Tag: jimmy thackery

Jimmy Thackery

He’s one of the few blues guitarists who learned first hand from the masters of the blues, not from a blues record or DVDs. Though most associate Jimmy with his 15 years as the co-founder of the Nighthawks, he ended his time with them in 1987. Since then, Jimmy has been on the road as a solo musician for 15 years doing nearly 300 shows a year proving each night that he is still the guitar powerhouse in the blues. Read more… jimmythackery.com

Jimmy Thackery: Master of the Blues Guitar

Jimmy Thackery is a name that every blues music fan knows and respects. Born on May 19, 1953, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Thackery has become one of the leading guitarists in the blues genre. His music is not just about playing notes; it’s about telling a story and expressing feelings through his guitar.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Jimmy Thackery began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by the rich sounds of blues and rock music. In 1972, he helped form the band The Nighthawks, with whom he toured and recorded extensively for over a decade. This experience helped him hone his skills and develop a deep understanding of blues music.

Going Solo

In 1986, Thackery decided to start his own solo career. This move allowed him more creative freedom and the opportunity to really showcase his guitar skills. He formed Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers, and together, they started producing music that blended traditional blues with a touch of rock and roll energy.

Musical Style and Influence

Jimmy Thackery is known for his energetic and powerful guitar playing. He often uses his guitar to create a conversation in his songs, making his performances feel personal and expressive. His music is influenced by great blues artists like Muddy Waters and B.B. King, but he also brings his own unique style and energy to each performance.

Albums and Performances

Throughout his solo career, Thackery has released numerous albums that have been loved by both critics and fans. Albums like “Wild Night Out” and “Drive to Survive” showcase his talent for blending different musical elements and creating something new and exciting. Thackery continues to perform live, where he captivates audiences with his skillful guitar playing and passionate performances.

Legacy and Impact

Jimmy Thackery’s impact on the blues genre is undeniable. He has inspired many young musicians with his dedication to the craft and his ability to keep the blues alive and vibrant. His music not only entertains but also preserves the rich history of blues music for future generations.

Jimmy Thackery remains a powerful figure in the blues world. His journey from a young music enthusiast to a respected blues guitarist shows the power of passion and hard work. For anyone interested in blues music, Jimmy Thackery’s work is a perfect example of how traditional blues can be kept fresh and exciting in the modern music scene.

Thank You!

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Jimmy Thackery

Singer, songwriter and guitar virtuoso Jimmy Thackery has carved an enviable niche for himself in the world of electric blues.

Known for his gritty, blue-collar approach and marathon live shows, Thackery was for many years part of the Nighthawks, one of the hardest-working blues bar bands in North America. Since the late 1980s, he has been touring and recording under his own name, and has found widespread acceptance on the festival circuit.

His hard-edged, tough-as-nails approach to guitar playing and his trio’s driving rhythm section holds appeal for fans of both the straight-ahead blues of Muddy Waters and the roots-rock of Bruce Springsteen and Joe Grushecky.

Like the Nighthawks and Grushecky’s Houserockers, much of the material Thackery performs can safely be called blues or blues-rock. Hardcore blues like “It’s My Own Fault” and popular blues-rock chestnuts like “Red House” from Jimi Hendrix are fair game for Thackery and his Drivers, who include Michael Patrick on bass and Mark Stutso on drums and vocals.

source: Richard Skelly (All Music Guide)
video source: Don Odell

Please check out other shows by Walter Trout, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Ana Popovic, Jimmy Thackery, Joe Louis Walker, Ana Popovic and many more and by subscribing you can be automatically notified of new videos when uploaded. Audio recorded and mixed by Jayce De Santis of Soundstream Media, Northampton, MA.

