Spectacular version of that old surf classic. Gooood stuff!



All About My Girl (Drive To Survive) - A mid-tempo shuffle propelled by The Drivers allows Jimmy to show off his strat licks. This one swings.



Last Night (Empty Arms Motel) - Rockin' shuffle. Jimmy briefly quotes Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" during one of the breaks.



Jimmy's "Rude Mood" (previously unreleased) - This is the first of two outtakes from the live "Wild Night Out" album. Though perhaps not in Vaughan's league, Thackery proves he's got his own thing going. Nice version.



Edward's Blues (Wild Night Out) - Spectacular slow blues...and it's live! Sensational tone and dynamics. Check out the surf influence here as Jimmy applies some subtle bar dips on a few sweetly reverbed chords. Very tasty.



Jimmy's Detroit Boogie (previously unreleased) - Another outtake from the "Wild Night Out" disk. This is set to a somewhat over-used boogie riff (immortalized by ZZ Top's "La Grange").



For those of you who are new to Jimmy Thackery, this disk is a great introduction. If your preference is for vocals, then I'd suggest starting off with "Drive To Survive" or "Wild Night Out". But for all you blues/rock guitar geeks (yes I'm one too), what are you still reading this for? Click "Add to Shopping Cart" now."