On the Jimmy Reed Highway

Omar Kent Dykes

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 21, 2007)
• Original Release Date: August 21, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ruf
• ASIN: B000SO7IVM
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,976 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 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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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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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

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.