Jimmy Thackery: Healin' Ground

Jimmy Thackery's feel-good contemporary blues-rock album provides a Healin' Ground for whatever ails ya. He drives his message home with stories to tell and a powerful guitar that talks better 'n most of us during our daily activities, as he communicates on a personal level with his audience.

As "Healin' Ground" drives with its powerful backbeat, Thackery sings of being saved when times are tough. Hey, the times are always tough, and we certainly find ourselves in need of that kind of saving grace any day of the week. His songs, most of them co-written with Gary Nicholson and members of the band, shine a positive glow over our future.

Thackery's "Kickin' Chicken" lets the band boogie 'til daybreak. This loping instrumental number celebrates the joy we find in dancin' with Henry, or whoever. Nicholson's "Devils' Toolbox" represents some serious stuff. The message is clear, though, as Thackery sings about putting a lock on the devil's toolbox in order to "stop him from working on me and you." Are you listening?

His blue-collar vocals and priceless guitar thrills drive each message home with clarity. "Weaker Than You Know" kicks in gently with a deep New Orleans connection that bridges to its far-reaching urban centers.

Thackery's instrumental cover of Henry Mancini's "A Shot in the Dark" would seem out of place for a blues album, were it not for the powerful impact that he puts on rock and all of its glorious history. The band sizzles with this one, transporting memories of the 1960s to our local blues club and listening post.

He closes the album with a cover of Muddy Waters' "Can't Lose What You Never Had," which takes us back to the real deal. Highly recommended, Healin' Ground covers a lot of territory while Thackery explains these feelings better than anyone, through both his vocal interpretations and his fiery guitar.