Customer Reviews

Switching Gears

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'd never heard Jimmie Thackery play until...Switching Gears was previewed in its entirety on an FM station while I was driving across the prairies of Alberta, Canada-what a welcome surprise! An interview with Thackery was interspersed with the songs and let listeners in on how the album was created, but the music speaks for itself. If you're tired of blues CDs that seem repetitive or simply shreik and growl because they're supposed to, then Switching Gears is for you. No two tracks the same, and every cut played for a reason and with respect. Five stars because that's what top notch is all about.

This album is another fine example of Jimmy Thackery's expertise as true blues axman. From top to bottom this album smokes. No two songs are alike, yet all of them keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next. I have had the pleasure of seeing Jimmy live quite a few times and if you think his CD is good, you haven't heard anything yet. I own everyone of his release's and suggest you do the same. It is money well spent!

Unfortunately I keep expecting something from Jimmy like 'Wild Night Out' and 'Switching Gears' again disappoints. The album is uneven, envoking styles from cajun to Roy Buchanan to Hendrix to Joe Louis Walker and his own songs. His mastery of the guitar is not in question, just his choice of songs. Even so, there are some highlights, mostly which revolve around his playing. 'It's my own fault' with Lonnie Brooks, 'Roy's Blues' and 'Gin in the Morning' are the most memorable.