Dubuque, Iowa
By Phillip Smith; Sep 13,
2015
Electricity came to Dubuque, Iowa
last night in the semblance of Black Oak
Arkansas. Founding members, front man Jim
“Dandy” Mangrum and guitarist Rickie
Lee Reynolds joined by fellow band mates, drummer Johnnie Bolin, guitarist Arthur
Pearson, bassist George Hughen,
and backing vocalist Samantha Barnes, played their asses off in harum-scarum
fashion to a crowd of dedicated fans who continue to keep the faith. The venue, Eronel, is located in the basement of the historic Cooper Wagon Works Building. Originally constructed in 1895, its stone
walls and arched passage ways reminded me a little bit of images I’ve seen of the
Cavern Club in Liverpool. This made for a very cool intimate setting
for the show.
When Jim Dandy took the stage, donning his signature black leather,
patch-adorned vest atop a cool as hell black tank with a silver skull emblazed
on the front, there was no doubt this was going to be a fantastic show. I could feel the energy heighten as BOA broke
into “Plugged in and Wired” off their newer album, Back Thar N’ Over Yonder. This one really got the adrenalin flowing.
It was so good to hear “Hot Rod”, a
favorite filled with double entendres and peppered with Jim’s maniacal laughter.
I also grinned from ear to ear as they
played old favorites, “Uncle Elijah”, “High ‘n’ Dry”, “Happy Hooker” and “Hot
and Nasty”. The later in which Jim Dandy pulled out the
washboard. But when they played “Lord
Have Mercy on My Soul (Halls of Karma)”, chills shot down my spine. It is a phenomenal song and was a definite
crowd pleaser.
Prior to performing “Heartbreaker”,
Jim spoke a few touching words about a certain ‘spitfire redhead’ who died 20
years ago and sang this one in honor of Miss Ruby Starr. The band also paid tribute to Johnnie Bolin’s brother Tommy
Bolin with a beautifully played “Post Toastee”.
Saving “Jim Dandy” for last was
pretty much a given. Most everyone was
singing along as the show sadly came to a close. Every time I see this band, I
feel lifted and energized. They surely
are a band I will try to catch live every time I get a chance.
* All Photos by Phillip Smith
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