Roll of the Dice

Fabulous Thunderbirds

Product Details

• Audio Cassette (August 1, 1995)
• Original Release Date: August 1, 1995
• Label: Private Music
• ASIN: B0000000LX
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,202,381 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Singer and harmonica whiz Kim Wilson, the only original member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and longtime drummer Fran Christina were joined by bassist Harvey Brooks, keyboardist Gene Taylor and guitarists Kid Ramos, David Grissom, and Danny Kortchmar for Roll the Dice. Despite all this turnover, the T-Birds' sound remains remarkably consistent; the emphasis is still on Wilson's rich baritone and a rock-solid groove, and those survive undiminished. It also helps that Wilson has matured into a terrific songwriter, able to come up with witty wordplay and catchy melodies, much like such heroes as Willie Dixon, Rockin' Sidney, and David Porter. Wilson co-wrote seven of the 12 songs on Roll the Dice, and comes up with such memorable aphorisms as "How could something so cold come from something so hot?" and "Life is a '59 Cadillac; I'm looking forward to looking back," and such compelling rhythm/melody combinations as the zydeco-flavored "Do As I Say," the Slim Harpo feel of "Takin' It Too Easy," or the Muddy Waters stomp of the title track. The album's surprising cover tunes are Van Morrison's "Here Comes the Night" and Walt Disney's "Zip a Dee Do Dah," but Wilson and his current bandmates bring a classic T-Bird groove to both of them. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great T-Birds Material, May 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Roll Of The Dice (Audio CD)

If you have only heard the T-Birds with Jimmie Vaughan and thought anything after that would pale in comparrison, check this out. Kid Ramos is EXCELLENT. A different style than Jimmie but he works very well with Kim Wilson. This CD smokes. Bluesy hard drivin Austin Blues Rock. One of their best, no doubt about it. And if you ever have a chance to see these guys LIVE don't pass up the opportunity.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hotstuff, May 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Roll Of The Dice (Audio CD)

Bieng a F.T fan for many years I was happy to hear this album. From the cover song (roll of the dice) to the last one (a remake of walt disneys zip a dee do dah) I was thrilled to hear that famaliar sound of Kim Wilson awesome voice. Although the original members are mostly gone, Kim has found some good, solid musicians to fill in, and make another great album. Better than High Water I thought, it makes me want more like it. Thats it!!! I love the thundrbirds.