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Whiskey Store Live Jimmy Thackery and Tab Benoit Telarc Records, 2004
Buy it online
Reviewed by Pamela L. Dow
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Veteran blues guitarists Jimmy Thackery and Tab Benoit joined forces back in 2002 on a collaborative studio project entitled Whiskey Store. This spirited CD received high marks from both blues enthusiasts and the classic rock faithful. Shortly after its release, the folks at Telarc supported this recording with a subsequent promotional tour, including a scheduled stop in Unity, Maine at the Unity Centre For Performing Arts. This popular destination became the chosen venue for a select recording of a live tour performance by these two master blues guitarists. Whiskey Store Live captures the full intensity of Thackery and Benoit's amazing performance to a packed house of cheering blues fans in Unity, Maine on March 24th of 2003. Whiskey Store Live is a nine track set of sizzling, soulful blues, featuring selections from each artists solo work and six selections from the 2002 release. The six revisited tracks are clearly expanded and revised on this live version as they come to life with a fresh exhilarating sound. The only thing missing is the rhythm section and guest artists who appeared on the studio version. The group of talented musicians backing these two dueling guitarists -- and responsible for setting a few fires of their own -- are Jimmy Carpenter on sax, Ken Faltinson on B3, Carl Dufrene on bass and both Darryl White and Mark Stutso on drums. Kudos go to producer Randy Labbe for taking a back seat and allowing this talented tag team to do what they do best. Whiskey Store Live is your front row center seat, where the voltage running between the stage and the crowd feels like lightning. Thackery breaks out the spirits on the opening track, "Freddy's Combo," a fiery eight minute instrumental dedicated to Freddy King. Everyone on stage pays tribute to this bluesmaster. The moonshine continues pouring into the next track as Benoit rips right into the drinking classic "I Got Loaded." Both guitar slingers duel it out, trading solos back and forth as Benoit gives it his all vocally. Benoit's ragged lead vocals are prominently featured throughout this live recording. His ten minute rendition of the Readings classic "These Arms of Mine" practically brought the crowd to its knees with his stirring, heartfelt performance. Benoit sets off some fireworks with "Bone Pickin," a feverishly paced fingerpickin' number with plenty of swamp funk. Benoit lights up the sky once more with his blistering "Bayou Boogie," almost 10 minutes worth of incredible blues pickin', as the crowd cheers for more. Thackery takes command on his powerful shuffle version of Dylan's "Leopard Skin, Pill Box Hat" and Mayfield's "Strange Things Happen." He blazes up and down the fretboard, as Carpenter follows right behind with some excellent sax solos. Thackery wraps things up with a slow, dramatic performance of the title track, "Whiskey Store," finally bringing this party to a close. Whiskey Store Live accentuates the skillful dexterity of both these axemasters, highlighting the musical connection that solidifies their work. Each has their own style and approach to playin' the blues. Thackery known for his stinging Strat attack, gruff vocals, classic rock flavor and hard drivin' barroom blues, and Benoit for his tight Telecaster rhythms, exceptional fingerpicking, solid vocal delivery and Louisiana roots with that swampy bayou beat. Initially, some questioned whether or not their musical differences would fit together. These two professionals wasted no time demonstrating just how much their combined efforts genuinely complimented and energized each other. Their differences fit together perfectly, without either artist ever overshadowing the other. What's most enjoyable about this live recording is hearing both of these axemasters tearing it up, having a blast performing together. Whiskey Store Live is an incredible collection of
performances by the guitar dream team of Jimmy Thackery and
Tab Benoit. They presented this latest recording of electric
blues in the spirit it's suppose to be played, in front of a
live audience. Unlike many other live recordings, which
sound tiresome and are nothing more than a string bending
extravaganza, Whiskey Store Live is completely top
shelf. This live recording delivers plenty of substance from
two of the very best contemporary electric blues guitarists
in the business, serving the finest blend of distilled blues
favorites. Even if you own the 2002 studio version, there's
plenty of hard drivin', foot stompin' blues gems here, well
worth your time and attention. | September 2004 |
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