New music: Deep Purple, Sparkle*Jets U.K., The Fabulous Thunderbirds

A trio of top-tier music makers are back with wonderful new albums.

Artist: Deep Purple

Title: =1 (earMUSIC)

You might like if you enjoy: Deep Purple, Rainbow

Tell me more: Deep Purple's newly-released album =1 is at once a celebration of the British hard rocker's groundbreaking career and a band focused on the future. Indeed, the current lineup of singer Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, keyboardist Don Airey and new guitarist Simon McBride collectively deliver potent performances across the 13-track Bob Ezrin-produced masterwork. Early standouts on the album include the taunt opener "Show Me," fiery "A Bit On The Side" and driving "Portable Door" (the latter featuring some dazzling lead guitar and organ work courtesy of McBride and Airey respectively). The bluesy "If I Were You" (showcasing Giillan's signature vocals), bewitching "Pictures of You," the sweeping rocker "Lazy Sod," lovely "I'll Catch You" and prog rock closer "Bleeding Obvious" entice on the last part of the album. The bonus DVD features the documentary "Access All Areas" allowing viewers to catch the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers backstage on tour and providing an exclusive look behind the scenes at the band. =1 is available now in a number of formats including a CD+DVD digipak (the version reviewed in this column), several limited edition 2LP vinyl versions, and a limited edition box set that includes CD+DVD, digital, 2LP black Gatefold, a collector's T-shirt, guitar picks and more! Information: ear-music.net.

Artist: Sparkle*Jets U.K.

Title: Box of Letters (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Brian Wilson, The Zombies, Pugwash, Fountains of Wayne

Tell me more: Sparkle*Jets U.K.'s Box of Letters is a euphoric listen, a disc that features Susan West (vocals, guitar), Michael Simmons (vocals, guitar, percussion) and Jamie Knight (bass) making a triumphant return on their first album of mostly original material in more than 20 years. After opening with an inspired cover of the Zombies' "This Will Be Our Year," Sparkle*Jets U.K. proceed to explore the far-flung corners of their sonic universe with a diverse mix of infectious songs ranging from the melodic rocker "Good Bye X 3" and aptly-titled Beach Boys-minded "I Can't Wait for Summer" to the harmonious alt rocker "Love Burn," dreamy "Little Circles," rollicking "Box of Letters" and jaunty closer "Hey Grandma." And just listen to the genre mash-up "Princess Needy," with its magical mix of chamber pop and disco stylings. The fact that West's punchy song craft and vocal approach works so well with Simmons' melodic and artful approach as as singer-songwriter brings an added dimension across Box of Letters. Simmons' rich and detailed production is the other key part of the bona fide success of the outstanding Box of Letters. Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Artist: The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Title: Struck Down (Stony Plain Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim Wilson, Billy Gibbons

Tell me more: What do Bonnie Raitt, Elvin Bishop, Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo', Mick Fleetwood and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons have in common? All appear on the Fabulous Thunderbirds' eagerly-awaited return Struck Down. With singer-songwriter/master harmonica master Kim Wilson at the helm, the band delivers 10 terrific tracks sure to please blues aficionados. Leading off with the aptly-titled mid tempo "Struck Down By The Blues" (featuring Canadian blues guitar player Steve Strongman) the album showcases a wonderful mix of material. The buoyant Cajun-mining "Don't Make No Sense" finds Wilson singing and playing his blues harp with zeal amidst a sonic backdrop highlighted by Terrance Simien's accordion work. The Texas-flavored blues rocker "Payback Time" is bolstered by Gibbons' signature guitar and vocals. Other standouts on Struck Down include the acoustic blues gem "Nothing In Rambling" (featuring Keb' Mo', Raitt, Mahal and Fleetwood), the driving and instantly infectious "Won't Give Up," fiery "Whatcha Do To Me" (the latter featuring Bishop on guitar) and spirited "That's Cold." Wilson turns in a particularly heartfelt vocal performance on the disc-ending ballad "Sideline." In addition to Wilson, the Fabulous Thunderbirds' lineup includes Bob Welsh (keyboards, guitar), Rudy Albin Petschauer (drums, percussion), Steven Kirsty (bass, saxophone) and Johnny Moeller (guitar). Information: fabulousthunderbirds.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Essential box sets & multi-disc releases: The Beatles, Jimmie Vaughan, 'R&B in DC 1940-1960', Dolly Parton

