Omar Kent Dykes fronts Omar and The Howlers and it is one of the most exciting bands out of Austin, Texas. On his last cd "Boogie Man", Omar paid tribute to John Lee Hooker. "On The Jimmy Reed Highway", a collaboration with Jimmie Vaughan, they pay tribute to Jimmy Reed. Jimmy Reed 1925-1976 was a blues singer/guitarist who is considered one of the architects of Rock n Roll.

Jimmie Vaughan, guitar, sounds as if he is having a great time on this album with both the material and with the other participants as they all are friends living in Austin; this camaraderie is enjoyed by the listener. Along for this recording Jimmie has brought with him, vocalist Lou Ann Barton; on harmonica, his ex-partner from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim Wilson; also from The Fabulous Thunderbirds, bassist, Ronnie James Webber; guitarist Derek O'Brien; and from Anson Funderburgh and The Rockets, drummer Wes Starr. George Rains and Jay Moeller also take a turn on the drums. Barry Bihm takes his turn on bass. Guest appearances include Delbert McClinton, James Cotton, Gary Clark Jr., and the late Gary Primich.

Omar's vocals range from gruff to bittersweet as on "I'll Change My Style". Highlights are covers of Jimmy Reed classics including "Baby What You Want Me To Do", "Bright Lights Big City", and "Big Boss Man". Lou Ann Barton is featured in a duet with Omar on "Good Lover". James Cotton plays his signature harp on "Caress Me Baby". Delbert McClinton sings and plays harp on "Hush, Hush". Gary Primich plays harp on "Baby What's Wrong" and on the closer "You Made Me Laugh".

The good time making this album can be heard thanks to the relaxing production by Derek O'Brien. Omar authored the title track, "The Jimmy Reed Highway" a tribute song; on it Omar sings about the road he travels, the same road Jimmy Reed once traveled on. This highway is a super highway.

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com