Tab Benoit

The tour to support 2002's Whiskey Store album featuring guitarists Jimmy Thackery and Tab Benoit is captured here in all of its raging six-string glory. Not just for those who own the studio album, this disc repeats six tracks, but they are overhauled and extended so radically (the title cut is nearly tripled in length to a nine-minute blowout), that it's far from a cash-generating retread. Although the formidable Double Trouble rhythm section stayed home, road tested Thackery's saxist Jimmy Carpenter jumps aboard, as does B-3 keyboardist Ken Faltinson, and both ignite the concert sparks substantially. Benoit, who takes the majority of the vocals, brings versions of classics like "I Got Loaded" and Otis Redding's "These Arms of Mine," as well as his own blistering "Bayou Boogie" to the set list, replacing a few of the less stellar songs from the studio effort. Thackery is also in top form, livening up Chicago shuffle-versions of Dylan's "Leopard Skin Pillbox Hat" and Percy Mayfield's "Strange Things Happen" -- the latter featuring a honking sax solo from Carpenter -- with his tough Strat attack and gritty vocals. Benoit's tighter Telecaster sound and Louisiana-tinged swampy singing offset Thackery's gruff barroom approach, and the dueling guitars complement each other even better than on the studio set. It's a rousing hour and 15-minute performance that displays each guitarist's strengths and approach. But more importantly, it shows how their differing styles can accent the music without overburdening it with meandering solos. ~ Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide