Jimmy Reed Highway, Jimmie Vaughan

I went to see A show call the Jimmy Reed Highway. It was held at the Dallas House of Blues. The band included Jimmie Vaughan, Omar Dykes, Kim Wilson, Lou Ann Barton and a great rhythm section. Anson Funderburg opened up the show. This is a tribute to Blues Pioneer Jimmy Reed. The shows are in support of an album by the same name released last week. Guests on the album include Delbert McClinton, James Cotton and Gary Clark Junior. It is a great album, pick it up. The show was very cool and they all looked like they were having fun. They played for almost 2 hours.Their interpretations of these classic songs was moving. Very simple arrangements with lots of room for the music to breath. Jimmie's guitar playing is the perfect compliment to these songs. Kim Wilsons harmonica playing and singing was full of passion and soul. Omar can sing! It was great to see Lou ann and her parts were beautiful. Lou Ann and Omar did a duet on "Natural Born Lover"...WOW After the show i got to go back stage and meet Jimmie Vaughan and Omar Dykes. This was a huge thrill for me. I have been a fan of Jimmie's and Stevies for years. He was very sweet and we chatted for a few minutes. We have a few things/friends in common that we discussed.The green room started filling up with friends and family as i made my exit. Very cool evening indeed. I am the luckiest man alive...LMA

Remembering SRV

Today is the 17th Anniversary of the death of Stevie Ray Vaughan. He died with just shy of 4 years sober. His sobriety date was October 13, 1986 (The same as mine). I have heard many great stories from close friends of his about what a sweet man he was. Smokin Joe Kubek told me a story last week about seeing Stevie in a bar in the 70’s. Joe said there were 3 people in the bar and Stevie was playing as if there were thousands….I hear his music and see his image every where I go. I have been told Stevie worked his program as intensely as he played his guitar. He helped countless others and carried the message, He will be missed. I happened to be with his brother, Jimmie Lee Vaughan, last night after a concert at the House Of Blues in Dallas. He too is a very sweet man. I thank the universe for sharing people like this with us…….. I honor the privilege of sharing my music with people. On my drum skin is written “Thanks Stevie”. I think of him EVERYTIME I play. I encourage you to live every day as it might be your last. Tell the people you love that you love them. Practice random acts of kindness. Pass on what has been so freely given to you.
I love you!

Miss you Stevie.

Dave K