By Earl Douglas
Michael Hill is an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter and bad ass guitarist with nearly a half a dozen albums under his belt with his band Bluesmob and as a solo artist. He's shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the business and on top of everything else, one of the nicest people you'll ever meet in your life. I recently caught him doing an acoustic set at Terra Blues here in New York City (accompanied by the incredible David Barnes on harp) and he's never been better. It was during that set that Michael featured songs off his new CD (that he did with fellow guitarist and long time friend Colin John) entitled Fresh Folk Blues. The mutual warmth and respect that they have for one another practically oozes out of the speakers. The songwriting is on point, whether it's dealing with our former President (the country-tinged 'I've Got The Job'), the current plight of children (the hymn-like 'Face Of Every Child), complicated relationships ('End Of That Old Life, the double entendre laced, 'Undercover' and '11 Months and 29 Days') or the beauty and mysteries of women (the philosophical 'Every Woman' and 'Two Time Mama). The fact that the CD is an all-acoustic affair really spotlights the fine writing and the all-out fun that they are having. Fresh Folk Blues does not disappoint. In fact, it's already on my list as one of the year's best.
Check out the album cut "Ready for the Blues":
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This review was written by guest contributor Earl Douglas, who is also Executive Director of the Black Rock Coalition.
