The Fabulous Thunderbirds bring the blues—and more—to Carmel.

“I’m not going to start with slow blues,” says Kim Wilson, founding member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds.

That admission before the band’s appearance at Carmel’s Golden Bough Playhouse on Monday, Nov. 17 comes as no surprise. Since their beginning in 1974, and through all their iterations, The Fabulous Thunderbirds are known for powerhouse performances.

But Wilson’s method for planning live shows is more than a bit unusual: “I never use a set list,” he says. “I just wing it.”

He does keep a list of songs handy, but that’s more of a memory aid. Wilson has written hundreds of pieces—straight up blues to top 40 rockers—and it’s easy to lose track, especially after tearing through “Tuff Enuff" or “Wrap It Up.”

It’s this improvisational style that has kept the band fresh for fans—and why their concerts, as well as the new material, continues to resonate.

“I’m reading the audience,” Wilson explains. “That might take two or three songs to figure out. But whether it’s blues, R&B or rock, you still have to have some energy.”

While traditional blues has always been the T-bird’s foundation, the band’s evolution through the 1980s and on to today has them versed in soul, rock and other American musical styles. Yet they remain a throwback—driven by guitar and harmonica, with a strong rhythm and distinct vocals.

“That’s what you get with us—everybody in the band is a focal point,” Wilson says.

Joining Wilson (lead vocals, harmonica) in the T-bird’s current lineup are Johnny Moeller (guitar), Bob Welsh (guitar, piano), Steve Kirsty (bass) and Rudy Albin (drums). All were selected by Wilson.

In the wake of the 1986 album Tuff Enuff, which featured the massive hit of the same name, Wilson had a revelation. He recalls a record company executive giving him an “another one like that” nudge.

“I don’t do that,” he says. “I was writing hooks. That was ‘eh.’ Now I’m back to writing more blues.”

In fact, for next year’s tour he plans to showcase traditional Chicago blues, and may include a few of those pieces in the Carmel set. He also recorded a new solo album, which will be released Nov. 21. It includes some of the almost 400 tracks never made public over the decades. 

Wilson has been a prolific songwriter over the years. And he keeps The Fabulous Thunderbirds on the road.

“I love being in the studio,” he says. “I just love performing.”

The Fabulous Thunderbirds perform 7:30pm Monday, Nov. 17. Golden Bough Playhouse, Monte Verde between 8th and 9th, Carmel. $91-$166. (831) 622-0100, pacrep.org.