MIKE ZITO AND THE WHEEL
SONGS FROM THE ROAD
RUF RECORDS 1206
CD–INTRO–DON’T BREAK A LEG–GREYHOUND–LITTLE RED CORVETTE–RAINBOW BRIDGE–PEARL RIVER–HELL ON ME–C’MON BABY–JUDGMENT DAY–DIRTY BLONDE–SUBTRACTION BLUES–GONE TO TEXAS
DVD–DON’T BREAK A LEG–GREYHOUND–I NEVER KNEW A HURRICANE–HELL ON ME–PEARL RIVER–DIRTY BLONDE–ONE STEP AT A TIME–SUBTRACTION BLUES–JUDGMENT DAY–GONE TO TEXAS–LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE ON ME–NATURAL BORN LOVER–TEXAS FLYER
Mike Zito is one of those musicians who just can’t seem to get enough of the road. He loves the connection and interaction with the fans, and it’s obvious the feeling is mutual. His latest release, for Ruf Records, is a CD/DVD combo, “Songs From The Road.” Altho he grew up in St. Louis, his “adopted” home is Texas, and this set was recorded in Woodland at the Dosey Doe. The “home” crowd was on fire from the start, and Mike and the band feed off that energy.
For this set, Miike drew from his previous solo albums, and from some personal experiences as well. They kick off with a serious shot of funk with cool sax from Jimmy Carpenter, the dance-floor burner, “Don’t Break A Leg.” “Greyhound” is Mike’s look back at a darker part of his life, while “Rainbow Bridge” celebrates homecomings and renewed vigor for life, and Mike plays some killer slide.
We had two favorites, too. We’ve always enjoyed to rockin’ roadhouse boogie of “Dirty Blonde,” and on this set Mike offers up a waaaay-cool acoustic “Little Red Corvette.”
The DVD really makes this set complete, tho. Aside from the cuts on the CD, we are treated to bonus tracks such as “Let Your Light Shine On Me,” “Natural Born Lover,” and the rousing “Texas Flyer” that closes the concert portion. Bonus footage includes six “storyteller” videos featuring Mike and the audience.
Mike Zito has declared that he will no longer be performing with Royal Southern Brotherhood. However, he is not going to stop touring, and will continue to bring great music to us fans, just like his “Songs From The Road” collection. Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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