Jimmy Thackery

Whether he headlines a festival in South Dakota or jams for hours in one of numerous blues bars that dot the musical landscape, he’ll always unleash an intense volley of rockin’ blues guitar guaranteed to leave crowds emotionally spent. His double-edged guitar dynamics allow him to fire off tracer missiles, bend a note so it will fit under a limbo bar, run off dive bomber riffs, and find space within the trembling of one stinging note. “I put all my senses on hold and find the zone and follow what’s inside. There’s electricity from your mind to your heart to your fingers. You just try and remember to breathe.” Read More…

Thackery spent fourteen years as part of The Nighthawks, the Washington, D.C. based blues and roots rock ensemble. After leaving the Nighthawks in 1986, Thackery toured under his own name.

Albums

Empty Arms Motel (1992)
Sideways in Paradise (1993), with John Mooney
Trouble Man (1994)
Wild Night Out! (1995)
Drive to Survive (1996)
Switching Gears (1998)
Partners in Crime (1999), with Tom Principato
Sinner Street (2000)
We Got It (2002)
Whiskey Store (2002), with Tab Benoit
Guitar (2003), Compilation
Whiskey Store Live (2004), with Tab Benoit
True Stories (2004)
Healin’ Ground (2005)
In the Natural State (2006), with Cate Brothers
Brother to the Blues (2006)
The Essential Jimmy Thackery (2006), Compilation
Solid Ice (2007)
Inside Tracks (2008)
Live in Detroit (2010)
Feel the Heat (2011)
Spare Keys (2016)

Engage your senses: Press play on the video, then stimulate your brain with the article.

Jimmy Thackery

Singer, songwriter and guitar virtuoso Jimmy Thackery has carved an enviable niche for himself in the world of electric blues.

Known for his gritty, blue-collar approach and marathon live shows, Thackery was for many years part of the Nighthawks, one of the hardest-working blues bar bands in North America. Since the late 1980s, he has been touring and recording under his own name, and has found widespread acceptance on the festival circuit.

His hard-edged, tough-as-nails approach to guitar playing and his trio’s driving rhythm section holds appeal for fans of both the straight-ahead blues of Muddy Waters and the roots-rock of Bruce Springsteen and Joe Grushecky.

Like the Nighthawks and Grushecky’s Houserockers, much of the material Thackery performs can safely be called blues or blues-rock. Hardcore blues like “It’s My Own Fault” and popular blues-rock chestnuts like “Red House” from Jimi Hendrix are fair game for Thackery and his Drivers, who include Michael Patrick on bass and Mark Stutso on drums and vocals.

source: Richard Skelly (All Music Guide)
video source: Don Odell

Please check out other shows by Walter Trout, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Ana Popovic, Jimmy Thackery, Joe Louis Walker, Ana Popovic and many more and by subscribing you can be automatically notified of new videos when uploaded. Audio recorded and mixed by Jayce De Santis of Soundstream Media, Northampton, MA.

Thank You!

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Jimmy Thackery: Way More Than a Typical Blues-Rock Shredder

In the realm of blues guitar, Jimmy Thackery stands as a beacon of originality and fervent expression, far surpassing the label of a mere blues-rock shredder. Thackery, a masterful musician whose career spans decades, has etched an indelible mark in the hearts of blues enthusiasts with his unique blend of passion, skill, and storytelling.

A Journey Through Blues Landscapes

Thackery’s musical journey is a vivid tapestry of relentless exploration and deep respect for the blues tradition. Having honed his skills as a part of the Nighthawks, a band known for their robust blend of blues and rock, Thackery embarked on a solo career that allowed his distinctive style to flourish. His playing is not just about technical prowess; it’s about painting emotive landscapes with six strings and a slide.

The Art of Storytelling Through Strings

What sets Thackery apart from his contemporaries is his ability to tell a story through his guitar. Each note he plays carries a narrative, rich with emotions and experiences. His music isn’t just heard; it’s felt. Tracks like “Solid Ice” and “Empty Arms Motel” are not just songs; they are musical journeys that Thackery invites his listeners to embark upon with him.

