KIM WILSON
Smokin' Joint (M.C. Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

---

Kim Wilson and Jimmie Vaughan are both up for GRAMMY Awards in the Traditional Blues Album category, and if I could vote for a tie, I would. It would be tough enough to choose one over the other, but my vote would go for Kim's live record. Kim Wilson's first- ever live recording, Smokin' Joint, showcases some fine vocals and harp playing from the former Fabulous Thunderbird. His third solo CD is captures Kim live with two different bands. In Phoenix' Rhythm Room, he's got Billy Flynn and Rusty Zinn on guitars, with Larry Taylor on bass and Richard Innes on drums and at Café Boogaloo in Hermosa Beach, California, Kim's got Kirk Fletcher and Troy Gonyea on the six strings and Mark Stevens on piano, along with Larry and Richard reprising their roles in Phoenix. No matter what band's behind him, Kim's found his groove on standout cuts like "Got to Let Go" and "Telephone Blues." This disc captures the blues like they were meant to be heard: live at a blues club, with no overdubs, and with Kim Wilson's smokin' harp on Smokin' Joint.

Track List:

Ain't Gonna Do It * Good Time Charlie * Oh Baby * Early in the Morning * Learn to Treat Me Right * Smokin' Joint * I Stay in the Mood * Telephone Blues * High & Lonesome * I Can Tell * Tomorrow Night * The Lighthouse is Gone

© 2002 - Eric Steiner