Product Description On The Jimmy Reed Highway by Omar Kent Dykes & Jimmy Vaughn .com "Big boss man is still the man today," growls Omar Dykes on one of just two non-Jimmy Reed covers from a rare release without his Howlers band. That handily sums up this roaring and impassioned tribute to one of the most vital, influential, yet often unheralded figures in blues. What was intended as a solo Dykes project took on a unique tinge as fellow Texan Jimmie Vaughan--also a huge Reed fan--swung by to add some solos and stayed to contribute his concise and taut guitar lines to nearly every track. The duo also brought in veteran harpists Kim Wilson (the Fabulous Thunderbirds), James Cotton (Muddy Waters), and local icon Gary Primich, as well as long time Vaughan associate Lou Ann Barton to upshift the groove with her sexy vocals. The resulting disc finds that slippery Reed pocket of sly, lazy, yet edgy shuffles that are deceptively difficult to recreate. Although Dykes's powerfully gruff, Howlin' Wolf-styled voice is nowhere near Reed's far less incisive approach, the bass-free instrumentation and Vaughan's guitar lines perfectly capture the essence of Reed's loping, low-key persona. Only a handful of these tracks ("Big Boss Man," "Baby What You Want Me to Do," "Bright Lights, Big City," and "Caress Me Baby") will be familiar to most, with others rescued from the deeper recesses of the bluesman's catalog. That makes this both a smooth drive and an immensely enjoyable learning experience for those wishing to take a field trip down Jimmy Reed's rugged highway. --Hal Horowitz
M**G
Discovering Jimmy Reed and Omar Kent Dykes
I learned about "On the Jimmy Reed Highway" from an NPR program. I did not know who Jimmy was, but I was immediately hooked. If you are over 40, and don't know Jimmy Reed, you will be amazed when you hear this catalog. This is the stuff you have heard for many years, maybe covered by other bands, or maybe on a blues station, or late at night... or from somewhere you just can't remember. The songs have roots. They reach back deep into your mind/soul/past/gut and find familiar places. What a delight to find out where the lyrics "Bright Lights, Big City" come from, and a greater delight to find that this was not written by a one hit wonder. "Big Boss Man" still speaks truth to power, and "I'll Change My Style" makes just as much sense now as any other response to the spurn of a woman. Each Jimmy Reed song stands on its own merit, and there is great credibility in the voice of Omar Kent Dykes. And the masterful first-take guitar work of Jimmy Vaughan besides! I like the under-produced style of the recording, which finds perfection in collaboration, not studio magic or overdubs, or pitch shifting, time shifting, or anything obvious that takes away the performance of these artists, who are clearly delighted to be part of something unique. The mix is well balanced and gives space to Omar's voice, Vaughan's guitar, and works great in the car... I want to DRIVE somewhere while it is playing. With guest appearances from James Cotton and others, this is a gem. Highly recommended.
A**N
Took me back to my high school days
I was a freshman in high school in Indy, riding around at night listening to WLAC out of Nashville Tn, jocks "Big John R" and "Hoss Allen" playing music that was never played on radio in Indy, we were introduced to the likes of John Lee Hooker, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Slim Harpo and a guy named Jimmy Reed, this album captures a lot of the feel of his music, Dykes is a bit over the top but he loves his music, Vaughn plays that sparse guitar of Reeds, Kim Wilson playing better harp than Reed did, Delbert McClinton playing great harp and vocals and Lou Ann Barton singing behind Dykes like Reeds wife did, Jimmy Reed was not a great guitar player, not a great harp man and was an average singer, he was a very shy man, he got very nervous when he performed, his wife, bless her soul was the rock that he stood on, she sang behind him, keeping rhythm for him, urging him on, wiping the sweat from his brow, without her, he might not have made it out of the small clubs he started in. I love this album, Vaughn under plays his great talent as a guitarist, just to make the disc sound more like Jimmy. Jimmy Reed had one thing that made up for his overall lack of talent, he lived the blues, it was part of his life, his songs projected what his life was all about.
S**N
The Key To The Highway
Jimmy and Omar make an interesting pair on this collaborative effort, and the spirit of Jimmy Reed's songs certainly comes through on their interpretations. Omar especially, however, is an acquired taste, with his unique vocal stylings, and at times, his voice wears on me. Nevertheless, Jimmy's always solid guitar work shines again on this disc, and it recommended for not only Jimmie Vaughn fans, but also for fans of Jimmy Reed, who may appreciate how his songs are treated by these two disciples of the blues.
M**S
One of the best all around Blues efforts in years
As a Jimmy Vaughan fan, I love his understated style. His clear and subtle style of playing is a joy, allowing the listener to enjoy the song without being overwhelmed by one guy's playing. Well suited to collective efforts like this.I had never listened to Omar Dykes until now, but the man has great range. On some songs his growl reminds me of Howlin' Wolf, and on others he becomes more melodic. A perfect complement to Jimmy Vaughan.Add to those two the contributions of Kim Wilson and James Cotton on harp, Lou Ann Barton on vocals, and it is a great blend of talent. And the Jimmy Reed music is the perfect place for the group to play around in. It sounds as if the group was really having fun while making this. It makes me smile while listening.I liked every track on this CD, which is rare for me- usually I find at least a couple duds. This CD is phenomenal, and a perfect play for the deck on a nice summer night with a cold beverage, watching the sun go down. A classic effort.
**S
Great Record
The recoding is very well done. The selection from the Jimmy Reed catalog is a fine representation of his work. Omar's vocals are powerful and his style of singing is very fitting this style of post war blues. If you are looking for drone on guitar slinger solos (like much if the newer blues has to offer) you will not find them here. Vaughan's gutair work is there, not flashy just right. Get this record!
K**R
OMAR KENT
GREAT CD -QUICK DELIVERY
E**G
Great Blues CD
I thoroughly enjoyed this cd. Some have complained that Jimmy Vaughn's guitar playing wasn't up to par, but he sounds as he always does. He is not a jazz player. He plays it rough, bluesy, and always on the edge. Perfect for these songs. And the chance to hear the fabulous Lou Ann Barton, even in a background role, is worth the price. When will she be putting out a new cd?
P**B
Not Enough Stars
Huge music fan here, and this is the cream of the crop. Everyone outdid themselves on this record and I wish they would make another. I've had this since it came out but this copy was for a friend. This will be a go to record for many years to come. Can't get enough of Jimmie's style on this record, and Lou Ann Barton tears it up here too.
W**N
Groovetastic.
A superb down home tribute to one to the blues greats.A great feel on this traditional style stonking album featuring the excellent guitar work of former Fabulous Thunderbirds player Jimmie Vaughan. Just buy it!
C**S
Another must
Great sounding blues-rock that can be listened to repeatedly without losing anything in the process.
V**R
Four Stars
If you like jimmy reed you will enjoy this album , great gitarist,good session man
A**R
Five Stars
GREAT SERVICE HAPPY WITH ITEM ORDERED
R**R
Geile Scheibe
Wer Bluesrock liebt, kommt an dieser CD nicht vorbei, die Kobinatioen Jimmy Vaughn und Omar Kent Dykes ist einmalig.Ich liebe diese Scheibe.Klare Kaufempfehlung.
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