Crescent Ballroom
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Fabulous Thunderbirds
Fabulous Thunderbirds
March 9th, 2012 from 7:30pm
Location
THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS LIVE AT THE CRESCENT BALLROOM! FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2012 Tickets On Sale Now!
PHOENIX (Jan. 18, 2012) The Fabulous Thunderbirds, the quintessential American band for over 30 years, land at the Crescent Ballroom (308 N. 2nd Ave.) on Friday, March 9, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Tickets are on sale now ($26.00) for the all ages show and are available for purchase via www.dannyzeliskopresents.com or by phone (602.262.7272).
The Fabulous Thunderbirds distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid though 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, which tours extensively, in both the U.S. and Europe. In addition to Wilson, the current Thunderbirds line-up features Jay Moeller on drums, Johnny Moeller and Mike Keller on guitar, and Randy Bermudes on bass.
"To be in the T-Birds, you need to understand the different styles of music and different ways of playing," Wilson comments. "The guys we have now are able to do that."
The thread throughout the T-Birds career has been the respect the group commanded for its peerless musicianship and devotion to the sounds of blues, R & B and rock 'n roll. In fact, Muddy Waters called Wilson his favorite harmonica player and vocalist. "Muddy Waters was very good to me," Wilson says. "He almost adopted me. I'll never forget him."
For Wilson, the musical journey started in Goleta, California. At 17 he began playing the harmonica. His influences included Little Walter, George "Harmonica" Smith, Lazy Lester and James Cotton. At the same time, Wilson began singing and was deeply impacted by Bobby "Blue" Bland, B.B. King, Otis Rush, Jimmy Rodgers and Muddy Waters. In search of other musicians who shared his love of the blues, Wilson headed to Minneapolis. He stayed there for a year and a half, playing locally, before moving to the burgeoning music scene of Austin, Texas. It was there that he met Jimmie Vaughan and they founded the T-Birds in 1974. The band developed a reputation as a compelling live act and subsequently signed a record deal with CBS/Epic Records.
In 1979, The Fabulous Thunderbirds released their first self-titled album. Primarily blues influenced, it became a cult classic. In subsequent releases, the band started to incorporate more Cajun, rock 'n roll and soul influences. The album T-Bird Rhythm marked a creative turning point for the group as it collaborated with noted producer Nick Lowe. In 1986, The Fabulous Thunderbirds reached a commercial peak with the album, Tuff Enuff. The single of the same title as well as the singles "Wrap It Up" and "Look At That," all went top 40. For more information: www.dannyzeliskopresents.com, www.fabulousthunderbirds.com |