Jimmy Thackery – Innovative Techniques, Timeless Sounds

Thackery’s approach to the guitar is both innovative and respectful of the genre’s roots. He seamlessly melds traditional blues scales with surprising elements from other genres, creating a sound that is familiar yet refreshingly original. His technique is a study in contrast: at times delicate and soulful, at other times fiery and raw. This dynamic approach keeps his music endlessly engaging.

Live Performances: A Feast for the Senses

Watching Thackery live is a sensory feast. He doesn’t just play music; he lives each song on stage. His performances are characterized by an energy that is both powerful and infectious. The way he coaxes a spectrum of sounds from his guitar is nothing short of mesmerizing, and it’s in these live settings that his skill truly shines.

Jimmy Thackery – Legacy and Influence

Thackery’s influence on the blues genre is undeniable. He has inspired a generation of guitarists to look beyond traditional boundaries and to infuse their personal stories into their playing. His body of work is not just a collection of songs but a vibrant legacy that continues to shape the landscape of blues music.

More Than Strings and Frets

In a world where many guitarists rely on speed and volume, Jimmy Thackery stands out as an artist who uses his instrument as a voice. It’s a voice that speaks of life, loss, joy, and the journey in between. For those who listen, Thackery offers more than just blues tunes; he offers pieces of a life lived in full color, shared one string bend at a time.

In the end, to categorize Jimmy Thackery as just another blues-rock shredder is to miss the essence of a musician who is, in every sense, a storyteller, a craftsman, and a relentless explorer of the musical soul. His guitar is not just an instrument; it’s an extension of a profound narrative that continues to resonate with fans across the world.

Video

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAhu_Ol8bzY

Thank You

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Jimmy Thackery

Whether he headlines a festival in South Dakota or jams for hours in one of the numerous blues bars that dot the musical landscape, he’ll always unleash an intense volley of rockin’ blues guitar guaranteed to leave crowds emotionally spent. His double-edged guitar dynamics allow him to fire off tracer missiles, bend a note so it will fit under a limbo bar, run off dive bomber riffs, and find space within the trembling of one stinging note. “I put all my senses on hold and find the zone and follow what’s inside. There’s electricity from your mind to your heart to your fingers. You just try and remember to breathe.” Read More…

Thackery spent fourteen years as part of The Nighthawks, the Washington, D.C. based blues and roots rock ensemble. After leaving the Nighthawks in 1986, Thackery toured under his own name.

“Few guitarists working the blues circuit today can boast a signature sound as unique as Jimmy Thackery’s. As far from an SRV clone as one can be while still playing a Stratocaster, Thackery combines elements of Nashville twang, swing, surf, hard rock, and frequent excursions into the world of jazz and still comes up with a sound that is still distinctly the blues.” (https://www.vintageguitar.com/2954/jimmy-thackery)

Albums

Empty Arms Motel (1992)
Sideways in Paradise (1993), with John Mooney
Trouble Man (1994)
Wild Night Out! (1995)
Drive to Survive (1996)
Switching Gears (1998)
Partners in Crime (1999), with Tom Principato
Sinner Street (2000)
We Got It (2002)
Whiskey Store (2002), with Tab Benoit
Guitar (2003), Compilation
Whiskey Store Live (2004), with Tab Benoit
True Stories (2004)
Healin’ Ground (2005)
In the Natural State (2006), with Cate Brothers
Brother to the Blues (2006)
The Essential Jimmy Thackery (2006), Compilation
Solid Ice (2007)
Inside Tracks (2008)
Live in Detroit (2010)
Feel the Heat (2011)
Spare Keys (2016)

Video

Thank You

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Jimmy Thackery and The Drivers at Callahan’s Music Hall, Sept 19, 2013.

