Saw J.Geils Band many times, and also the guitarist play with Magic Dick in the side project Blues Time. He was a solid musician, an able but not flashy soloist, a man providing drive and rhythm in a band that was unfailingly tight. His accomplishment was founding that rare band of white musicians who could turn their love of black music -- blues, swing, r and b, old school rock and roll--and create a distinct, original sound for themselves. They made some great records, wrote some fine tunes, and they were a fine live act, no small thanks to Mr.Geil's ideas and contributions. ---------- Ted Burke tburke4@san.rr.com
For a young harp enthusiast, coming of age in the mid to late seventies, these guys inspired the hell out of me. Their high energy music was tailor made for a young man brimming with testosterone. Even now, I still love this stuff.
Last Edited by Garlic Breath on Apr 12, 2017 5:03 PM
I saw the J Geils Band back in 1973 in Little Rock. It was the best concert that I've ever seen and I've seen a lot including the Rolling Stones. There was only about 1000 people at the show but they played like they were playing for 50,000. I think they did 4 encores. That was the first time I heard Whammer Jammer. The next day I went and bought all 3 of their albums they had out at the time.
In the early 70s I wound up w/ 2 free tickets to see them @ the U of M in Ann Arbor. I had never heard of them but what a show from the entire band. Then Magic Dick did his thing and blew me away. Since then I've always had their "Best of" album in one form or another.
Magic Dick started out playing the trumpet for a few years; I think that has a lot to do with that very "trumpety" (in a good way) punch he has. That, and he's the tongue-slapper from hell (also in a good way. )