Blu-Ray Review: The Fabulous Thunderbirds — Live in Houston
The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been doing their thing since 1974; that’s more than a half century. Founded by guitarist Jimmie Vaughan (older brother of you-know-who) and vocalist/harpist Kim Wilson, the band has gone through countless lineups. Today only Wilson remains from the earliest days. Along the way the group scored some high-profile hits; in 1986 they landed both “Tuff Enuf” and Wrap it Up” on the Top 40. I met and interviewed Wilson in 2010.
There have been a lot of Fabulous Thunderbirds lineups; what there has never been is a bad one. In 2006, the group featured Wilson, longtime keyboardist Eugene Taylor, and rhythm section Jimi Bott (drums) and bassist Ronnie Weber. The band at that stage had two guitarists: Kirk Fletcher and Nick Curran. Curran would go on to release one of the best albums of the last few decades, Reform School Girl; he passed away far too early (cancer) in 2012. The other guitarist was Kirk Fletcher, who I interviewed a few years back. Both guitarists are on fire here; Curran explores more rock and r&b textures while Fletcher plays the bluesman. But they both step a bit beyond those roles on this set.
There are lots and lots (and lots) of solos in this set. If your tastes run toward hearing songs Just Like the Records, being treated to three or more solos per song (two guitars, one keyboard) you might find this set more than enough. For those who like solos, Live in Houston will fulfill your quota.
The video production is as basic as can be: think Austin City Limits. No effects, no camera funny business. Just your basic multi-camera setup and a stage without anything fancy on it.
The set list is solid, with both hits showing up toward the end. The sound is perfectly fine, though nothing remarkable enough to truly warrant the purported 5.1 Surround mix featured on this Blu-Ray release. The band is plenty tight, though toward the end, Wilson is singing a quarter-tone sharper than the musicians are playing. Most won’t notice, though, and this is an enjoyably if un-fussy and basic set. For a lineup that only appeared on one studio release (2005’s Painted On), this Blu-Ray captures the band in all its loose, live glory.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.