A fast Blind Pig quiz; the label was born in a basement, in what town? Answer imbedded in review. This label, has given a complete rebirth to historic blues artists, as well as providing a forum for some of the freshest, deepest talent in blues recording today. In Jimmy Thackery’s 29th release, Switching Gears, you get a feeling for the whole damn label. Touches of zydeco, R&B, rockabilly, soul, a throaty barroom voice and outrageous guitar, all from an artist who began his career playing in Washington D.C. with Bonnie Raitt’s brother.

Thackery, whose reputation as a wizard of the strings provides a disc that will get feet tapping and even a bad hack dancing. He began his recording career with the Nighthawks, and moved on to form the Assassins in 1987, finally to form the Drivers in 1992. This is music that accelerates any feelings. Good mood? You’ll have a better mood! You have got to imagine that anyone who has recorded as many releases would have a stockpile of guests and support for this release, Joe Louis Walker, Lonnie Brooks, Chubby Carrier and Reba Russell all lend a helping hand to this innovative axeman! Take note of track three and the vocals demonstrated by Ms. Russell. Wake up the dead!

Jimmy, in various incarnations, has been on tour since 1972. Anyone remember Sergeant Shriver? He was the VP candidate for the Democrats in 1972. The Watergate election. Lot of the world has slipped by since Thackery began to rock stages throughout the U.S., including every small town known, even Ann Arbor, Michigan, the birthplace of Blind Pig Records!