Jimmy Dawkins: West Side Guitar Hero
Franck Goldwasser (g)
John Suhr (org)
Henry Oden (b)
Chris Millar (dr)
"His first new album in years. And what a great record this is! Dawkins, one of the last westside style players of his generation, sounds "young", powerful, almost aggressiv. He still has that fat tone, and he loves to play. You'll get powerful rhythm pattern and extended never-boring solos. Good backing, too. Probably his best release since 'Kant Shack ...'. Highly recommended to all lovers of powerful electric style blues guitar."
Baddogblues.com:
"West Side Guitar Hero harks back to those early days boasting a lean, mean stripped down sound. Dawkins' slashing, chunky guitar lines are right up front where they belong and his vocals are equally intense. Backing is from a tight combo featuring bass, drums, guitar and some moody organ playing from John Suhr. All the songs are Dawkins originals opening with the funky mid-tempo "Alley Mae", the soulful R&B of "I'm What You Need", and scorching blues numbers like "Sweet Li'L Mama" and "Dollar Head Woman." Dawkins really shows off his tough guitar work on the instrumentals "Jammin' Guitar" and the blistering "Wess Cide Rock." Both of these records are up to the Fedora's usual high standards and those searching for the "real deal' blues will find much to savor in both of these excellent releases."
Southwest Blues (by Bill Fountain):
"This new Jimmy Dawkins release from Fedora Records is a keeper. For those unfamiliar with the blues career of Mr. Dawkins, this CD is a great introduction as to why he is so special to some of us blues fans. For those who already know about Mr. Dawkins, this CD is one we have been waiting for. Eleven original tracks of Dawkins' distinct brand of blues. This is Dawkin's first CD since 1997. It's been a long time and I am happy to say worth the wait.
Yes, they are all original Jimmy Dawkins compositions. He chose to give the song writing credits to his grandchildren, "just to make them proud." He says in the liner notes. So when you see that the songs are written by Darren Eps, Syreeta Dabynes and Rick Miller, just keep in mind, it's all Jimmy Dawkins doing a cool thing for his grandbabies! I have never heard of anyone doing this before. It's pretty special.
Speaking of special, let's talk about the music. Dawkins is at the top of his game on this release. All the evidence you need for that assumption is on track two "Jammin' Gitar." Please don't think I have lost my impeccable sense of spelling, Dawkins likes to spell words his own way. The track lays it all out on the table. Strong, straightforward blues. You need more proof? Go ahead and punch on up to track number seven "Dollar Head Woman." That really tells you all you need to know about Jimmy Dawkins.
Note I don't call him "Fast Fingers." He doesn't like that nickname. He doesn't need a nickname. Check out the stand out amazing tracks "Shee Leff Me" and "So Wurrid." Dawkins vocals are solid and powerful. His playing is always on the mark. Do yourself a solid and seek out this release. You will mighty glad that you did."