Jimmy Thackery

Whether he headlines a festival in South Dakota or jams for hours in one of numerous blues bars that dot the musical landscape, he’ll always unleash an intense volley of rockin’ blues guitar guaranteed to leave crowds emotionally spent. His double-edged guitar dynamics allow him to fire off tracer missiles, bend a note so it will fit under a limbo bar, run off dive bomber riffs, and find space within the trembling of one stinging note. “I put all my senses on hold and find the zone and follow what’s inside. There’s electricity from your mind to your heart to your fingers. You just try and remember to breathe.” Read More…

Thackery spent fourteen years as part of The Nighthawks, the Washington, D.C. based blues and roots rock ensemble. After leaving the Nighthawks in 1986, Thackery toured under his own name.

“Few guitarists working the blues circuit today can boast a signature sound as unique as Jimmy Thackery’s. As far from an SRV clone as one can be while still playing a Stratocaster, Thackery combines elements of Nashville twang, swing, surf, hard rock, and frequent excursions into the world of jazz and still comes up with a sound that is still distinctly the blues.” (https://www.vintageguitar.com/2954/jimmy-thackery)

Albums

Empty Arms Motel (1992)
Sideways in Paradise (1993), with John Mooney
Trouble Man (1994)
Wild Night Out! (1995)
Drive to Survive (1996)
Switching Gears (1998)
Partners in Crime (1999), with Tom Principato
Sinner Street (2000)
We Got It (2002)
Whiskey Store (2002), with Tab Benoit
Guitar (2003), Compilation
Whiskey Store Live (2004), with Tab Benoit
True Stories (2004)
Healin’ Ground (2005)
In the Natural State (2006), with Cate Brothers
Brother to the Blues (2006)
The Essential Jimmy Thackery (2006), Compilation
Solid Ice (2007)
Inside Tracks (2008)
Live in Detroit (2010)
Feel the Heat (2011)
Spare Keys (2016)

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Live at Callahan’s Music Hall, Jimmy Thackery and the Drivers in a high quality video recording in a small club setting.

Jimmy Thackery

Whether he headlines a festival in South Dakota or jams for hours in one of numerous blues bars that dot the musical landscape, he’ll always unleash an intense volley of rockin’ blues guitar guaranteed to leave crowds emotionally spent. His double-edged guitar dynamics allow him to fire off tracer missiles, bend a note so it will fit under a limbo bar, run off dive bomber riffs, and find space within the trembling of one stinging note. “I put all my senses on hold and find the zone and follow what’s inside. There’s electricity from your mind to your heart to your fingers. You just try and remember to breathe.” Read More…

Thackery spent fourteen years as part of The Nighthawks, the Washington, D.C. based blues and roots rock ensemble. After leaving the Nighthawks in 1986, Thackery toured under his own name.

“Few guitarists working the blues circuit today can boast a signature sound as unique as Jimmy Thackery’s. As far from an SRV clone as one can be while still playing a Stratocaster, Thackery combines elements of Nashville twang, swing, surf, hard rock, and frequent excursions into the world of jazz and still comes up with a sound that is still distinctly the blues.” (https://www.vintageguitar.com/2954/jimmy-thackery)

Albums

Empty Arms Motel (1992)
Sideways in Paradise (1993), with John Mooney
Trouble Man (1994)
Wild Night Out! (1995)
Drive to Survive (1996)
Switching Gears (1998)
Partners in Crime (1999), with Tom Principato
Sinner Street (2000)
We Got It (2002)
Whiskey Store (2002), with Tab Benoit
Guitar (2003), Compilation
Whiskey Store Live (2004), with Tab Benoit
True Stories (2004)
Healin’ Ground (2005)
In the Natural State (2006), with Cate Brothers
Brother to the Blues (2006)
The Essential Jimmy Thackery (2006), Compilation
Solid Ice (2007)
Inside Tracks (2008)
Live in Detroit (2010)
Feel the Heat (2011)
Spare Keys (2016)

