Customer Reviews

New York State of Blues

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4 star:		(2)
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This is the third album from Michael Hill whose 1994 award-winning debut Bloodlines had critics slavering. The New Yorker was instantly dubbed as the man to take blues into the next century. That's quite a label to carry, but he carries it well here.

Hill's brand of blues is sleek and shiny enough to be MTV friendly while still chugging along sufficiently for the purists. As if to demonstrate his feet's occupation in both camps, the old and the new, Hill follows the traditional melancholy of "Soul Doin' Time" with the upbeat "Young Folks' Blues".

Hill points to Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana as his guitar influences while his vocals display an equally impressive depth and feel.

One of the album's two cover versions is a highlight: a slide guitar treatment of Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City".

A passionate and utterly compelling singer,songwriter and guitar virtuoso and his band at work...better watch out!Gritty blues,streetwise vocvals,funk leanings,soul, Stevie Wonder,'Papa Was a Rolling Stone'-name your topping.If there ever was a NY school of blues,this is the founder.

This is the first time I have every felt compelled to write a review. But, I love this CD. The power and soul of this music forces me to find out when they will be in chicago and do what ever I have to, to be there!

Michael Hill is arguably the best all-around performer in the blues genre. He is a compelling singer, songwriter, and storyteller. He is a guitarist of amazing depth and breadth, melding Rock, Blues, Funk, and R&B into a fluid and melodic musical thrust.

New York State Of Blues is an excellent effort from Michael Hill and the Blues Mob. All of the songs are of high quality, particularly "Long Hot Night," "Papa Was A Rolling Stone," "Soul Doing Time," and the title track. As great as this CD is, This band is even better live.