Wildcat Tamer

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "Wildcat Tamer" by Kirk Fletcher from his 2022 album Heartache by the Pound, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving to its raucous energy. This track, a cover of a 1959 Tarheel Slim song, gets a funky, soul-stomping makeover in Fletcher’s hands, transforming it into a high-octane blues-rock number. According to a review on The Rocking Magpie, it’s one of the most uptempo cuts on the album, evoking the spirit of Otis Redding at his finest. Fletcher recorded this song at the legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where he tapped into the venue’s historic soul vibe. In a Vintage Guitar interview, Fletcher revealed he played "Wildcat Tamer" on a baritone guitar, which was mixed to sound brighter, adding a unique twang to its rollicking rhythm. The song features a standout barrelhouse piano solo by Reese Wynans and punchy horn accents, making it a perfect fit for a lively radio set.

Fletcher’s take on "Wildcat Tamer" showcases his ability to blend classic blues with a modern edge, a skill honed over decades. In a SoundInDepth review, the track is praised for its dense instrumentation and change of pace, highlighting Fletcher’s spirited resilience. The song’s bluegrass-rockabilly vibe, as noted in a Velvet Thunder review, surprises listeners with its twangy guitar and boogie piano, showing Fletcher’s versatility. He’s described as letting his hair down on this track in a Maximum Volume Music review, suggesting it’s a moment of pure fun amidst the album’s deeper emotional themes. For Zoo Freaks craving trivia, Fletcher’s choice to cover this obscure Tarheel Slim tune reflects his time crate-digging in Switzerland during the pandemic, where he explored European blues and soul records, as mentioned in a Big Hassle bio.

Kirk Fletcher, a Los Angeles-born, Nashville-based bluesman, began his musical journey in the church, where his fiery fretwork first took shape. Growing up in Compton, he played regularly in front of his father’s congregation, as noted in a RAMzine feature. This gospel foundation infused his playing with soul and passion, which later blended with his love for blues legends like Albert King and Jimi Hendrix. Fletcher’s career took off as he collaborated with icons like Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton, and Hubert Sumlin, and he spent time with The Mannish Boys and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, as detailed on his official website. His work with Joe Bonamassa, including performances on Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks and Live at the Greek Theater, elevated his profile, with the latter hitting #1 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums Chart. A five-time Blues Music Award nominee, Fletcher’s solo career, marked by albums like Hold On and My Blues Pathway, has earned him acclaim from Guitar World and Living Blues Magazine.

Today, Fletcher’s music resonates with fans worldwide, and you can stay connected with him through his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where he shares updates on tours and releases. Fans can also join the Kirk Fletcher Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant community of supporters sharing concert photos and discussing his latest projects. Another fan-driven space is the Kirk Fletcher Blues Facebook page, dedicated to celebrating his contributions to the genre. For Zoo Freaks digging into Fletcher’s soulful sound, these platforms offer a deep dive into his world, from his gospel roots to his electrifying performances.