Jimmy Thackery

Whether he headlines a festival in South Dakota or jams for hours in one of numerous blues bars that dot the musical landscape, he’ll always unleash an intense volley of rockin’ blues guitar guaranteed to leave crowds emotionally spent. His double-edged guitar dynamics allow him to fire off tracer missiles, bend a note so it will fit under a limbo bar, run off dive bomber riffs, and find space within the trembling of one stinging note. “I put all my senses on hold and find the zone and follow what’s inside. There’s electricity from your mind to your heart to your fingers. You just try and remember to breathe.” Read More…

Thackery spent fourteen years as part of The Nighthawks, the Washington, D.C. based blues and roots rock ensemble. After leaving the Nighthawks in 1986, Thackery toured under his own name.

“Few guitarists working the blues circuit today can boast a signature sound as unique as Jimmy Thackery’s. As far from an SRV clone as one can be while still playing a Stratocaster, Thackery combines elements of Nashville twang, swing, surf, hard rock, and frequent excursions into the world of jazz and still comes up with a sound that is still distinctly the blues.” (https://www.vintageguitar.com/2954/jimmy-thackery)

Albums

Empty Arms Motel (1992)
Sideways in Paradise (1993), with John Mooney
Trouble Man (1994)
Wild Night Out! (1995)
Drive to Survive (1996)
Switching Gears (1998)
Partners in Crime (1999), with Tom Principato
Sinner Street (2000)
We Got It (2002)
Whiskey Store (2002), with Tab Benoit
Guitar (2003), Compilation
Whiskey Store Live (2004), with Tab Benoit
True Stories (2004)
Healin’ Ground (2005)
In the Natural State (2006), with Cate Brothers
Brother to the Blues (2006)
The Essential Jimmy Thackery (2006), Compilation
Solid Ice (2007)
Inside Tracks (2008)
Live in Detroit (2010)
Feel the Heat (2011)
Spare Keys (2016)

Jimmy Thackery

Singer, songwriter, and guitar virtuoso Jimmy Thackery carved an enviable niche for himself in the world of electric blues.  “Few guitarists working the blues circuit today can boast a signature sound as unique as Jimmy Thackery’s. As far from an SRV clone as one can be while still playing a Stratocaster, Thackery combines elements of Nashville twang, swing, surf, hard rock, and frequent excursions into the world of jazz and still comes up with a sound that is still distinctly the blues .” (via: Vintage Guitar Magazine)

Thackery spent fourteen years as part of The Nighthawks, the Washington, D.C. based blues and roots rock ensemble. After leaving the Nighthawks in 1986, Thackery toured under his own name. He has been on the road as a solo musician for 15 years doing nearly 300 shows a year proving each night that he is still the guitar powerhouse in the blues.

He’s one of the few blues guitarists who learned first hand from the masters of the blues, not off a blues record or DVD.

His albums for the San Francisco-based Blind Pig label included Empty Arms Motel (1992), Sideways in Paradise (Jimmy Thackery and John Mooney, 1993), Trouble Man (1994), Wild Night Out! (1995), Drive to Survive (1996), Switching Gears (1998), and Sinner Street (2000). The latter added saxophone player Jimmy Carpenter. In 2002, Thackery signed on with the blues division of Telarc Records, releasing We Got It in 2002 followed by True Stories in 2003, Live in 2004, and Healin’ Ground in 2005. Switching to Rykodisc, he released In the Natural State in 2006, followed by Solid Ice on Telarc Records in 2007. Inside Tracks appeared a year later in 2008, also from Telarc Records.

“Few guitarists working the blues circuit today can boast a signature sound as unique as Jimmy Thackery’s. As far from an SRV clone as one can be while still playing a Stratocaster, Thackery combines elements of Nashville twang, swing, surf, hard rock, and frequent excursions into the world of jazz and still comes up with a sound that is still distinctly the blues.” (https://www.vintageguitar.com/2954/jimmy-thackery/)