This 11-song set captured at the Warehouse in Houston in 2006 finds the long running outfit The Fabulous Thunderbirds in fine form, with frontman Kim Wilson leading the band through their distinct and varied brand of the blues.
The animated “Slow Down” opens with Gene Taylor’s quick keys and Jimi Bott’s rowdy drums helping make for a lively blues rocker. “Postman” follows, and it’s a bit more subdued, where spirited guitar and grooves enter the rich delivery.
Working our way towards the middle, the thumping and rhythmic “Got To Get Out” offers a scrappy moment, while “Painted On” benefits from Kirk Fletcher’s rugged guitar alongside Wilson’s soaring pipes and Ronnie James Weber’s meticulous bass lines. Deeper yet, “Wait On Time” is full of raw guitar playing amid the dynamic rhythm section.
Close to the end, the dense and dance floor-ready “Pretty Baby” allows for Wilson’s harmonica to shine, though his powerful pipes don’t disappoint either, and “Marked Deck” exits the evening with Wilson’s sturdy singing and the precise musicianship, making for a tuneful and memorable finish.
A band that’s been active since the mid ’70s and have had dozens of band members, The Fabulous Thunderbirds in this version embraces the cajun, soul and rock influences that entered their sound later on, and their two biggest hits, “Wrap It Up” and “Tuff Enuff,” are both included.
Although Wilson was the only original member in attendance during this show, the band maintained a level of playing that remains constant to this day. Sure, maybe they only had one commercially successful tune, back in ’86, but they penned a deep catalog of excellent blues influenced work, and these tracks sound great, have aged well and hold their own against any modern blues.
