Guitar Mikey: Out of the Box Review
With his latest album, Out of the Box, Canadian-born, Delta blues-rocker Guitar Mikey showcases his eclectic influences, ranging from delta blues, Chicago, New Orleans, rock and even some bluegrass. Unfortunately for Mikey, poor production and support from his sidemen leaves the listener a bit disappointed in the album as a whole.
The album gets off to a nice start, with Mikey showcasing his mastery of mandolin and banjo in a bluegrass inspired intro. However, the album drops off after that. “Blues Attack” is a nice, driving tune, featuring Billy Gibson on harmonica, as well as an outstanding piano part, which is barely audible, except during a few featured licks, due to subpar mixing. There are a number of piano solos throughout the album, but most of them underwhelm, not so much because they are bad solos, but because the piano comping is one of the best features of the album.
“It’s Goin’ Down” is a cool track, paying homage to the early, acoustic blues great Robert Johnson. Starting with just guitar, it builds into a full band arrangement and features good solos. The only knock is Mikey’s vocals, which, though not bad, are too clean for this style of music. “Blues Head” is the biggest disappointment of the album, featuring an average at best solo from saxophonist Alphonso Sanders and an argument between a blues man and his disgruntled lover. Unless the listener enjoys hearing two people argue while a band comps behind them, the track is best skipped over.
It would be unfair not to mention Mikey’s talented guitar playing. He plays great solos and fills and is clearly an outstanding musician. And he does have some nice tunes on the album: “Back to You,” “It’s a Sin,” “Blues Attack” and “Freedom Road” are great, and most of the rest are solid. But Mikey would be well suited to find some better sidemen and work with a producer, so that his talent can really shine through.
The Review: 6.5/10
The Big Hit
– That’s No Way
Can’t Miss Tracks
– That’s No Way
– Back to You
– It’s a Sin
– Blues Attack
– Freedom Road
Review by Nik Rodewald
Wow… I heard of American Hot Wax, Bill Wax, Blues Wax and now finally Ear Wax:) Obviously this author suffers from it.
I happened upon this review purely by accident looking for other Guitar Mikey CDs since purchasing “Out Of The Box”. My husband (who is also a reputable musician) and I love this CD. The production is quite good and it ending up back in our car CD player over and over since we bought it.
Aside from the poor ear of this reviewer, he also overlooks the shear freshness of the songs. They all have the edging creative “Out Of The Box” flare the so many CDs in this genre severely lack. This is one of the best I have heard in years. I strongly suggest another listen.
Not sure about the other reviewer from this site but this one should not be considered a reliable source.
This CD is at least a 9/10!
Buy it. You will not be disappointed.