Always In Between - Mike Pinter

CD review by Chris LeBrane

If you are into a mellow type of rock with electrical and acoustical elements, then Mike Pinter is the man for the job. Always in Between manages a certain continuity feel, while at the same time offering nine uniquely original tracks. Pinter, backed by James Fogle (drums), Chris LeBlanc (bass), and Daniel Lee (guitarist on "Someday"), showcases some strong material with interesting melodies and meaningful lyrics. From the bright-sounding KLSU staple "Lucy" to the use of drum programming on "West" and the emotional "She Means Well," the album is a hybrid collection of melodic rock songs. The incorporation of expressive rock playing appears to be exclusively for accentuation and emotional feeling, rather than for the excuse of just playing loud. Pinter blends in rock guitar with acoustical influence for a sound that shouldn't be put into a category of alternative, but rather singer/songwriter rock.

Adam's Attic

CD review by Vincent S. Slaven

What is the best way to deal with a messy break-up with your girlfriend? You could either mope around your crib staring at pictures of her and think about calling her every five minutes, or you could do what Joe Henry of Adam's Attic did - go out and write a CD. Out of these feelings of a relationship gone sour, Henry formed the band Adam's Attic with his younger brother Derek on keyboards and friend Scott Boaz on drums. The result is some surprisingly upbeat songs with garage band sound to them.

Their second album, Adam's Attic, was produced by former Deadeye Dick guitarist/songwriter Caleb Guillotte. This seven-song collection is a tight mix of poppy three-chord anthems and deep haunting ballads. Joe Henry, who doubles duty on guitar and vocals, writes some surprisingly catchy guitar hooks on songs like "You," and his melodies are infectious. The first song on the album, "Superman," has a very simple, catchy melody that you will find yourself humming in your head all day long. Adam's Attic also handles ballads pretty well, writing some that have a lingering feel of Counting Crows and Fuel to them. Songs like "Ode to Maria," which has a catchy chorus, and the haunting ballad "Today," which has one of the most creative vocal melodies on the entire CD, are just a couple that are worthy of mentioning.

You have to give Adam's Attic props for all they've accomplished so far. In their short two-year stint on the New Orleans music scene, they've already made numerous television appearances, including an interview from the MTV staff. They have also headlined at the House of Blues and the Hard Rock Cafe, along with many other hot spots along the New Orleans/Baton Rouge area. These guys are definitely on the rise and have a bright future ahead of them, as their second album clearly indicates.

Michael P. Miller ~ "Homeward"

CD review by "Hoodoo Jimmy" Simpson

Michael P. Miller, singer/songwriter/performer fronts his California based band Blue Stew. While the band has had 3 CDs released, "Homeward" is Michael's first solo CD release. "Homeward" contains 11 songs penned by Michael, and one song "Lonesome Town", penned by Thomas Baker Knight and recorded by the late Ricky Nelson.

With a fine blend of acoustic, electric and slide guitar work, Michael makes a sincere emotional statement with each lyric as well as each note played. From the title cut, "I'll Be Walking Home Today" through the final cut "Homeward Bound", he tells a story of love, joy, sadness and sorrow that pulls right at the heart. This is solo Americana/Gospel blues at it's best, and seems to only grow stronger with each play. Accompanied with a keen wit, a present tense understanding of the roads of life, and with little regret Michael tells his stories of friends, of lovers and of life. His humor is best exemplified by his learning the lessons of life through "The Gospel According To Paul", and the bitterness of relationships through "Holes In The Wall."

Were you to take the rough edged sincerity of Tom Waits, mix the underlying lyrical irony of Lowell George with Ry Cooder's sublime mastery of guitar, you might find the roots of Michael P. Miller's music. Then again, Michael has done more than nourish these roots, he has become a forest in the trees.... fatdaddy music/silk city records/www.bluestew.com

River Babys ~ "Thicker than Water"

CD review by "Hoodoo Jimmy" Simpson

I wrote a little about the Riverbabys in last month's Hoodoo Review, and have since gotten hold of their 2000 CD release, "Thicker Than Water", on Sugartown Records. This young band will be representing the Lafayette Blues Society at the 2003 International Blues Competition in Memphis this coming february.

And rightfully so. From a haunting B3 organ in the opening cut, " Hoodoo Moon", to Juan Michael Nunez's acoustic, electric and slide guitar work throughout the CD, there is an unrelenting vibrance and energy that permeates every song. Eight of the eleven cuts penned by Nunez, exemplify his drive on guitar, and are driven by a hard working bass and drums. No frills here, no production gimmicks......the music feels as honest as the lyrics. Juan's acoustic work on "Blood" and "Summer Noodle" aptly show his musical and lyrical skills on the softer side, while the band's rendition of "A Walk On Guilded Splinter's" would make it's author, Dr. John, very proud. And there's a little surprise at the end!! This CD is modern blues/rock, performed under a southern "hoodoo moon", with strong rhythms and a bit of Sonny Landreth feel to the magic.

I wish these guys the best in Memphis next year, and won't be surprised to see them "take it all".

Thicker Than Water

Produced by Michael Juan Nunez and the Riverbabys. Sugartown Records

John Fred ~ "Somebody's Knockin'"

CD review by "Hoodoo Jimmy" Simpson

I was a high school kid all the way up in Detroit, Michigan when all of a sudden John Fred's 60's hit "Judy In Disguise" hit number one on every radio station across the country. Close to 35 years later, John hasn't relinquished one bit. Proof is in his 2002 CD release "Somebody's Knockin' ".

Produced with a lushness and drive reminiscent of a Springsteen album, John shows a bit of lament for those days of youth, yet puts forth as strong a performance as ever. "Down In Baton Rouge" and "That's What I Like About The South" show his strong love both for the beautiful women and for the style of life we live here.

Friend Lynn Ourso's "Pensacola Fever" is another haunting and driving tribute to our Southern shores.

But when you want to "kick out the jams "M#*F*&%ker", as was a popular Detroit number back in those 1960's, put on track number 6, turn it way up, and "Keep It Rockin' ". John Fred will blow your socks off with this tune. I'm doing it right now!! TJ Records,LLC 2002