Omar Kent Dykes & Jimmie Vaughan

On the Jimmy Reed Highway (Ruf)

In the blues world, Jimmy Reed (1925-1976) is the Big Boss Man. His instantly recognizable, easy rollin’, loping beat has long been a signature sound of the music. That unmistakable, caressing groove suffuses this bright lights tribute by an all-star cast of Austin blues luminaries headed by Omar Dykes of Howlers fame on vocals and the beacon of understated guitar, Mr. Jimmie Vaughan. Aiding and abetting is a roster of Antone’s regulars, past and present, including Lou Ann Barton, Kim Wilson, Derek O’Brien, Gary Clark Jr., Gary Primich, and a cameo by Delbert McClinton. The title track, penned by Dykes as a strutting and upbeat variation of Reed’s sound, kicks off the LP in rollicking fashion, followed by a litany of Reed’s greatest hits. The inclusion of “Bad Boy,” a song by longtime Reed compadre Eddie Taylor, dials up a treat. Twelve bars never sounded so sweet. “Let it roll.”

***.5

This article appears in August 31 • 2007.

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