Search - Fabulous Thunderbirds :: Live

T-Birds "ALIVE"

Bergman Jonas | Sweden | 11/09/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Kim Wilson is a true master bandleader, arranger and producer. He usually saves the more bluesy material to his "Blues Review" band while the more rock-oriented material gets airplay with this, the institution of blues-infused rock&roll. This is the first live album this ultimate live band has ever made and it also brings a lot of expectations. The material ranges from the rockier "Tough Enough" and "Wrap it up" to more straight blues in "Where were you" and T-Bone Walker's "Hustle is on". This concert was originally produced for a live web-cast and it shows in the strict discipline of the arrangements. The usual flair for improvisations are replaced by tightly orchestrated arrangements where every detail has been placed to receive the ultimate output. The side-effect to this is that it sounds slightly more rehearsed than a usual concert by this fabulous outfit. The backing consists of Kid Ramos, Gene Taylor, Stephen Hodges, Willie Campbell and background singers/organ/horns on some songs. As time constraints has been imposed it lacks that nth degree of fluidity that is so apparent on Kim Wilson's solo outing "Smokin Joint". Kim's wonderful harmonica playing is only heard on 3 songs and has been mixed down very low in the mix. Despite these shortcomings, this is a treat for all fans of the band and a welcome addition to the catalogue. The sheer power of the proceedings is evident and when the band rocks - they certainly rock! Kim's vocals, as always, amazes with that smooth but powerful delivery that never fails but comes out at best in the more bluesy material. There has been quite some time since the band was in the studio and it is overdue to hear this fantastic band in this setting, as the last year's studio efforts have been true studio experiments with studio musicians. This is a rocking tour-de-force that stands as an example of what a tight band this really is. I cannot see how the band members could be any better: Gene's barrelhouse piano, Kid's stinging guitar or Willie's steady basslines and they are definitely a band to catch live, especially since the catalogue of songs are so vast. I will look forward to the next outing and will put this one to my conclusive list of Fabulous Thunderbird recordings!
One interesting fact in regards to the current lineup of the T-Birds is that all current members used to play with James Harman, and can be heard in studio settings on "Extra Napkins" and "Mo Napkins" - absolute must-hears!!"

T-Bird blast

Mitchell Lopate | Silverdale, WA | 11/07/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The California Geoseismic Institute must have sworn The Big Quake had hit LA when these guys hit the stage and let loose on "The Things I Used to Do." David "Kid" Ramos romps-there's no better word-on guitar behind the bulldozer drumwork of Steve Hodges, Willie Campbell's relentless bass, and Gene Taylor's cracking piano. However, it's Kim's love of singing that makes him the perfect lead vocalist: he can hold a phrase in his voice like Aretha Franklin until the dials jump on their own (check it out on the aforementioned "Things"), and there's that great baritone barrel chest to support it. Even better, when he grabs the harmonica and starts to pump, it literally buzzes like a giant barber's electric shears. Whooo, you can feel it right down to your shoes! This is what a house party should look and sound like."

Big T-Birds Sound Live!!

chris meesey Food Czar | The Colony, TX United States | 10/11/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In this February 2000 concert disc, the Fabulous Thunderbirds eschew the raw rocking sound that made their early records sound so vital for a full band sound complete with horns and (on the closing number) female background singers. Kim Wilson, like BB King before him, obviously sees that many concertgoers want a fuller sound when listening to their music live and the additional musicians certainly provide that sound. The horns in particular have the effect of taking some of the covers, such as "Wrap It Up" and "Things I Used to Do," away from pure blues and back to the rhythm and blues roots they originated from. Kim Wilson's vocals on these tracks are fabulous, and Kid Ramos plays some stinging guitar as well. Old favorites "Tuff Enuff" and "She's Tuff" sound tougher and finer than ever, while "My Babe" takes on the full-throttle rocking power of a high speed locomotive. Fans of Kim Wilson's harmonica playing may feel a little shortchanged; "Early Every Morning" is the only harp showcase on the album, with Wilson blowing like a maniac. A glorious, if all too brief, moment of solo improvisation. Overall, the band is tight, the numbers are together, and the music features many rockable, danceable moments, even though Live, like most such discs, cannot replicate the excitement of an in-person appearance."