Halloween is still a few weeks away but the list of incredible box sets, deluxe reissues and special audio collections is enough to fill any music lover's holiday wish list. Essential new collections from The Beatles, Jimmie Vaughan, Al Stewart, Rory Gallagher, Dolly Parton, The Bootheels and more are available now. 

Artist: The Beatles

Title: Let It Be Special Edition [5 CD/Blu-ray] (Capitol)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, classic rock

Tell me more: The six-disc Let It Be Special Edition shines an immersive and welcome spotlight on The Beatles' twelfth and final studio album. Originally released on May 8, 1970 — almost a month after the British quartet's official break-up and in connection with the documentary film of the same name — Let It Be has been revisited via several new configurations that collectively go a long way to overcome the controversial history of the album. The six-disc "Special Edition" includes new mixes by Giles Martin and Sam Okell, as well as two audio CDs of outtakes, jams, rehearsals and studio chat; the legendary 14-track Get Back album featuring Glyn Johns' previously-unreleased 1969 mix and a Blu-ray with Dolby Atmos, 5.1 and PCM Stereo are included along with a 100-page hardback book with in-depth essays, track-by-track recording information, a wealth of unseen images and a foreword by Paul McCartney. It is an understatement to note how incredible this collection is; the original "Let It Be" was produced by the late Phil Spector, who included excerpts of studio chatter, orchestral and choir overdubs to several tracks that have always been controversial; indeed in 2003 McCartney spearheaded Let It Be... Naked as a more stripped down version of the album sans Spector's sonic ornamentation. In addition to this comprehensive look at the creation of "Let It Be," Beatles fans are being treated to "The Beatles: Get Back" film directed by Peter Jackson coming to Disney+ in November. In addition to the 6-disc edition reviewed here, Let It Be 50th Anniversary editions are available as a 5 LP box set, picture disc, 1 LP, 2 CD, 1 CD and digital versions. Information: TheBeatles.com. 

Artist: Jimmie Vaughan

Title: The Jimmie Vaughan Story (The Last Music Co.)

You might like if you enjoy: Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim Wilson, Delbert McClinton

Tell me more: Singer-songwriter/guitar great Jimmie Vaughan didn't let the occasion of his 70th birthday earlier this year go to waste. Rather the Austin, Texas-based legend has issued the phenomenal The Jimmie Vaughan Story, a limited-edition five CD collection that is one of the most terrific anthologies in memory. The range of material truly celebrates Vaughan's singular career. All of disc one and most of disc two focus on his memorable recordings with The Fabulous Thunderbirds with highlights including the authentic slow blues of "She's Tuff" and enticing "Why Get Up" along with enduring radio favorites like "Wrap It Up" and "Tuff Enuff." As I journeyed through the hours of tracks I gained an even greater appreciation of Vaughan's approach and love of the blues. Highlights on the expansive set include the emotional "Cold, Cold Feeling" (with Albert Collins), rollicking "D/FW" (featuring Vaughan with his brother Stevie Ray Vaughan), the infectious "Boom Bapa Boom," nimble "He's Got A Key" (with Bo Diddley), previously unreleased "I Don't Live Here Anymore" (with Delbert McClinton), the driving Chicago blues nugget "Boom Boom" (with John Lee Hooker) and "Deep End" (with blues harp hero James Cotton). Several killer tracks ("Six Strings Down," "SRV Shuffle") honoring his late younger brother Stevie Ray Vaughan (who died in an August 1990 helicopter crash) featuring Jimmie Vaughan with Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray, B.B. King, Dr. John and Art Neville featured on the 1994 album "A Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan" are welcome additions on the box set. Examples of Vaughan's work with Lou Ann Barton, Charlie Musselwhite, Susan Tedeschi, Lazy Lester, Billy F Gibbons, Little Milton and Sue Foley is also featured on the collection. As if all the music wasn't great enough, the box set comes with a 240-page book filled with historical photographs and details on his incredible career. Information: JimmieVaughan.com. 

