Family Style
Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a helicopter crash on August 27, 1990, just as the first single from this CD, the beautiful Motown/soul-inspired workout "Tick Tock," was about to climb the charts and make the blues-rock hero an international superstar. Thankfully, he was able to make this delightful and laid-back album with his brother. For Jimmie and Stevie Ray, it was a kind of spiritual reunion. Jimmie had followed Stevie down the path to sobriety. These New York City sessions were a spirited celebration intended to mark the beginning of their musical partnership. While some tunes sound like the result of mere jamming, "Telephone Song" is one of Stevie's best numbers: an elegant blues shout with screaming guitar breaks. And Jimmie's B-3 organ-like textures on steel guitar astound.--Ted Drozdowski