The former Nighthawk opens this set with "Let the Guitar Do the Work," and it's best when his does. The instrumental "Fender Bender" is a rockin' tribute to the Stratocaster. Thackery decorates a sinuous melody with fiery ... more »little embellishments, from tasteful dips of the whammy bar and soaring modulations to moaning bends. "Kickin' Chicken" blends roadhouse country with T-Bone Walker swing and Henry Mancini's "A Shot in the Dark" becomes a surf classic under his expert fingers. This album also includes some of Thackery's best vocal performances. He bites hard into the lyrics of the state-of-the-world report "Devil's Toolbox" and goes for soul on the ballad "Had Enough." Muddy Waters gets a nod, too, in "Can't Lose What You Never Had," where Thackery imitates the master's keening, insistent slide. But even when the guitars are in the background, piled up to build tremolo-laden textures or twanging out shuffle rhythms, they have a persistent intensity that keeps this disc lively and kickin'. --Ted Drozdowski« less
The former Nighthawk opens this set with "Let the Guitar Do the Work," and it's best when his does. The instrumental "Fender Bender" is a rockin' tribute to the Stratocaster. Thackery decorates a sinuous melody with fiery little embellishments, from tasteful dips of the whammy bar and soaring modulations to moaning bends. "Kickin' Chicken" blends roadhouse country with T-Bone Walker swing and Henry Mancini's "A Shot in the Dark" becomes a surf classic under his expert fingers. This album also includes some of Thackery's best vocal performances. He bites hard into the lyrics of the state-of-the-world report "Devil's Toolbox" and goes for soul on the ballad "Had Enough." Muddy Waters gets a nod, too, in "Can't Lose What You Never Had," where Thackery imitates the master's keening, insistent slide. But even when the guitars are in the background, piled up to build tremolo-laden textures or twanging out shuffle rhythms, they have a persistent intensity that keeps this disc lively and kickin'. --Ted Drozdowski
CD Reviews
What's not to like?
Music Fan | Fairfield, California | 05/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you aren't already a fan of Jimmy Thackery, then this album should convert you to the fold. This album rocks from the first and the ride keeps going until the bluesy ending at track 11. The only full time Driver on this disc is Mark Stutso who delivers some fine vocal work on two tracks. But Jimmy is the star in every sense on this outing. His guitar work is flawless and his vocals are terrific. Grab this one and you'll be hooked. And as one previous review stated, don't miss a chance to catch Thackery and the Drivers live. It's one heck of a show and you'll be even more impressed with Jimmy as a player live than you are by his recordings and, people that is saying a lot! Great stuff. Put this one on your don't miss list."
Jimmy's "Nashville" album
John Terry | Kansas City, Mo | 05/26/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The pleasures on this album are more subtle than jaw dropping. At first I thought I was going to hold it against Jimmy that he doesn't really let loose with any "thunderbolts" on this album. Then I realized that in stressing technique over firepower, Mr. Thackery may have just come up with the most well rounded album of his career. Overall, a little bit more of a country sound than I'm used to but kudos to J.T. for mixing it up a little. Well done!"
Great Tone!!
Stephen J. Newton | Tucson, AZ | 05/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you've never heard of Jimmy Thackery, you've been missing some of the best of modern electric blues. Drive to Survive, Jimmy Thackery Guitar, Wild Night Out were perhaps his best. Now add Healin' Ground to that list. The ole Jimmy Thackery Tone is back and man does that Strat sound sweat. Being a blues affectionato and a strat player as well, I was treated to one heck of a musical experience on this CD. Fender Bender is one of his best cuts(too bad it wasn't around before he completed "Jimmy Thackery Guitar" it would have made that cut). Healin' Ground is the Jimmy Thackery we've all come to know from the past. This CD is a winner!!"
I agree, his best yet
Edward P. Dunagan | Carrollton, Georgia USA | 05/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is an excellant release for JT & the Drivers, his guitar sounds as powerful as ever and his vocals are the best he's recorded so far.The Drivers are the as tight as every. I also hear more piano on this that is kinda a change for Thackery.It's Kevin McKendree on the keys along with the records Producer Gary Nickolson, both who play with my all time favorite Delbert McClinton."
Thackery's Best Work!
Barry Elder | Tell City, Indiana United States | 05/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great disc that doesn't have a bad song on it and is already one of my favorites.Jimmy's guitar playing is awesome, especially on cuts like "Fender Bender" and the tone on "Had Enough" is amazing. "Healin Ground" and "Devils Toolbox" are rockin little numbers that really jump and "Shot In The Dark" is just cool! Jimmy can play any style from blues to rock to jazz to country, and play them as good or better than anyone playing. Jimmy Thackery is as great a live act as any guitar player you will ever see. If you see him one time you will be a fan for life. This disc is an absolute must for anyone who loves great guitar playing. Buy this disc, you wont be sorry."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1