The Fabulous Thunderbirds

For over 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band. The group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up”. Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation.

“We started as a straight blues band”, vocalist and harmonica player Wilson says. “We now incorporate a mixture of a lot of different styles. We’re an American music band and we’re much higher energy than we were before.”

“To be in the T-Birds, you need to understand the different styles of music and different ways of playing,” Wilson comments. “You have to be willing to adopt a more contemporary style. The guys we have now are able to do that.”

The Fabulous Thunderbirds – Tuff Enuff (Music Video)

The Lineup:

• Kim Wilson – lead vocals, harmonica
• Johnny Moeller – guitar
• Bob Welsh – piano / guitar
• Rudy Albin – drums
• Steve Kirsty – bass

When talking about the full-time members of the Thunderbirds, Wilson said, “The strength of this band has inspired me to be more creative. This band really allows me to do anything I want to do: modern, traditional, anything in between. They are masters of it all.”

The Origin of Struck Down

“I think Struck Down is my best album with The Fabulous Thunderbirds… by far.”

That is an amazing statement from Kim Wilson, the band’s leader, main songwriter, vocalist, and harmonica player. This is the group that created classic albums like T-Bird Rhythm and Tuff Enuff. Powered by hits like the title track and “Wrap It Up,” Tuff Enuff went platinum, selling more than one million copies. Wilson has been nominated for Grammy Awards six times and for Blues Music Awards more than 20 times. Muddy Waters called Wilson his favorite vocalist and the greatest harmonica player since Little Walter. So, when a musician with Wilson’s stature and body of work says The Fabulous Thunderbirds just created their “best album… by far,” you pay attention.

Even more amazing… the album almost didn’t happen. Wilson said that Geoff Kulawick at Stony Plain Records told him “I want to sign you, but I have one stipulation: You have to write with my guy.” To which Wilson replied, “I can’t do that.” Thunderbirds manager Glen Parrish, who is also one of the album producers, convinced Wilson to give it a try. “If it is not working out, I will take him right back to the airport,” said Parrish.

Steve Strongman was that guy. He flew down to California from Canada. “In the first three days, we wrote five songs,” said Wilson. “He came back for another three days, and we wrote 12 songs. I would say there was a chemistry there.” Wilson and Strongman wrote 17 songs in less than a week. They selected nine originals and one cover tune for this album.

Then Wilson called a few friends. The first single, “Payback Time,” features Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top on guitar and backing vocals. “Billy is someone I talk to on a pretty regular basis,” said Wilson. “He is a dear friend, a great musician, and he knows how to make a record.” Regarding the great interplay on the track between Gibbons’ guitar and Wilson’s harmonica, Wilson said, “It was really all him. Being the great musician that he is, he created that conversation.”

The cover tune “Nothing in Rambling” is overflowing with talent. The track features Bonnie Raitt on vocals and acoustic guitar, Keb’ Mo‘ on vocals and slide guitar, Taj Mahal on vocals, and Mick Fleetwood on drums and percussion. “All of these people I have the utmost respect for,” said Wilson. “Taj Mahal was one of my very first influences. He is one of the reasons I started playing the harmonica. Bonnie Raitt and I have always been very close. I love what she does. I love her voice. I love Keb’s voice. And Mick was kind enough to put his performance on that track as well.”

Struck Down is that rare album where every track could be a single. From the solid punch of “Struck Down by The Blues” to the Cajun-flavored “Don’t Make No Sense” to the wistful “Sideline,” this is a record filled with character and heart. “The material is fantastic,” said Wilson. “The performances are great. And sonically it is incredible, because it was mixed by Shelly Yakus and mastered by Greg Calbi and Steve Fallone. They are the very best there is.”

And as for what’s next… Wilson says, “I’m far from finished.”