Product Description
MIKE HENDERSON - LAST NIGHT AT THE BLUEBIRD NASHVILLE
RELEASE DATE 07.11.2025. ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!
MIKE HENDERSON
Last Nite At The Bluebird Live!
Qualified Records.
A Nashville fixture, the late Mike Henderson made his mark with his songwriting skills and multi-instrumental talents. He received numerous awards, including a Grammy and several from CMA (Country Music Association) in addition to multi-platinum hit records. He was a founding member of the Steeldrivers, a band that also featured country star Chris Stapleton. The Fabulous Thunderbirds covered his original, “Powerful Stuff.”
But for those in the know, Henderson was a brilliant slide guitar magician with an abiding passion for blues music, with four albums under his name, including two outstanding titles with his band, the Bluebloods. For 25 years, he held down the Monday night gig at the famed Bluebird Cafe, which typically featured the finest singer/songwriters in a setting where total silence is the rule while artists are performing.
That rule flew out the window when Henderson took over the stage, a point he makes clear to the audience in the opening slow blues, reminding them that there are two rules for the evening. “#1 is no drinking on the gospel songs. #2 – no gospel songs!”
Once the band tears into a super-charged rendition of “Matchbox,” the party is in high gear. The leader belts out the lyrics to the familiar tune, with Kevin McKendree encouraging him at every turn with his fiery piano playing. Even more impressive is a cover of J.B. Hutto’s “Too Much Alcohol,” Henderson’s razor-sharp slide runs cutting listeners to the core. The pace slows down for the classic “One Room Country Shack,” transporting listeners to a neighborhood bar on Chicago’s South Side, with stellar interplay between Henderson and McKendree.
“When I Get Drunk” is another rowdy walk on the wild side while “Have A Good Time” gives Henderson an opportunity to blow some solid harmonica licks in tribute to Big Walter Horton. As they do throughout the album, veterans Steve Mackey on bass and Pat O’Connor on drums lay down a relentless rhythm on “Pay Bo Diddley,” with Henderson offering a plea for the powers that be to give the legendary artist the money he was due.
It is fitting that Henderson closes the proceedings with a nod to another slide master, Hound Dog Taylor, with “Gimme Back My Wig,” complete with a primitive beat, pumping piano fills, and Henderson’s gut-bucket six string wizardry.
Two years ago Henderson left this world unexpectedly. We can be thankful that McKendree decided to make this live session available on his record label. To sum it up, it is not for the faint of heart. The band is playing from the heart, making joyful music that at times cuts like a knife. Mike Henderson was the real deal. Make sure that you give this one a listen.
– Mark Thompson