Artists: Billy Eckstine, Lloyd Price, The Clovers, Baby Dee, The Four Dots, more

Title: R&B in DC 1940-1960: Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop, Rockin' Rhythm And More (Bear Family)

You might like if you enjoy: Ringo Starr, The Beatles, classic rock

Tell me more: There is little doubt that 2021 is a special year when it comes to the release of memorable box sets. Look no further than R&B in DC 1940-1960: Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop, Rockin' Rhythm And More, a massive 16-CD bo set that includes a 352-page hardcover book. Loaded with 472 tracks, there is approximately 20 hours of music on the singular collection. Highlights abound across this title, including hundreds of long-out-of-print recordings remastered from the best available audio sources. Among this listener's favorites is the gentle vocal approach of the Lyles Brothers' "Rain [Chant of the Rain]," intoxicating swing rhythms of the Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra on "Lonesome Lover Blues," Baby Dee's tender "Like He's Never Loved Me Before" and sassy "It Feels So Doggone Good," The Syncopators' rapid fire "Mule Train," Frank Motley's swing era gem "Dual Trumpets Bounce" and the Clovers' beautiful "Here Goes A Fool." Please note that R&B in DC 1940-1960: Rhythm & Blues, Doo Wop, Rockin' Rhythm And More is a limited and numbered edition of only 1,500 copies. Watch a short video on this outstanding title HERE. Indeed, an exhaustive effort went into putting together this stellar collection and my review only scratches the surface of the countless hours discerning listeners will spend getting to hear and learn more about this full-fledged survey of Washington, D.C.'s contribution to the rise of R&B music spanning from the swing era to the beginning of '60s and '70s soul.  Information: bear-family.com. 

Artist: Dolly Parton

Title: Dolly: The Ultimate Collection (Time Life)

You might like if you enjoy: Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson

Tell me more: Dolly Parton is one of modern music's most beloved and legendary artists. Her long career is celebrated across the six disc DVD Dolly: The Ultimate Collection. Parton's skills as singer, songwriter and cultural icon are on display across this expansive collection. Highlights on the title — which includes 824 minutes of content — include 11 episodes of Parton's 1980s variety show (with the celebrated likes of Oprah Winfrey, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers and Burt Reynolds appearing), a 2009 "Live from London" concert, and a disc featuring Christmas specials including "A Down Home Country Christmas With Mac Davis and Burl Ives, and "Bob Hope's Jolly Christmas Show." There is also a 2019 BBC documentary ("Dolly Parton: Here I Am") and a number of music videos featuring the "Queen of Country" on the title. Information: TimeLife.com.

Robert Kinsler

'The Jimmie Vaughan Story' box set coming September 17 from Last Music Co.

Jimmie Vaughan performing at
The Coach House in 2010.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The legendary singer-songwriter/guitar great Jimmie Vaughan is the focus of an upcoming box set coming later this summer. I first caught Vaughan when he was a member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds and the band was opening for Rush back in the mid-1980s! Vaughan has a long and winning career worthy of an in-depth dive to be sure. You can read my review of his memorable concert at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano HERE.  Details on the forthcoming box set follow via a new media release...Robert Kinsler 

AUSTIN, Texas — Blues guitarists have been the foundation of American music for more than a hundred years, back to early acoustic musicians performing in the Deep South. The evolution of the blues has been one of the truly captivating legacies of popular music in America, from early jazz to even country and, to everlasting success, rock ’n’ roll. 

