Album review by Elaine McAfee Bender
Jimmy Wallace grew up in the Dallas neighborhood of Oak Cliff and began playing guitar at age 13. He quickly developed a great love for the instrument and has since performed with a most impressive array of national and international guitarists, such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Willie Nelson, Albert King, Todd Rundgren, Eddie Van Halen, James Burton, Johnny Winter, and Rocky Athas, to name a few. Jimmy is well known for his years of playing in a band called the Stratoblasters with Junior Clark, and the late-great Bugs Henderson.
Of notable interest is the fact that Jimmy Wallace owns the Dallas International Guitar Festival, which has grown to become the largest annual guitar event in the world. He also owns a vintage guitar shop in nearby downtown Garland. Jimmy Wallace Guitars sells, builds, and distributes guitars internationally. His recording studio is located in another building next to his house. This latest album was recorded in his own studio, Shore Side Sound, and the studio belonging to Mike Gage, Hurricane Sound.
Credits for “Jimmy Wallace & the Mighty” include engineering by Mike Gage. Production is by Jimmy Wallace and Mike Gage. Lead Guitar: Jimmy Wallace. Vocals: Mike Gage. Bass on “Pretending”: Lance Stephenson. Bass on all other songs: Uriah Stake. Drums: Mike Gage.
While Jimmy is an experienced songwriter himself, there are no originals on this latest album. Ten tracks, ten cover tunes of “WOW!!” This reviewer was somewhat skeptical that any of these great songs could possibly be done well as a cover version. Jimmy Wallace quickly blew that notion away! Take a listen yourself. You will thank me later.
These covers feature some of the best guitar licks you will ever hear, and even breathe new life into these old classics. “This album is a labor of love for me,” Jimmy says. “While I originally intended to record a few old tunes, I decided to go ahead and do a whole album of some favorites, just for fun, and play whatever comes in my head,” he further explains.
My own personal favorites are those written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. “Taxman” is an obvious pick for someone with Jimmy’s level of guitar skills. “And Your Bird Can Sing” is probably a lesser known amongst the Beatles greatest hits, but yet a perfect selection to enhance upon George Harrison’s already awesome guitar break. “Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds” is the one track I listened to most, not only for the guitar but also for the harmonies which are very well done.
I was not at all surprised to see two Jeff Beck songs on this album. “Stratus” is a guitar solo written by Billy Cobham and released in 1973. Jeff Beck recorded it in 2007. Not an easy song to play for a skilled guitarist of any level, but Jimmy Wallace does it well. “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers” is the second Jeff Beck song on the album. Written by Stevie Wonder in 1974, and recorded by Jeff Beck in 1975.
“All Along the Watchtower” was written by Bob Dylan and made famous by Jimi Hendrix in 1968. This version by Jimmy Wallace is faster than previous versions. At first, I was doubtful it should be done at this speed, but once again I was wrong! Rock out!! Easily one of the best selections on the album.
“Pretending” is a song written and composed by Jerry Lynn Williams. It was released by Eric Clapton in 1989, as first track on his “Journeyman” album. “Look At You Look At Me” was written and recorded by Dave Mason in 1970. Mason is a founding member of the band, Traffic, who also played with Derek and the Dominos, as well as Fleetwood Mac. Once again, Jimmy Wallace proves he can hang with the best.
Last but not least is “Tell Me To My Face,” written by Graham Nash, Tony Hicks, and Allan Clarke. Many listeners will immediately recognize the tune. The writers were three members of the Hollies, an English rock band formed in 1962, and active through the mid-70’s. This song was recorded not only by the Hollies, but also by Dan Fogelberg in 1978.
