The opening band for the evening, Danny McGaw and The 33 was a pleasant surprise. I had the pleasure of speaking with Danny before the show. I asked him what he wanted people to know about him to which he replied, “I’m inspired to write music that heals”. He has been writing music since age 11, with Bob Dylan, REM, and U2 being some of his early influences. I’m actually a “healer”, so this was music to my ears!
The band is based in Ojai, California, but Danny and two of his band members are from Manchester, England, but the drummer, Greg Weiser, is our San Diego homeboy. All are very talented musicians with a very soothing vibe. They had great harmonies with three or four of them on vocals at any given time.
Their music is very relatable on many levels, and yes, healing! Their song, “Can’t you See I’m Lost Without You” really struck an emotional chord with me. Danny seems to be an “old soul” which shows in his songwriting and performance. His music reaches the heart with a delicate touch. Like a friend letting you know, “I feel your pain” and everything is going to be okay. They were fun and fresh as they closed out with “Let’s Go Get Some Ice Cream”. I’m looking forward to hearing more from these guys in the future. Their album, Mystery Parade is available now, so go give it a listen and you’ll know what I mean.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds then took the Belly Up stage for a full-throttle evening of great music. They delivered in spades not wasting any time when they took the stage. From start to finish it was a funky fun evening of great music. Original Founding Member Kim Wilson is an extraordinary talent and is one of the best harmonica players of our time–he’s been playing since he was eleven years old. He won a prestigious Blues Music award in 2016 in the instrumental category for harmonica.
The Fabulous Thunderbirds formed in 1974 in Austin Texas and have enjoyed much success over the years. Kim is the “lone survivor” but looks forward to this incarnation with the bandmates he plays with today. The band continues to evolve into as Kim states, “a contemporary style” and looks forward to what they are creating together with this lineup in keeping with their rockin’ bluesy roots.
I have to admit, I was so excited when they took the stage I left my seat (where my notebook was) and positioned myself in the sweetest of sweet spots directly in front of the guitarist, Johnny Moeller. He has been with the band since 2007 and ranks right up there with the best in the business. It was like standing in front of a “Guitar God” witnessing such greatness. He truly blew my mind. Don’t mess with Texas!
The crowd was really into the show with many fan “followers”–anyone who appreciates good blues and rock music. They go way beyond their hits in terms of musicianship. Back in the day when I was a bodybuilder, “Tuff Enuf” was popular and a bit of a theme song for me, so I loved hearing it live. When they played “Wrap it Up (I’ll take it)” everyone was on their feet dancing. It’s great to hear those old favorites, but I enjoyed the music I wasn’t familiar with just the same.
The rest of the band is every bit amazing with Steve Gomes on bass, Kevin Anker on the keyboard, and Nico Leophonte on drums, but I was in a bit of a guitar vortex and it felt as though the rest of the world just fell away. In my defense, it was a full moon that night.
For the encore, Kim rolled out a very long harmonica set and I was left “speechless” which doesn’t happen very often. Overall this show was rock-n-roll blues at it’s best. Another crowd-pleaser at my favorite neighborhood venue, The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach! In spite of all the changes in band members over the years, the Fabulous Thunderbirds remain forever fabulous. It would be awesome to join them for the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise in January 2020!