Jimmy Thackery

Jimmy Thackery  paid his dues with the Washington DC band The Nighthawks. His riveting guitar work made him a standout. The band is still going , but Thackery left years ago and has done quite well for himself with a bevy of recordings under his belt. Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers released their debut album; Empty Arms Hotel, back in 1993, covering BB King, Hendrix and adding some blues burners of their own. Several recordings  and colaberations followed subsequently, the finest in my humble estimation being the Live recording: Wild Night Out featuring a knock your socks off rendition  of "Edwards Blues" displaying Thackery's, huge guitar sound reminiscent of Roy Buchanan and Hendrix influences. Having seen Jimmy several times, he never disappoints hitting more notes than humanly possible. I have provided a few photographs taken around 1996 at a place called  Jefferson Hall in Cincinnati Ohio. Tremendous show!

Blues Art Gallery 2

Blue Lou & The Accusations

If you were from the Cincinnati area and lived there during the 90's, then you had to hear about the local power trio known as Blue Lou & The Accusations. Every Friday Night you could catch them at The Mansion Hill Tavern across the Ohio River in Newport, KY. Chris Carero was front man of the group and could lay down the licks with his Stratocaster aptly named: Blue Lou, and supply the vocals with his "Howlin' Wolf raspy voice. The group released several recordings and opened up for national headliners that came into the area. The Mansion Hill Tavern rocked the blues on Friday nights! Miss those days. . .

R. Crumb's Heroes Of Blues, Jazz & Country

I enjoy history in general, but blues history is all the more memorizing because you can link everything together and see who influenced who and who passed on what and the timeline when it happened. This illustrated book; R Crumb's Heroes of Blues, Jazz & Country allows you to explore the history of the blues with the greats who started all. I recommend this little book be a part of your collection.

Kenny Neal

Brian Lee- He can See The Blues

Although blind, Louisiana Bluesman Brian Lee has keen insight into his music of choice -American Roots or Blues. Overcoming obstacles all his life, The Blues has served as an outlet for Brian's musical creative juices. Mr. Lee is on a mission to pass on the blues to the young up and comers stepping up to the plate nowadays.  He knows you have to pay your dues, but by the same nature, you can get to your goal a little easier by leaning on the knowledge of those who came before you. Touring a good part of the year for many years has certainly seasoned this veteran blues icon. They show I caught here in Orlando a few years back was one for the books! Enjoyed it thoroughly!