The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Struck Down

After an eight-year recording hiatus, The FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS are back in force with the album Struck Down composed of 9 original tracks signed by Kim Wilson, the leader of the band since 1974, 50 years already, and by the bluesman and guitarist Canadian Steve Strongman from Hamilton. The other members of the current band, in addition to Wilson, on vocals and harmonica, are Johnny Moeller, on guitar, Bob Welsch, on keyboards and guitar, Rudy Albin Petschauer, on drums & percussion and Steven Kirsty, on bass and saxophone. It is interesting to note that during their long-term epic, the Fabulous Thunderbirds were nominated six times for the Grammy Awards and more than twenty times for the Blues Music Awards. This discographic return with Struck Down is accompanied by several distinguished guests including Steve Strongman, on guitar on the title track Struck Down By The Blues, Terrance Simien, on accordion and washboard on the catchy piece, with a Cajun flavor , Don't Make No Sense! Billy F Gibbons is on guitar and raspy-voiced backing vocals on the energetic Payback Time. Keb' Mo', Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal share verses with Kim Wilson on Nothing In Rambling, this roots blues piece by Memphis Minnie. What a good idea to share this old school blues between fellow blueswomen and men, and to revive, in doing so, this collegiality inherent to the blues; Kim Wilson is particularly brilliant and energetic on harmonica, Keb Mo, elegant on slide guitar, and Mick Fleetwood takes care of the drums/percussion with naturalness. The up tempo piece Won’t Give Up rekindles the flames and the band is a rolling fire. The Hard Way, this reflective ballad, philosophizes on the fact that when things are too easy, we can lose our means and that the difficult path turns out to be preferable and more profitable, in the end. “I'm giving up on easy Giving up on smooth This way of living Is really messing with my groove Only one thing to say Doing it the hard way…” Elvin Bishop is another guest of choice on the mid-tempo shuffle Watcha Do To Well sent to me on which he makes his guitar sing alternating with the harmonica. Good Chicago Blues! I’ve Got Eyes is another piece that keeps us moving, courtesy of the Fabulous Thunderbirds plus Strongman who plays guitar on eight tracks in addition to co-producing with Kim Wilson and Glen Parrish. We are entitled to significant involvement from him! That’s Cold is unbridled rock that tells the story of the guy whose wife left and who, despite feeling cold, didn’t see it coming. It happened surreptitiously like that cold that freezes you and seizes you, suddenly, without you being able to do anything about it! ! The disc ends with Sideline, a ballad with choirs, in the purest style. The chorus sums up the importance of actively engaging in the present moment, “There’s no winning No Loosing No ties You were either playing Or you’re on the sideline…” This record is a well-executed, well-orchestrated success. First of all, the lyrics are consistent and deliver relatable stories and messages. Then, the overall design is varied, well balanced and it provides refreshing and energizing moments! The guests are hand-picked and well integrated into the project. The arrangements are impeccable, the musicians are excellent and they deliver solid performances! Finally, to complete the loop, the production is consistent and careful, judiciously down to the smallest details. When listening, we vibrate with quality music which exudes unity and cohesion in all departments and which required nothing less than the contribution of around thirty people from the design and writing until the completion of editing and postproduction (postproduction editing). The easy path was not the preferred one for this opus, they took the demanding path, “The Hard Way”, that of good preparation, cooperation at all stages, and in the end a job well done which is heard, felt, and appreciated advantageously! Those who love the Fabulous Thunderbirds will not be disappointed and there is no doubt that fans of contemporary blues and blues rock will appreciate the multiple talents involved, as well as the quality and sincerity of the performances offered by the artists! Good listening, good groove on the wings of the T-Birds!