 

The guitarists in the pantheon of blues players reads like a Who’s Who of the world's finest musicians, and for the past 50-plus years one of those people has been Jimmie Vaughan. The guitarist fell in love with that most moving of styles when he was still a young teenager in early 1960s Dallas, Texas, and while it took him a few years to find a true home for what he heard in his head and felt in his heart, once he got to Austin in 1969 and found some fellow blues lovers, he set off on a journey that still continues, playing the blues whenever and however he hears it. The man has spent countless years treating the blues with full respect. 

 

The Last Music Co.'s guiding light Malcolm Mills took on the mission a few years ago to create The Jimmie Vaughan Story a five-CD box set that captures Vaughan's blues journey, starting with some of his earliest recordings from the mid-1960s and continuing all the way to his most recent in the 2020s. The result is a stunning collection of not only music, but really Vaughan’s history, on the record and in person.

 

From early bands Storm through the Fabulous Thunderbirds, including previously unreleased recordings with producers Joel Dorn and Doc Pomus; Jimmie’s collaboration with brother Stevie Ray Vaughan on 1990's award-winning Family Style album; and into the past 30 years of duets, shared albums and solo releases featuring a divergence of styles, the box showcases Jimmie’s take on the blues. Jimmie Vaughan built a world of blues from the only sound that completely captured him as a very young Texan. He is often seen as being in a party of one in this pursuit, and he wouldn't have it any other way. 

 

Along with all the powerful music and newly discovered recordings on The Jimmie Vaughan Story, there is a treasure trove of never-before-seen photos and writings in the gorgeous book included in the set. There are images of the Vaughan family, including childhood photos of Jimmie, Stevie and their parents, and a bonanza of photos that illustrate, tour-guide-like, Jimmie’s entire career, from childhood onward to today. Among the writings is an interview from the 1978 Austin Sun, considered to be the first Jimmie Vaughan ever did, along with an essay by journalist and record producer Bill Bentley, and Jimmie’s life story in his own words: a lifetime of memories, historical occurrences and family insights, all shared now for the first time.

 

The Jimmie Vaughan Story is a unique collection of music, words, and images, the kind of release that can only come based on a life of belief in the blues. It has given Vaughan an ability to take the music he loves so much on a worldwide journey of discovery, and one he is devoted to sharing with others. Listen, see and read how he’s lived it, and where it might be going.

 

