The Fabulous Thunderbirds Struck Down Stony Plain

Struck Down is the first release by The Fabulous Thunderbirds on the Stony Plain label, and the band’s first new album in eight years as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Kim Wilson (vocals/harmonica) remains the face of the band (Bob Welsh – piano, keyboards, guitar, Johnny Moeller – guitar, Rudy Albin Petschauer – drums, percussion, and Steven Kirsty – bass and saxophone), but they get plenty of support from an all-star cast of musicians this time around.

Chief among the guest contributors is Canadian guitarist Steve Strongman, who also co-wrote nine of the ten tracks with Wilson. Also lending a hand were Terrance Simien, Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo’, Mick Fleetwood, Elvin Bishop, Taj Mahal, Billy Gibbons, and Rob Szabo, among others. Despite the additional players, this set doesn’t have the sound or feel of one of those star-studded affairs where the guests overshadow the main band. This is strictly the T-Birds’ show from start to finish.

Wilson and Strongman turn out a superb set of songs, not a clunker in the bunch, beginning with the title track, “Struck Down By The Blues,” a soulful blues highlighted by sax from Kirsty, Memphis-flavored keyboards from Welsh, and crisp guitar from Strongman. “Don’t Make No Sense” strikes a spicy Cajun groove with accordion and washboard provided by Simien, and Gibbons contributes guitar and background vocals to the gritty “Payback Time,” which also includes plenty of Wilson’s fine harp work.

Many of the guest stars appear on the sharp acoustic take of Memphis Minnie’s “Nothing In Rambling,” as Keb Mo’ contributes slide guitar and vocals, Bonnie Raitt adds acoustic guitar and vocals, Taj Mahal also takes a verse, and Mick Fleetwood provides percussion.

The feisty “Wont Give Up” and the tough boogie shuffle “I’ve Got Eyes” both feature the core band, while the slow burning “The Hard Way” offers guitar from Dean Shott and a powerful, heartfelt vocal from Wilson.

Elvin Bishop joins the band on guitar for the driving shuffle “Whatcha Do To Me.” “That’s Cold” sounds like a T-Birds track from years ago with that hard-charging rhythm section kicking in and Moeller taking the spotlight with a couple of tasty guitar solos. The reflective ballad “Sideline” closes the album, highlighted by Wilson’s soulful vocal (backed by Chris Ayries).

It’s always a pleasure to have a new recording from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Struck Down easily ranks with their best efforts, thanks to top notch songwriting and excellent performances. The T-Birds are off to a great start in their second half-century of making music.

--- Graham Clarke