Jimmy Thackery's eight CDs for the Blind Pig label rank with the finest work of his career. A passionate blues guitarist and an effective singer,
Thackery brings creativity and a freshness to his renditions of blues, blues ballads, and near-blues. This sampler draws its 13 selections from the eight releases, putting the emphasis on the leader.
Thackery is heard in guitar-bass-drums trios for eight of the selections and joined by various guests (including one appearance apiece by guitarists
Lonnie Brooks,
Duke Robillard, and
John Mooney) on the other five tracks.
The Essential Jimmy Thackery lives up to its name and serves as a perfect introduction to the bluesman's music. ~ Scott Yanow