The Fabulous Thunderbirds may have celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, but the concert footage that makes up Live in Houston—shot in 2006, shortly after they marked their 40th—is proof that sometimes, time is meaningless.
It was indeed way back in 1974 that vocalist/harmonica player Kim Wilson and guitarist Jimmie Vaughan (brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan) formed the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
They focused on the blues in those days but swiftly broadened their outlook, embracing Cajun, soul, Americana, rock, and more. And in doing so, the Fabulous Thunderbirds long ago established themselves as one of the most visionary and exciting bands around.
The lineup has shifted a lot over the years, with Wilson the only constant. But the Thunderbirds’ approach remains as potent as ever—a status confirmed by the battery of awards Wilson has won, including the Contemporary Male Blues Artist award at the annual Blues Music Awards in 2006.
Wilson summed up his approach in a 2019 interview with BluesBlast.com:
"What I love about Chicago blues, and the records from labels like Duke and Peacock, is how dark most of them were. I’m not here to be telling jokes. I want the mood to be dark. Of course, depending on how you play it, the music can have a sense of humor. But what always attracted me to the music is that it was fucking heavy!"
Live in Houston is certainly that. Reissuing what is already regarded as one of the key Thunderbirds live documents—with famed blues guitarist Kirk Fletcher laying down his signature leads—it’s an energetic romp through some of the Fabulous Thunderbirds' most crucial cuts, rendered even more powerful by the painstaking up-rezzing in preparation for the performance’s first-ever appearance in Blu-ray format.
The result is breathtaking, capturing Kim and company in all their glory as they rip through a smokin’ live set—one that includes their biggest hits as well.
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