Jimmie Vaughan – Dakota – Minneapolis, MN – October 26th 2021

Review and photos by Patrick Dunn

Jimmie Vaughan’s “The Story Tour” Performance at Dakota

Live music options in the Twin Cities this week contained some legendary artists including the Rolling Stones, but I believe the more rewarding show experience took place two nights later at Dakota with Jimmie Vaughan and the Tilt-a-Whirl Band.

As the capacity crowd assembled and explored the venue’s newly inspired food options and cocktails, there was an unmistakable sense that we were about to witness something special. The expanded stage was packed full of gear, but it was the vintage glossy white Hammond B3 with matching Leslie speaker that suggested church was about to be in session – blues style.

Jimmie Vaughan was sharply dressed, but casual in how he ran the show and conducted himself onstage. His audience interaction came across as genuine and playful with lighthearted comments like, “You might think I’m sad singing all these sad songs, but I’m really a happy guy.” He certainly came to play as was evident in the ambitious 22-song setlist that was packed full of vintage covers, solo material, and a tune each from The Fabulous Thunderbirds era and the Vaughan Brothers project. His guitar work felt rich with historical influences and broad in scope as he tackled an interesting range of styles. From Texas swing on opening number Comin’ & Goin’ to hard hitting blues on Texas Flood, Vaughan had the audience engaged and along for the ride from start to finish.

There were several elements that added to the shows entertainment value and kept things interesting. The mood and feel totally shifted during a 3-song organ trio set. Mike Flanigan’s skill on the B3 was especially tasteful on Frame for the Blues. The horn section consisting of Doug James (saxophone) and Mike Rinta (trombone) elevated the sound throughout the full band show, but particularly stood out on Baby Please Come Home. There was a surprise guest appearance by Sue Foley, who contributed a smoldering lead vocal on an unplanned version of Jimmie Lee.

To cap off an incredible show, there was a nice selection of merch available including the Jimmie Vaughan Story Deluxe Box Set and Vaughan very generously came out to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for pictures. What an absolute pro!!

(click here for calendar of upcoming shows at Dakota)

Setlist:
Comin’ & Goin’
Roll Roll Roll (Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson cover)
Dirty Work at the Crossroads (Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown cover)
Baby, Please Come Home
No One to Talk to (But the Blues)
Just a Little Bit (Rosco Gordon cover)
Trio:
Frame for the Blues (Slide Hampton cover)
Silly Dilly Woman
Hey! Baby (Bruce Channel cover)
Full Band:
You Can’t Sit Down (Phil Upchurch Combo cover)
Shake for Me (Howlin’ Wolf cover)
Baby, Scratch My Back (Slim Harpo cover)
Texas Flood (Larry Davis cover)
The Crawl (The Fabulous Thunderbirds song)
Jimmie Lee (featuring Sue Foley)
Do the Mamma Jamma
I’m Still in Love with You
Boom Bapa Boom
Encore:
Strange Pleasure
Six Strings Down
Motor Head Baby
D/FW (The Vaughan Brothers song)