Kim Wilson has been leader of his flock of Fabulous Thunderbirds for more than 30 years, but he's never been more excited about the group's potential than now.
"This is the first time in my life the Fabulous Thunderbirds have been in a band mode," Mr. Wilson said. "It's a real band. I'm really happy about that."
Being in that mode, he explained, involves the band members thinking about the group's overall potential and not just about themselves.
"They are young guys, but very mature musically," he said.
The band, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, released its self-titled debut album in 1979. Since then, there have been more than 25 members of the Fabulous Thunderbirds and more than 20 albums. The band's hits have included "Tuff Enough" and "Wrap It Up."
A lot of Thunderbirds have flown the coop, but Mr. Wilson has kept the band alive and has had no problem finding appreciative audiences.
The band will perform June 21 in Watertown as part of the Disabled Persons Action Organization's Summer Concert Series.
The band has found lots of fans in Europe, where the Thunderbirds have regularly toured since 1980. Mr. Wilson spoke from Finland for this interview. The band's last concert at its latest European gig was Saturday at the Isle of Man, United Kingdom.
"It's been fantastic. We've had some great shows over here," Mr. Wilson said. "Europeans are traditional-minded."
The Fabulous Thunderbirds started out by performing classic blues songs. Mr. Wilson, 58, was born in Detroit, the son of a General Motors worker. He developed his musical skills in Minneapolis and in Austin, Texas, where the Thunderbirds were formed by Mr. Wilson and guitarist Jimmie Vaughn.
NO BARRIERS
Mr. Wilson said the band now performs a hybrid of American musical styles — not only blues, but rhythm and blues, soul and rock 'n' roll.
Mr. Wilson, who also tours with his traditional blues act, the Kim Wilson Blues Revue, is enjoying working with the four new members of the Thunderbirds: Jay Moeller on drums, Johnny Moeller and Mike Keller on guitar and Randy Bermudes on bass.
"I knew them when they were in their teens coming to my shows," Mr. Wilson said. "They are very creative. We can do things I haven't been able to do in the past. They don't have barriers, and I'm really proud of them."
Mr. Wilson's talents have garnered him multiple blues awards and Grammy nominations. The Blues Foundation named him Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year in 2006. His "Lookin' for Trouble" was named blues song of the year by the foundation in 2004.
The late Muddy Waters called Mr. Wilson "the greatest harmonica player to come along since Little Walter." Mr. Wilson plays harmonica on the soundtrack for the 2008 movie "Cadillac Records."
Mr. Wilson's strong voice also has not faded, as evident in the video, "Do You Know Who I Am?" It's a song that receives a strong response when the band performs it on tour. It's on an album the Fabulous Thunderbirds will release in September.
"It's kind of a political song," Mr. Wilson said. "It goes with the times — about people needing to care about their fellow man and not being apathetic."
Mr. Wilson said the band has found artistic freedom by not depending on a record label to put out the new album.
"We did it all ourselves," he said. "We funded it ourselves and we'll even distribute it ourselves. We've got a really great project here."
SURVIVORS
Mr. Wilson admitted it's a tough time to sell records and tickets, but added that the Fabulous Thunderbirds have weathered the economic storm pretty well.
"I'm surprised and gratified," he said. "Comparatively speaking, when I see the climate out there, I say, 'Wow! Thank God people are sticking with us.' And, we're having a ball."
Mr. Wilson may still be playing the blues, but he is a survivor, and he's teaching his new bandmates essential musical-survival skills.
"We've always come out on top," he said. "This band has always been exempt from the rules."
NEWS FEEDS
