Michael Messer

From page 95 of Classic Rock Magazine February 2003



Cover of February 2003 issue.
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'Second Mind'

(Catfish) Having shaken up the British blues scene a year or so ago with his 'King Guitar' album and his stunning slide playing, Michael Messer is in no mood to sit back and rest on his laurels. His knowledge of the blues may be encyclopedic, but he's no purist. 'Second Mind' plunges onwards and upwards, his traditional styles infused with an undercurrent of modern grooves, scratches and beats.

The opening 'Locomotive Skin' is vibrant and busy as the vocals and harmonica jostle against the jangling repetitive riff. But as the riffs relax, the spaces open up and the scratchy rhythms start adding a subtle, fresh dimension to the blues. 'Big Winds' gets positively dreamy and hypnotic as the beats swirl around Messer's growling vocals; 'Jinx Alright' grooves along with the hellhound of Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup's 'That's Alright Mama' audibly on Messer's trail; the jazzy, country blues of 'Riverboat' leads to an intriguing scratch 'n' drum solo; he does, however, veer off course for the Stonesy 'Love' and the rather uncomfortable ballad 'Shine On'. But this album is really about invigorating the blues — again.

***** Hugh Fielder HIGH CONCEPT

A refreshing take on the new urban blues from a player of talent

Various Artists
Pilot To Gunner






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