COMPLETE TRACK LISTING HERE

UPCOMING TOUR DATES

Sat., Aug 21  NORWICH, NY Chenango County Fairgrounds; Chenango Blues Festival

Mon., Sept. 13 FORT WORTH, TX Dickies Arena;  with Eric Clapton

Wed., Sept. 15 AUSTIN, TX  Frank Erwin Center;  with Eric Clapton

Fri., Sept. 17   HOUSTON, TX Toyota Center;  with Eric Clapton

Sat., Sept. 18 NEW ORLEANS, LA Smoothie King Center;  with Eric Clapton

Tues., Sept. 21 NASHVILLE, TN Bridgestone Arena;  with Eric Clapton

Thurs., Sept. 23 ATLANTA, GA South Gas Arena;  with Eric Clapton

Fri ., Sept. 24  JACKSONVILLE, FL The Florida Theater

Sat Sept. 25  TAMPA, FL Amalie Arena;  with Eric Clapton

Sun., Sept. 26  HOLLYWOOD, FL  Seminole Hard Rock;  with Eric Clapton

Wed., Oct.   NEW YORK, NY  Sony Hall;  The Story Tour

Thurs., Oct. 7  FAIRFIELD, CT  The Warehouse;  The Story Tour

Fri., Oct. 8 HARTFORD, CT  Infinity Hall;  The Story Tour

Sat., Oct. 9   FALLS RIVER, MA Narrows Center;  The Story Tour

Sun., Oct. 10  SELLERSVILLE, PA  Sellersville Theater;  The Story Tour

Wed., Oct. 13  CLEVELAND, OH  The Music Box;   The Story Tour

Thurs., Oct. 14  WARRENDALE, PA  Jergels;  The Story Tour

Fri., Oct. 15  WESTLAND, MI  The Token Lounge;  The Story Tour

Sat., Oct. 16  WARREN, OH Robins Theater;  The Story Tour

Sun., Oct. 17 CINCINNATI, OH  Ludlow Garage;  The Story Tour

Wed., Oct. 20  FORT WAYNE, IN Clyde Theater;   The Story Tour

Sat., Oct. 23 MARION, IL Marion Cultural and Civic Center;  The Story Tour

Sun., Oct. 24   ST. LOUIS, MO Old Rock House;  The Story Tour

Tues., Oct. 26 MINNEAPOLIS, MN The Dakota; The Story Tour

Wed Oct. 27 OMAHA, NE Barnato; The Story Tour

Thurs., Oct. 28  KANSAS CITY, MO Knucklehead’s;  The Story Tour

Fri., Nov. 12  HOUSTON, TX The Heights Theater;  The Story Tour 

Sun., Nov. 14 SAN ANTONIO, TX Sam's Burger Joint;  The Story Tour

Doheny Blues Festival set to host legendary and up-and-coming artists at upcoming event, May 19-20

Is it May 19th yet? Exciting news as it relates to the upcoming Doheny Blues Festival coming to Dana Point, California on May 19 and 20, 2018. Here is the official media release from Omega Events!

We are thrilled to reveal the first wave of artists appearing at Dana Point's Doheny Blues Festival, slated for May 19 & 20, 2018! This year's lineup is shaping up to be an incredible year, led by blues-rock icon George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Texas guitar legend Jimmie Vaughan and many others! Stay tuned for additional artist announcements in the coming days - it will be a very special year at Sea Terrace Park!

The entire lineup will be released in the next few weeks - so grab your tickets now!

GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS

George Thorogood and his legendary rock band, The Destroyers, have sold over 15 million albums worldwide, released 16 studio albums - including six gold and two platinum discs - and performed over 8,000 live shows. Their catalog of hits include "Who Do You Love" and the ultimate anthem, "Bad To The Bone." In 2017, Thorogood released his first solo album, "Party Of One" on Rounder Records, a tribute to the artists that shaped his musical consciousness; Willie Dixon, Elmore James and John Lee Hooker.

JIMMIE VAUGHAN

Blues legend Jimmie Vaughan is one of the most respected guitarists in popular music. The four-time Grammy winner and co-founder of the Fabulous Thunderbirds has been called a living legend. After all, Vaughan and his horn-heavy Tilt-A-Whirl Band provide a vital link between contemporary music and its proud blues and soul heritage, as well as being a longtime avatar of cool.

JOHN NÉMETH & THE LOVE LIGHT ORCHESTRA

John Németh has become a much-appreciated mainstay of the Soul Blues family, having been nominated for 19 separate Blues Music Awards, including five for the prestigious B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award. His 2017 album with the Love Light Orchestra may be his finest work to date, celebrating the Memphis big band blues style found on the 1950’s & 60’s singles of Bobby “Blue” Bland, B.B. King and Herman ”Junior” Parker.

THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS

The California Honeydrops don't just play music - they throw parties. Drawing on diverse musical influences from Bay Area R&B, funk, Southern soul, Delta blues and New Orleans second-line, they bring vibrant energy and infectious dance-party vibes to their live shows.

KIM WILSON'S BLUES + BOOGIE REVUE

Longtime Fabulous Thunderbirds frontman Kim Wilson is undoubtedly one of the world's finest blues harmonica players. The legendary singer has gone back to the basics, and even old-school Chicago blues, for his latest album, Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1., one of the top blues records of 2017.

LARKIN POE

Southern roots rockers and sisters with their own brand of Roots Rock & Roll, Larkin Poe's electric and slide guitar riffs earned them the title of "little sisters of the Allman Brothers" and their new release "Peach" has garnered them accolades from critics and fans alike.

