Customer Reviews

Big Town Playboy

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

 

 

Omar Kent Dykes, AKA Omar and the Howlers, from Austin, Texas USA has just come out with a solo endeavor appropriately, or maybe inappropriately entitled, Big Town Playboy. The record features the likes of Jimmie Vaughan, James Cotton, Lazy Lester, Lou Ann Barton, Gary Clark Jr, Derek Obrien, Ronnie James, and Wes Starr and is as good or better than expected. Considering the talent this album contains it's exactly as it should be. Great!

This is certainly an album that should be obtained by any blues aficionado. To hell with that; anyone who loves music of any kind should have this record. If you don't have it yet, stop cheating yourself and buy it. NOW!

I sat and listened to it straight through, which is nearly impossible to do around my house, considering I live with three dogs, a fifteen year old son and, of course my lovely wife, Cindy. However, once I started listening to it, I shut out the world around me and devoted all of my attention to this record. It is so good, I completely dedicated myself to it. The artists obviously did so why shouldn't I?

I believe this record to be an instant blues classic. How could it not be with the caliber of the artists present on this record in conjunction with the artists who wrote the tunes selected to be on the album, it couldn't miss. Composers such as Eddie Taylor, Otis "Smokey" Smothers, Don Robey, Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, Jerry West, James Moore, Ivory Joe Hunter, and George Crockett only help to elevate this record to the classic status it so very much deserves.

I've known about Omar Kent Dykes for years, but only knew him as Omar and the Howlers. It was sometime in the early 90's on KNON 89.3 FM in Dallas, a non profit community radio station. They would spin some sort of the blues every day but I used to always settle in on a Friday night and listen to Don O. That is where I first heard Omar and the Howlers. I've been a fan ever since.

This record is all about blues and its roots. The rhythm is impeccable. The mouth harp is juicy and the lead blues guitar at its absolute best on every single cut. In most cases when I'm reviewing a record I'll break it down and write about 3 or 4 songs on the record. Not this time. They are all great. If you love the blues or even if you don't, I promise you will love this record.

Mr. Dykes voice is one that was created to sing the blues. His heart his soul and larynx and his fingers that pick away at his guitar are all connected. That is precisely how the blues work. Those dots must be connected or I don't believe the "real" blues can be achieved. On this record, all of the dots are connected and an instant blues classic is born.

Please, do yourself a favor and go to your record store and purchase this record. You will not be sorry. And I'm sure Mr. Dykes will appreciate it as well.

'Rebel' Rod says to definitely, at this very moment, drop what ever it is you're doing and check it out.

[...]

Another great outing from Omar Kent Dykes. In his follow up to "On the Jimmy Reed Highway" with Jimmie Vaughan, Omar gets the same cast and crew back for another tribute. This time to Eddie Taylor - Jimmy Reed's guitarist. Appearnces from Jimmie Vaughan, Lou Ann Barton, James Cotton, Derek O'Brien and more fill this album with more amazing songs. From top to bottom this album is a joy to listen to and leaves you wanting more. Omar's vocals are still strong and mean, and Jimmie Vaughan's guitar playing is a well contained fury. Even when he's soloing up a storm, you can hear he's got so much more that he's holding back because it doesn't fit that song. Another great tribute to a serverly deserving musician, done by people who know how to do it right.

Blue's lovers unite! The Big Town Playboy produces yet another five star CD loaded with quality songs and all-star talent performed only as Omar Kent Dykes can. This CD could be passed off as a "greatest hits" package with a long list of well known and respected Texas blues artists offering their support. Jimmie Vaughn, Lou Ann Barton, James Cotton are all established stars in their own careers, and to have them once again step up and support Omar's CD show's great support for a great singer of the blues!

Omar's gritty voice compliments some really well written songs from Jimmy Reed, Eddie Taylor, John Lee Hooker and James Moore. The producers of this CD really know how to put talent and content together. This combination introduced me to a number of great tunes that I had not listened to in years. The highlight for me is Omar's version of "King Bee." I remembered John Belushi's performance on SNL all those years ago. But, this time, the quality of the song is featured and not a ridiculous (but funny) bee costume!

Man, this is a great CD, and I highly recommend every single song.

Way to go, Omar!

I lived in Austin from the late 70's to 1990 and saw it go through a lot of changes. One thing that doesn't change is the great music that comes right from the soul of the city. This is a great honky tonk blues album and has some great musicians helpin' out. Rock On!!

Kent Dykes is a unique talent-he is the quintessential blues artist-dedicated to the sound and feelings-don't miss an opportunity to see Omar and the Howlers in person-it's a real blessing.