In the late sixties and early seventies I was listening to what they called progressive rock on an FM station in Ohio. Their music program was anti -top 40 radio and I was introduced to non -main stream rock groups at the time which included; The Doors, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Deep Purple and Creedence Clearwater Rivival. CCR fronted by John Fogarty who had a unique swamp rock, bluesy sound that was very intriguing and the song Susie -Q (an old blues song by the way) locked me in. Unknown to me, shortly after that time, Omar Kent Dykes singer and blues guitarist formed a blues rock band in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1973 called : Omar and The Howlers. They later moved to Austin, Texas and was based there, making a good living playing Frat parties and local gigs. It was not until 1987 that Omar signed a deal with Columbia records releasing his first album with them: Hard Times In the Land Of Plenty. After listening to it, no wonder it was a success selling half million copies. The sound was a more bluesy, CCR and music to my ears and that is why I have followed Omar since that time and enjoy his entire catalog. Dykes has not slowed down through the years and recently released an Essential Collection containing most of the early songs remastered. Current releases include: I'm Gone and this months tribute to Jimmy Reed; Too Much Is Not Enough, Featuring the harp of the late great Gary Primich. I encourage you to check out the fine music of Omar Kent Dykes.
