by Brian D. Holland.

Omar Kent Dykes and Jimmie Vaughan, two renowned Austin Texas-based bluesmen, have put together a fine collection of Jimmy Reed material and other related songs for a 2007 collaborative release, On The Jimmy Reed Highway. A performer who often went unrecognized for honing a definitive blues sound that assisted in what eventually became known as rock ‘n’ roll, Jimmy Reed's style was very innovative for its time, and extremely intense and rhythmic. Though his technique has early Chuck Berry written all over it, many references furtively neglect to list the preceding bluesman as an inspiration of the infamous pop rock pioneer. Though Reed’s impact may go unmentioned in the case of other early rockers as well, his style and rhythmic drive is easily recognized as evident in the ears of any enlightened blues-rock aficionado.

For blues enthusiasts, especially those of the electric guitar and driving rhythmic tempos (add in that squealing harmonica phrasing), the inspiring, entertaining, and exciting music of Jimmy Reed has been brought to life again by two of the biggest and brightest names in modern electric blues. Throw in a couple of Dykes and Vaughan complementary originals, as well as a couple of Eddie Taylor and Willie Dixon songs, and the tribute becomes all-inclusive. Special guests Kim Wilson, Delbert McClinton, James Cotton, Lou Ann Barton, and Gary Clark Junior add variety and spice to the collection. The opener, "Jimmy Reed Highway," gets it all going in a fine introductory manner, with Dykes and Barton belting out lyrical content in reference to the great bluesman and his compositions. Vaughan solos nicely throughout in his typically raw and unrefined style, one that compliments any blues era.

Listen to "Jimmy Reed Highway" from On The Jimmy Reed Highway

This album is a real pleasure for all Jimmy Reed fans. The listener easily grasps the level of dedication brought into each song by the likes of the two standout performers. Though Jimmie Vaughan merges Reed and Eddie Taylor phrasing with his own, he never overdoes it. His playing sustains that recognizable modesty, a trait he has long been known for. Omar Dykes adds original, gritty vocal flavor to the Reed favorites, including "Baby What You Want Me To Do," "Good Lover" (with a boisterous Lou Ann Barton), "Caress Me Baby," and "Hush Hush." The twelve bar fluidity and blues progressions are driven solidly along by an excellent rhythm section. Derek O’Brien’s rhythm guitar flow is definitely worth a mention, and although Kim Wilson adds some sweet harmonica to many of the tracks, James Cotton and Delbert McClinton get in on the act in an enthusiastic manner.

The wonderful thing about On The Jimmy Reed Highway is that it rocks fashionably in 2007 just as it would have in 1956. This has much to do with the fact that the music was a lot of fun when it was new, and it still is today. Jimmy Reed isn’t on it, per se, but the persona of the bluesman, who passed away in 1976 at age 50, is all over it for sure. I think he may have been sitting right in the corner of the studio, eyes closed, with a smile upon his face and his head bobbing up and down to the tempo.

On The Jimmy Reed Highway Track Listing

1. Jimmy Reed Highway
2. Baby What You Want Me To Do/Bright Lights Big City
3. Big Boss Man
4. Good Lover
5. Caress Me Baby
6. Aw Shucks, Hush Your Mouth
7. You Upset My Mind
8. I’ll Change My Style
9. Bad Boy
10. Baby, What’s Wrong
11. Hush Hush
12. You Made Me Laugh

Ruf Records - 2007

Links:
On The Jimmy Reed Highway on Amazon
Omar and The Howlers
Jimmie Vaughan