Fabulous Thunderbirds

[Ed S]

Artpark is one of those outdoor performing arts centers that are pretty ubiquitous. It's located in a beautiful setting - in Lewiston NY at the mouth of the Niagara River. This event took place at their outdoor amphitheatre and was part of the free concert series held there every Tuesday during the summer.

The backdrop was a beautifully treed gorge that actually resides in Canada - just across the river. Atop that gorge is a monument to General Isaac Brock - a British/Canadian hero of the war of 1812. It looks quite stunning up there and serves as a reminder of more tempestuous times in US - Canada/British relations. The Niagara River, meandering at this point at its mouth near Lake Ontario is directly behind the stage. Look to the right and there's the view of a beautiful sunset as the sun settles behind the trees and gorge on the US side of the river. Look to the left, and up - there's the graceful arch Lewiston-Queenston Bridge that connects the US and Canada...and a lot of smoke. To the left and at ground level is the source of that smoke - the grill/food area - hot dogs, hamburgers, barbecued pork, beef, fries and of course beer. It's about as ideal a setting for an outdoor concert as there is. Not to mention that the weather is perfect - about 78 degrees, cloudless sky and a slight breeze.

The company was equally perfect. My girlfriend of now some 9 months - a blues fan for sure and a jazz fan too (........or at least a jazz tolerater).

The band was good. Not great, but good. Very good at some points. A lot of their stuff was more bluesy rock and roll than straight blues, but if you know them that's no surprise. They did a few really nice blues songs though and I have to say that Kim Wilson's harmonica stuff was real nice. I was not that impressed with the new guitarist who is so highly touted on their website as the impetus behind their return to their roots. Biggest disappointment was the song "Wrap it Up" And it's not that big a disappointment at all really. It's just that they were REALLY starting to stretch out on this one in jam band fashion when all of a sudden then pulled it in and wrapped it up with a final chorus. Wish they'd taken that one another 15 minutes they way they were groovin'. Of course they did Tuff Enuff and as I dig that tune..... I dug that tune. The highlight was a straight blues during which they really stretched out - 10-12 minutes - featuring a real nice harmonica solo by Wilson.

All in all - whether it was the venue , the company or the band it sure was a lot of fun. If you dig the blues/bluesy rock/rock and roll - they're a good bet for a good show.

Edited August 16, 2006 by Ed Swinnich

[7/4]

Cool. It's been a looong time since I've heard that band live. Once for the first album and once for the second album.

[catesta]

Tuff Enuff was a favorite of mine back in the day. I still hear it on the radio from time to time and still enjoy it.

[chris olivarez]

Ed are they back to one guitarist and who was it?

[chris olivarez]

Tuff Enuff was a favorite of mine back in the day. I still hear it on the radio from time to time and still enjoy it.

I have the cd and enjoy it. Some other cuts of note are "Why Get Up" "Amnesia" and "Down At Antones".Also appreciate some guest apperances by members of "Los Lobos".

[GregN]

Kim Wilson is an amazing talent to me. But, I never seen him or the Tbirds live. Sounds like a enjoyable outing nevertheless.

g

[Ed S]

They had two guitarists. The new guy's name is Nick Curran. He took most of the guitar solos and sang a few songs. I did not really enjoy his vocals as he seemed to be screaming not singing. But they weren't that awful and gave Kim Wilson a chance to play the harmonica.

The other guy's name is Kirk Fletcher. Mostly rhythm, but added some tasty solos on the straight blues stuff.

Speaking of Los Lobos, they are the last band to play the free Tuesday series on the 29th.

Edited August 19, 2006 by Ed Swinnich

[Ed S]

Have to agree about Wilson - though I never really appreciated how talented he is 'til I heard them live the other day. Put on quite a show.

[Dan Gould]

My girlfriend of now some 9 months - a blues fan for sure and a jazz fan too (........or at least a jazz tolerater).

Ed, congrats on the new person in your life (I saw the mention in the divorce thread but didn't want to derail it. I hope you are developing her jazz toleration quotient with a steady immersion in the bluesiest jazz you have. If she likes blues she should definitely go for the bluesy jazz.

Have you tried Stanley T. and The Three Sounds, Blue Hour? My brother's a blues fan and that is probably his all-time favorite "jazz" disc.

Not to de-rail the Thunderbirds thread, I'll just say I'm glad it was a good show and great company/location, but I hated that "tuff enough" song, probably because it was so overplayed on MTV. Sounded to me like the worst kind of watered-down blues, and a complete sell-out to get MTV exposure and album sales.

[kh1958]

I've never really been much of a fan of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, but I did see Kim Wilson playing with Buddy Guy at Antones on a number of occasions, and he is fine harmonica player.

[Ed S]

Thanks for the good wishes Dan. What a difference a year makes. BTW, your kindness during my dark days went a long way.

Can't argue with the watered down Blues stuff. Thankfully, I never saw the MTV thing. I prefer to think f it as a kick-ass song. Helped to rekindle my interest in the blues, even if it's not all that bluesy. Funny thing is, I heard about the Fabulous Thunderbirds long before I ever heard of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Talk about living under a rock.

[chris olivarez]

They had two guitarists. The new guy's name is Nick Curran. He took most of the guitar solos and sang a few songs. I did not really enjoy his vocals as he seemed to be screaming not singing. But they weren't that awful and gave Kim Wilson a chance to play the harmonica.

The other guy's name is Kirk Fletcher. Mostly rhythm, but added some tasty solos on the straight blues stuff.

Speaking of Los Lobos, they are the last band to play the free Tuesday series on the 29th.

Thanks for the info Ed. If you have never seen Los Lobos I heartily recommend that you do so. They put on a great show.