CHRIS CAIN & THE ALL STARS

Making his Doheny debut, guitarist Chris Cain offers up a soulful stew of Memphis style electric blues, powerfully deep vocals and unforgettable jazz-inspired riffs. His 2017 self-titled album, Chris Cain, featured an incredible All Star Band - and we're bringing' them all to Doheny Blues; Larry Taylor on bass, Tony Braunagel on drums, Jim Pugh on keyboards and Nancy Wright on sax.

The Offspring and Kid Ramos to be honored at Orange County Music Awards on March 8, 2014

Two long-time champions of the Orange County music scene are rightfully being honored at the OCMAs next month. 

The Offspring will be honored at the 2014 OCMAs.

The Offspring will receive the Orange County Impact Award. The band, which formed 30 years ago in Huntington Beach, has sold more than 40 million records around the globe. It's fitting the Offspring is being honored 20 years after the band released its breakthrough 1994 full-length disc Smash.

David "Kid" Ramos

Kid Ramos is being honored with the 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award at the OCMAs ceremony to be held at City National Grove of Anaheim on March 8. Born in Fullerton, CA, I first caught the blues-rock guitarist in the early 1980s when he was a member of the influential James Harman Band. I've since caught the long-time Anaheim resident when he was a member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds and later with Los Fabulocos, as a guest with the 44's at the Doheny Blues Festival in 2011, and most recently at the Doheny Blues Festival where he was unleashing his fiery guitar work with singer Janiva Magness in May 2013 (Click here to read my review of that show). Read more on David "Kid" Ramos' selection as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award here.

Chicago blues storm into Southern California

Blues At The Crossroads 2 included a number of blues greats / Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Two of blues' giants were honored courtesy of an amazing tribute on Wednesday night (March 13, 2013). The late Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf were celebrated by living artists who have some of the strongest links with those legendary Chicago blues pioneers.

With The Fabulous Thunderbirds anchoring the Blues At The Crossroads 2: Muddy & The Wolf performance staged at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, the evening also featured harmonica great James Cotton, and guitarists Bob Margolin, Jody Williams and Tinsley Ellis.

Kim Wilson

The spirit of Waters and Wolf were always near throughout the rewarding night, which featured more than two hours of sterling and heartfelt performances by the artists.
The show began with the T-Birds taking the stage first, performing several songs celebrating the electric style of blues identified with Chicago. The band, led by singer-harp player Kim Wilson, also includes bassist Randy Bermudes, guitarist Mike Keller, drummer Jason Moeller and guitarist Johnny Moeller. The T-Birds brought a fire and passion to their own featured performances, as well as when supporting the other artists. Early in the night, when performing Muddy Waters' "She's Nineteen Years Old," there was an extended segment where guitarist Johnny Moeller offered up a fiery guitar solo before Wilson started blasting away on his harmonica. Throughout this, the song artfully grew in power in impressive fashion.

Next to the stage was Ellis, who performed electric guitar and sang. His guitar playing was distinct and he displayed a unique style of bending strings that gave his fret work a style of its own.

He ended his three-song set by switching to acoustic guitar and having Wilson join him to provide some harp shading atop his slide guitar work. Their version of Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster" (a song most identified with Howlin' Wolf) was one of the highlights of the night.

Throughout the concert, which was divided in two parts, there was an enthusiastic response from a polite audience of blues fans who filled the beautiful theater. One of the last songs performed before the intermission featured Margolin on guitar, with Wilson singing and leading the T-Birds through a mighty take on "So Sad to be Lonesome." The song began relatively slowly, but the nuanced performance would gain intensity as it moved along . Keller offered up some fantastic lead guitar work, with Wilson showcasing his amazing skills on the blues harp too. This was the type of nuanced performance that confirmed that the blues continue to display their special power when handled by masters.

Jody Williams

The second half of the concert were all about honoring two living legends. While Williams and Cotton spent most of their time on stage seated, that didn't diminish the power they brought to the night. Williams is a stylish player, with a playful personality that comes across in his guitar playing and his facial expressions. The Mobile, Alabama native seemed to be having the time of his life and it was great to see the audience recognize Williams with heartfelt affection.

