© Bluestronomical Publishing Inc. 2009

Jimmy Thackery and The Drivers
Inside Tracks
Telarc Blues CD83683

Jimmy Thackery has been in the music business for many years. Most of his "cred" comes from his years as the heart and soul of The Nighthawks. Through the ’70s and ’80s, his guitar playing was a nightly highlight for this D.C. based blues band. Asked to back up or open for many blues acts, Jimmy sharpened his playing as well as his writing. Many years of being on the road for up to ten months a year finally took its toll. In 1991, he went out on his own and started weaving in other influences such as blue-eyed soul, rock and R&B. He had a seven run with Blind Pig and the acoustic Sideways In Paradise with John Mooney is one of my favorites.

Joining Telarc in 2002 on Whiskey Store with then label-mate Tab Benoit, Jimmy has recorded prolifically. Inside Tracks is his 7th and, I might add, his most cohesive for my taste. It jumps out of the blocks solidly with the first three tracks. "All Because Of You" has a funky; laconic guitar riff all through the song, and I like the vocals. Jim and second guitarist Earl Cate strut through the ol' chestnut, "Promise Land" .The rhythm section of Mark Stutso on drums and vocals, and Mark Bumgardner on bass lock-step throughout this collection. On "That Dog Won't Hunt" and the rest of the disc, it is just the reliable trio. "Dog" gives Jimmy a chance to stretch out and show that when restraint is used, he is one of the most tasteful blues guitarists. "Landlocked" reminds me of a surfing instrumental with a blues attitude. "Eat It All" is very tongue in cheek and is another chance to show off Jimmy's wit and good guitar, as the three move along with the groove. The set ends with the Chet Atkins like instrumental,"(You Got Me) Now What You Gonna Do" that takes Inside Track to a tasteful conclusion.

This is the most restrained and varied collection I have heard from Jimmy Thackery in many years. I've not always championed his blues, but he has shown just how vital he remains, and I can only hope that there is more like this enjoyable set from him in the future.

- Big Daddy Hal -


Southwest Blues CD Review - May 2009

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