The Fabulous Thunderbirds – Struck Down (2024)Blues Rock
Since their foundation at the legendary Antone’s in Austin in 1974, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have endured under the direction of harp player Kim Wilson as one of the best bands in America. And they celebrate their 50th anniversary with this disc. It’s a star-studded effort that’s as contemporary as any album they’ve done yet.
Sure, Jimmie Vaughan, Keith Ferguson, Duke Robillard, Gene Taylor, Kid Ramos, Willie Campbell, Jimi Bott, Richard Innes, Kirk Fletcher, Nick Curran and a host of others are no longer in the lineup, but Kim’s current crew is as tight as a band can get with Johnny Moeller on guitar, Bob Welsh on keys and guitar, Rudy Albin Petschauer on percussion and Steven Kirsty doubling on saxophone and bass.
Recorded in New Jersey and Hamilton, Ont., this album came about after Canadian six-string giant Steve Strongman approached Wilson in the hope of paring up to write some tunes. Their chemistry proved so potent, Kim says, that they’d composed five songs in the first three days and 12 more in the three days that followed. Ten of those compositions populate this album, which includes fretwork from Steve on eight of the cuts.
Guest appearances from a host of heavyweights makes the CD even more special. Both Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo’ and Billy Gibbons contribute guitar and vocals, Terrance Simien adds accordion and washboard and Mick Fleetwood sits in on drums, too. Add Taj Mahal’s voice, guitar from Elvin Bishop and Dean Shott, background vocals from Chris Ayries and percussion from Rob Szabo and you’ve got something special.
1. Struck Down By The Blues (ft. Steve Strongman) (0:00)
2. Don’t Make No Sense (ft. Terrance Simien) (3:40)
3. Payback Time (ft. Billy Gibbons) (6:28)
4. Nothing in Rambling (ft. Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal & Mick Fleetwood) (10:03)
5. Won’t Give Up (13:59)
6. The Hard Way (17:34)
7. Whatcha Do To Me (ft. Elvin Bishop) (21:40)
8. I’ve Got Eyes (24:50)
9. That’s Cold (28:58)
10. Sideline (31:16)
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