"Spoonful," originally performed by Wolf and one of his most rousing performances, was played with fire this night and retained it's groundbreaking blend of psychedelic blues vibe.

Cotton, 77, was the last featured artist to grace the stage and received a rousing welcome from the crowd. Although the Tunica, Mississippi native struggles to sing nowadays, he sure proved to be an exciting harmonica player. The admiration that Cotton and Wilson have for each other is clear and their time together on stage was terrific.

The night ended with the entire ensemble of artists playing on stage together. A fitting version of Waters' "Got My Mojo Working" allowed pretty much everybody to shine, with Williams, Ellis, Margolin offering up shining guitar work before Cotton and Wilson dueled on their harps. What a night!

Bob Margolin, left, with James Cotton

Blues stars revive legends in Costa Mesa

My story was originally posted on The Orange County Register site on Tuesday, March 12, 2013.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds, James Cotton, Bob Margolin and more join an all-star array saluting Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf at Segerstrom Center for the Arts this week.

Kim Wilson (center) and the Fabulous Thunderbirds will be house band as well as headline.

Anyone hoping to tap into the authentic feel unleashed by blues pioneers Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf doesn’t necessarily need to catch the next flight to Chicago.

The two legendary fathers of that city’s blues will be honored by some beloved musical offspring at a tribute March 13 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

Blues at the Crossroads 2: Muddy & the Wolf, which repeats Saturday at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, is no casual affair. The lineup features guitarist Bob Margolin, a longtime member of Waters’ band; harmonica great James Cotton, Muddy’s harp player for a dozen years until embarking on his solo career in 1967; guitarist Jody Williams, who was part of Wolf’s first Chicago-based group; and guitarist Tinsley Ellis, while anchoring the event are perennial favorites the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Kim Wilson, lead singer and harmonica player for the T-Birds, may have been spawned in Austin, Texas, but his long-running outfit’s sound is a true amalgam of Chicago blues, R&B and soul, and early rock ‘n’ roll.

“I’ve known these guys for a long time,” said Wilson of the other artists who will salute Waters (who died in April 1983) and Wolf (who passed in January 1976). He noted that the T-Birds will back up several of the other players, including Cotton and Williams.

“This is way overdue,” he said of the ambitious concert, adding that the posh Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall “is a great place to highlight these talents. I used to see James (Cotton) and Muddy Waters in small clubs. It’s important to see them, period.”

Wilson reminded how so many blues acts are typically relegated to little venues or festival appearances, and the fact that a legend like Cotton, 77, gts to perform in a sterling theater is fitting. Wilson, who has lived in South Orange County since 1994, didn’t have to be asked twice when an invitation came to participate in Costa Mesa.

In addition to functioning as de facto house band and tackling classics from Muddy and the Wolf, the T-Birds also will have a chance to spotlight selections from their forthcoming disc On the Verge, due March 19 from Severn Records.

The record was begun a couple years ago, Wilso explained, but after initial tracking was done on several songs, he didn’t feel like the album would get released. That changed when he was invited by friend David Earl to visit a new studio opened by Severn in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I really didn’t know what I was getting into,” he recalls, “(but) the studio is fantastic, so I went in there.”

Earl, who ultimately co-produced the new album with Wilson, as well as keyboardist Kevin Anker and Steve Gomes, had the band re-record some of those early takes and then cut some new ones. On the Verge will likely surprise casual fans of the T-Birds, best known for ‘80s hits “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.” The collection of mostly original tunes mines Stax-style soul as much as the Texas roadhouse blues that defined the group’s fundamental work.

“It’s stress-free,” Wilson said of both recording these days and playing shows like Blues at the Crossroads 2. “After all this time, this is a very cool, creative environment.”

Blues at the Crossroads 2: Muddy & the Wolf takes place March 13 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets: $29-$79