Hard-edged Blues, Stax/Volt-oriented Soul, and classic Rhythm n’ Blues predominate. Johnny M’s facility for uncovering the quirkiness in everyday situations is revealed via such endearing delicacies like Brown’s Line and Mimico Bus. The wistful I Like Women may offend some, but that’s just the way it is with Johnny whenever he puts on his witty raconteur hat. And once Johnny’s hearty, full-throated tenor and Kevin Higgins intense and searing guitar accelerate into high gear--then fasten up your seat belts folks. They pull out all the stops from their bag of tricks to induce a lump in the throat, or a tear in the eye. Especially on Albert King’s Angel Of Mercy, but also with Motherless Children--or the gospel-drenched Walking In Jerusalem. Other battle-scarred veterans of the Blues wars have been enlisted, including bassist Uli Bohnet, drummer Duncan McBain, and keyboard maestro Martin Aucoin. The other great news is the song quality: It is exceptional, meaning the new stuff carries as much weight and substance as the covers. Starting off with Please Don’t Go, which expands upon a familiar Blues idea, then re-shapes it into a grind ‘n’ boogie groove. Tough as well-aged leather! The title track is a “shake n’ bake” number originally done by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee. Cooks with gas! Whatcha Gonna Do is a pure revelation, a huge leap forward in terms of raising the bar on what’s to be expected of their material. Long Gone Train is another stirring accomplishment, very reminiscent of the Stax/Volt soulful sides that used to regularly sail from the legendary Muscle Shoals studio. Mad At Me is another crackerjack of a song, a swinging tale of babe-induced aggravation. When the chorus chips in, henpecked guys the world over will wanna wail along. Crazy yet cute! Shake ‘Em Down features Johnny at his suggestive best, a nifty shuffle featuring some deliciously greasy slide guitar work from Kevin. Ride and Roll is easily their most mature, and accessible release ever. MP3 - Please Don't Go | surf to www.johnnymaxband.com