MIGHTY MIKE SCHERMER
BLUES IN GOOD HANDS
FINEDOG/VIZZTONE RECORDS
VT-FD61040
BABY DON’T STOP–HEAVEN’S ON THE OTHER SIDE–IT’S A PLEASURE–ONE TEAR AT A TIME–WORLD GONE CRAZY–BLUES IN GOOD HANDS–WAIT-ON-ME WOMAN–MOST PEOPLE–BARKIN’ UP THE WRONG TREE–TAKE MY HAND–STOP CRYING–BABY BE KIND–HEAR YOU CALL HIM BABY
Guitarist extraordinaire Mighty Mike Schermer has been a fixture on the contemporary blues scene for over twenty years. He’s been a sideman for luminaries such as Marcia Ball, Elvin Bishop, Angela Strehli, and scores of others. For his sixth overall CD, he’s proud to be keeping the “Blues In Good Hands” for all us fans. The thirteen originals also go all around the musical map, showing just how versatile an artist Mike really is. There is straight blues, soul blues, funk, and even a shot of reggae throughout these cuts, all of which deal with the struggles of everyday life. Oh, and some of his best friends are along for the ride!
Leading off is the rockin’ blues love story of “Baby Don’t Stop giving me real love,” with a cool sax break from Terry Hanck. Always remembering those we love is the theme of the sweet blues of “It’s A Pleasure,” while “Baby Be Kind” has that good ole deep, Jimmy Reed vibe, and that’s John Nemeth on the harp.
“Wait-On-Me Woman” has Mike layin’ down some fine Chicago-styled blues licks, with harp from Greg Izor, while “Take My Hand” is a rhumba romp that has Mike telling a lady that “I don’t want your number–all I want to do is dance with you.”
We had so many favorites, we are gonna get started on them. “Most People” has a New Orleans flavor, with a so-true tale of those people who “get fat while I get lean.” A no-good dog of a man is “Barkin’ Up The Wrong Tree” in Mike’s yard, and this one has a ton of good-time piano from Marcia Ball, with Angela Strehli and Vicki Randle on backing vocals. Slow blues is well-represented, too. It’s downright hot on “Baby Stop Crying,” as Mike and Tommy Castro go toe-to-toe with brilliant “dueling solos” at the bridge on this one.
Two cuts were really poignant. Actual sound bytes from news reports of the various tragedies from recent months dot the sad story of this “World Gone Crazy.” And, the title cut pays tribute to Albert Collins, Hubert Sumlin, and Junior Walker, as Mike and Terry Hanck on sax strive to “say something we can all feel” thru the power of the blues.
Mighty Mike Schermer has come out swingin’ with a strong set of tunes that really hit you in your soul. Well-conceived lyrics, excellent musicianship, and a “who’s who” of guest stars make “Blues In Good Hands” a set not to be missed! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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