look: Mikey JR - Look Inside My Pocket - (Self-produced) 1830 - BUY

listen:

All About You

Look Inside My Pocket

Down At The Juke Joint

buy:

We are always on the lookout for new talent. I met Mikey JR at the IBC last year and he handed me a DVD that tells his story about his work playing the Blues. This 26 year old harp player from Trenton, NJ is HOT! I was anxious to hear this new CD and it tells me that Mikey JR is not only up and coming-he's here with a bang!

Mikey JR didn't win at the IBC last year in Memphis, but he's going back this January to let the folks see how far he has come. I wouldn't doubt he could end up a finalist. He's a great writer, with clever and thoughtful lyrics. He's a great harp player, especially on chromatic harp. He plays close to the bone and is true to the roots. Some things here I especially liked.

With outstanding band members, Matt Daniels on Lead Guitar, Jimmy Pritchard on Bass, and Adam Stranburg on Drums, Mikey JR's job is made easy. These guys do a great backing job. "All About You" is a TUFF cut, and is really what their music is about -great harp solo and vocal. "Cheapskate" has a real West Coast beat and attitude, mixing in a little rockabilly. Nice guitar and harp solos. The first venture on the CD into chromatic harp, but it works great because it's simple and clean. "Happy Anniversary" is a warm cut into chromatic sound and has a mysterious intro. This is deeper than any cut so far, with ironic lyrics about that "anniversary", but it's clever and new. Deep guitar solo that you want more of. "I'm Broke" has edgy bass, with stabbing guitar. A real surprise so far, but it sure feels good. Being broke isn't new, but Mikey JR takes a turn on this one. "I wish I could change, but I don't know where to start". That's the secret to earning too little playing the Blues. Great harp stuff on this one. "I Ain't Your Baby Now" makes me want to slide across the floor on this one, cause I just saw her move her hips. Still, Mikey just tells her how it is. I agree with Mikey, "I ain't your baby now" -- Love and lust move in mysterious ways.

"What Have You Done" is a little piece of the 50's & 60's style of Chicago Blues that just jumps along in that intimate shuffle that keeps the people on the dance floor. KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) is the earmark here and some very nimble harp is the key. Mikey JR has learned not to overplay and it shows here in a very simple way. "Down At The Juke Joint" is the right thing here. Nothing starts exactly correct and yet it starts and moves along just like the Hill country music and the Delta influence. Boogie harp and no prisoners taken, this piece is as true as if Mikey JR came from Holly Springs or Como, MS. Nice touch to the CD.

We will be looking at Mikey JR this year, and I hope it's a great year for him. Try his CD through his online site-www.mikeyjunior.com. Better yet, go to the IBC in January in Memphis. Mikey JR will be there blowin' the Blues.

(©) 2006, Gary W. Miller
BluesSource.com