Lightnin’ Rod and the Thunderbolts are back with a follow-up to their self-titled EP of a couple of years ago. Their new effort, All American Blues (Lightning Bolt Records), is more of the same high-energy blues with some strong rock elements included. Though they are only a three-piece band (Lightnin’ Rod Wilson on vocals and guitar, Peter Heydinger on bass and backing vocals, and Don Bush on drums and percussion), their sound is much bigger, though they are supplemented by guest musicians on some tracks, including former Bob Seger band member Bob Shultz on piano for selected tracks and Chef Chris, who contributes harmonica to two tracks, along with backup vocalist Danielle Gross. Most of the songs were written by Wilson (the lone exception being a cover of "Hoochie Coochie Man") and several songs were previously heard on their EP ("Dreamful of Blues", "They Call Me Lightnin’", and "Why Are You So Cold"). All of these retain the fire of the previous versions, particularly "Dreamful of Blues". The newer songs are also pretty good as well, including "Bad Memories", "It’s Over Baby", the rocking "Two Shoed Boogie", "Sugar and Spice", and "Movin’ On Down The Road". There’s also a neat Allman-esque instrumental, "Free Spirit". Wilson is a solid guitarist and is equally satisfying on vocals as well. The band is also first-rate. When this CD rocks, it rocks hard. This band is obviously a crowd-pleaser when heard live, and this CD won’t disappoint their fans, or other fans of strong rock-based blues. For ordering information, contact the band at lightnin_rod3@hotmail.com or at Lightning Bolt Records, 427 Pearl Street, Morenci, MI 49256.
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Blues comes in many styles and is found all across Michigan. Lightnin Rod Wilson hails from Morenci, MI and hangs around Toledo, OH. His flavor of blues is via a tight trio of musicians skillfully working mostly original material. This small group gets big results. The Thunderbolts were fromed in mid-2003 and this album followed a year later. Wilson commmanc the vocals and guitar. Bass guitarist Peter Heydinger and drummer Don Bush complete the band roster.
Native Michigander Wilson picked up his first guitar at age twelve. He joined several rock bands in the 70's and later released three C.D's with his Christian band. Recently he was working as a solo act before forming the Thunderbolts. Wilson wrote twelve of the thirteen songs in this collection. The exception is a cover of Willie Dixon's "Hoochie Coochie Man."
The songs feature tight arrangements, bluesy vocals and fine guitar leads. I noticed influences ranging from Van Morrison to John Lee Hooker. My personal favorites are the songs "All American Blues", the upbeat "Two Shooed Boogie" and "Dreamful of Blues" in which Wilson pays homage to blues stars of the past and their music.
Big Foot Bob Shultz is a guest performer and contributes his piano and background vocals to a half dozen tunes. Shultz heads his band The Toe Tappers and was with the original Bob Seger band. Chef Chris jumps in on harmonica for several songs. Chef Chris won wide acclaim winning an International Blues Competition in Memphis with his band The Nairobi Trio and his new group The Calumet City Orchestra.
Wilson's liner notes include a brief essay on his view of American Blues and the qualities and shortcomings of life in America and states, "where else would I rather be?" He dedicates the album to the men and women of the U.S. military wherever they may serve. Wilson seems to understand that the important things in life are bigger than daily toils and rewards.
Lightnin Rod & The Thunderbolts have a solid first release and I look forward to hearing more from them. -- Wolfgang Spider
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I read the GREAT review in the Toledo Blade and found the CD on CD BABY.com. I love the cd and agree with the review. Keep playing!
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Based in the Toledo area, these guys are at their sizzling best with the rock-based stuff. Singer/guitarist Rod Wilson of Morenci, Mich., backed by Peter Heydinger of Sylvania on bass guitar and Don Bush of Toledo on drums, growls his way through some outstanding, low-down, smoky blues too. Twelve of the thirteen songs are originals on the fine album.
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