Kim Wilson – Slow Burn
My first exposure to Kim Wilson was years ago, when, along with his Texas day job band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds (since 1974), I was treated to the marvelous 1986 “Tuff Enuff.” Over the years, the additional band albums continued to feature hot, accessible, if not commercial blues tunes. When Kim went solo, it was to allow access to different, more traditional blues musicians on tunes that may not have been in the band’s wheelhouse, since they’re probably more of a democratic process.
Mr. Wilson’s (vocals/harmonica) recordings have been wonderful. This album was recorded primarily in 2 sessions – one in 2014 & then in 2020. These are all previously unreleased songs itemized on the album featuring 3 blues giants who have passed – drummer Richard Innes, pianist Barrelhouse Chuck & former Canned Heat bassist Larry Taylor.
Produced by Kim, the 12-track Slow Burn (Dropped Nov 21/M.C. Records/54:10) has songs written by B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf, Robert Nighthawk, Sonny Boy Williamson II, & Otis Rush that reignite the excitement of the originals. There are also 4 Kim Wilson originals & some instrumental blues interludes.
There’s an absorbing, more mature sound to Kim’s bluesy voice. While earlier excursions were the blues with a commercial mainstream appeal, these are closer to the edgier traditional blues with a juke-joint edge. “I’m Trying” isn’t fiery blues like Albert King or Buddy Guy, but it has that charge through Wilson’s voice. The warning to stand back comes when Kim unleashes his cooking rhythmic harmonica runs on “Leaving You On My Mind.” There’s a hint of the old Paul Butterfield sound, though Wilson never gets as progressively deep as “East/West.”
Fortunately, Kim understands the difference between blues as entertainment & blues as a series of unfortunate events. The guitars on this track are spiky, chilly, & have lots of road dust & humidity. Few blues singers understand the value of adding a critical atmosphere to their voice. Kim Wilson has this in his possession. I feel the heat, I hear the cicadas out in the weeds, I smell the sweat of laborers, the stale beer, & cheap perfume. This adds to the expressive dynamic. Kim isn’t singing words; he feels them.
“Sweet Little Angel” is Kim at his blackest. The B.B. King tune’s viability is inherited & interpreted. Horns are Muscle Shoals deep & the guitar aches. Wilson continues with the low blue pilot flame of “Otis Rush’s “So Many Roads.” With its steady snare/cymbal beat & soulful-satisfying groove. A jazzy blues lead guitar picks & there’s no onions among these apples.
Highlights – “I’m Trying,” “Leaving You On My Mind,” “Sweet Little Angel,” “Lowdown Women,” “Easy Baby,” “Gotta Have a Horse,” & “So Many Roads.”
Musicians – Nathan James, Billy Flynn & Jon Atkinson (guitars), Bob Welsh (guitar/piano), Marty Dodson & Malachi Johnson (drums), Troy Sandow (bass) & Johnny Viau (horns).
Cover CD image courtesy Marilyn Stringer. CD @ Apple & Amazon + https://fabulousthunderbirds.com/about
Enjoy our related coverage here: Interview: Jimmie Vaughan The Lone Star Bluesman
Thanks John, nice review!