On The Jimmy Reed Highway

Omar Kent Dykes & Jimmy Vaughn | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Original Release Date: August 30, 2007
• Label: Ruf
• Copyright: (c) 2007 Ruf Records Gmbh
• Total Length: 45:48
• Genres: Blues/Electric Blues Guitar
• ASIN: B0011TTM9O
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,221 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best all around Blues efforts in years, September 19, 2007

By 

Mark Dunlap "Markhawks" (Buffalo, NY) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: On The Jimmy Reed Highway (Audio CD)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Discovering Jimmy Reed and Omar Kent Dykes, October 10, 2007

By 

Mark "Slim" (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: On The Jimmy Reed Highway (Audio CD)

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.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Riding the JR Highway, August 31, 2007

By 

Willy (Hazlet, N.J.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On The Jimmy Reed Highway (Audio CD)

I really enjoyed this cd,I purchased it over a week ago and it hasn't left my car cd player.A few orginals,a few JR standards and some gems you never heard.The band is so tight with Jimmie Vaughan doing most of the guitar and Omar with most lead vocals.Lou Ann Barton adds her sexy voice to a few songs and even sings some of the lead on Good Lover.
With Kim Wilson and James Cotton on harmonica this album really rocks.If you like Texas blues don't miss this one.