New Recording from: Michael John and the Bottom Line - Family and Friends - New Recording Review

I just received the newest release. Family and Friends from Michael John and the Bottom Line. This cd doesn't even give you a chance to get a breath before it's holding your head under water. The first track, Mo Shuffle, is really smoldering. This is a cooker with Mikey Mo Basowski kickin' in on some serious guitar work and having Eddie Z (Zelaznik) honkin' in behind him with a great tenor solo. This song doesn't slow down from end to end and is just a terrific track. My Baby's Smokin' starts off with a great sax intro and leads into a cool R&B style song with Michael J on vocals and harp, more cool guitar riffs from Mikey Mo. I don't mean to not mention the balance of this tight band: Chuck Lee Basowski (bass),Tom T-Bone Broderick (Drums and percussion), and special guests David B Kelly on Keys, Alan Mirikitani (guitar) and Jordan Clover on Organ. Lovin' You Is A Sin has a Latin beat and gives each player a chance to show his stuff. Strong Man starts off with a real cool guitar riff by Mikey Mo leading into a swampy funk. Guilty Of Loving You is a soul ballad with a shimmering guitar solo by Alan. Tumbleweed is a nice rolling party song that will likely get you moving in your seat. Vocals on this track are particularly pleasing, Mikey Mo pulls off a laid back guitar solo and Kelly lays down some nice piano work on this track as well. Hoochie Coochie Coo most associated with Hank Ballard keeps it's honky tonk style and really gets rolling. Michael J does some strong vocals on this track as well and Eddie Z keeps up the bottom with his tenor, and of course you can't do a song like this without some rolling keys! A really funky version of Crosscut Saw. I mean you can smell the funk! The entire band gets a chance to lay it down here...even Chuck gets a bass solo and does a nice job. The guitar solo near the end of this track digs deep fro just the right amount of grit. I'll Take You There is done straight out of the soul songbook and gives the entire band a great way to close out what is a very enjoyable recording. Michael J and the Bottom Line will be playing the 7th Annual Simi Valley Blues Festival on Saturday, April 28.
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