Mike Harrison, formerly the lead singer with Spooky Tooth, returns with this album after leaving the music business over 25 years ago. The reason for this self-imposed exile was due to the fate that befalls many bands and musicians that of being royal screwed by record labels specifically over royalties. Thankfully he has been enticed back by Halo Records and produced this very enjoyable blues based album, with an emphasis on the slow burning blues ballads.

Opener 'Out Of the Rain' is simply wonderful - minimal instrumentation coupled with Mike Harrison's vocals (not unlike Roger Chapman or Chris Farlowe with a slight tremor in his vocal style). 'A Fool In Love' and 'Night Time' are other stand out tracks and he has a very competent set of backing musicians (good, tight drum sound throughout the whole album).

Songs by Etta James and Ray Charles are covered and for a mellow blues album you would do well to grab a copy of this album. Hopefully he won't leave it quite so .long until he does another album!

***½

Review by Jason Ritchie

Gig review