| By
Jeff "Harpin Homer" Winders
ON THE JIMMY
REED HIGHWAY
- Omar Kent Dykes & Jimmie Vaughan
Jimmy Reed was born in Dunleith, Mississippi and
learned to play harmonica and guitar from his close
friend Eddie Taylor. His simplistic approach to
the blues gave his music a distinct and easily recognizable
sound, earning him 14 hits which have become legendary
standards in any bluesman's repertoire.
ON THE JIMMY REED HIGHWAY, is a compilation of covers
featuring 21st century bluesmen, Omar Kent Dykes
and Jimmie Vaughan. These two Texas based musicians
have teamed up with a star studded line up of great
blues players such as Kim Wilson, Delbert McClinton,
James Cotton, Lou Ann Barton, Gary Clark Junior,
and the late blues harmonica great, Gary Primach.
Together these musicians drive home the steady boogie
guitar rhythms along with the crisp howling of guitar
solos and turnarounds. The sultry vocals along with
the sweet accompaniment of crying, wailing, and
talking harmonicas make this an enjoyable journey.
So, strap yourselves in, relax, crank up the volume
and savor this drive down this well known and historic
highway.
1. JIMMY REED HIGHWAY - Omar's
tribute to the man and the music. Summarizes the
influence of Jimmy's music and the blues world through
references to his hits and fellow blues men.
2. BABY WHAT YOU WANT ME TO DO/BRIGHT LIGHTS
BIG CITY - Kim Wilson lays down some wailing
harp riffs throughout.
3. BIG BOSS MAN - This driving
rhythm echoes the sentiment we all would love to
tell our boss. Kim Wilson's harp has attitude!
4. GOOD LOVER - The vocals of Lou
Ann Barton sparks images of sexy late night rendezvous......
5. CARESS ME BABY - The slow tempo,
the heartbreaking moan of James Cotton's harmonica,
and the sulking vocals of Omar an Lou Ann will give
you the blues!
6. AW SCHUCKS, HUSH YOUR MOUTH
- The boogie rhythm and exploding guitar licks from
Jimmie Vaughan will make you want to "paint
the town red."
7. YOU UPSET MY MIND - Hits home
for anyone ever in a relationship. Kim Wilson's
pleading harmonica is filled with emotion.
8. I'LL CHANGE MY STYLE - The slow
drawl of Omar's vocals and the apologetic guitar
exudes heartache.
9. BAD BOY - Omar's guttural lyrics
and Vaughan's guitar of this Eddie Taylor original
are "in your face".
10. BABY WHAT'S WRONG - This jumpin'
boogie is full of the melodic phrasing of harmonica
genius, Gary Primach. A must listen for any harmonica
lover!
11. HUSH HUSH - Steady dirty rhythms
and the simple high wailing of Delbert McCliton's
harmonica and vocals remind us of how we all feel
sometimes.
12. YOU MADE ME LAUGH - Gary Primach
makes that harp speak.....check out the Wah-Wah
On the STLbluesometer this disc is a definite 5.
If you love the amplified sound of the Chicago Blues
era of the 40's and 50's and appreciate the talent
of today's blues greats, this is a must addition
to your blues collection.
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