I am not going to try to be objective or even-handed or any of that. This is, quite simply, the best blues-rock CD I've heard this year, and can stand up well with any CD of the genre I've ever heard, including the Allman Brothers, Derek Trucks, or any of the other Southern blues-rock greats.Not bad for a guy from Wisconsin!
The band is no slouch, either. From the pounding drums that open up "More Than Meets the Eye," the first song on the track, straight through the CD, they lay down a solid background for Bobby's expressive voice. Steve Geller on bass, Joey B. Banks on drums, Jimmy Voegel on keyboards, and the horn section consisting of Pete Ross, Chad Whittinghill, and Bryan Husk, along with Bobby himself on electric and acoustic guitar and masterful dobro, set up a wall of sound that often reminds me of the great Memphis sound of the 70's, or even of Motown at times.
As for the songs, all were written or co-written by Messano except the incredible version of the Jimi Hendrix classic "Gypsy Eyes". I can't really pick a favorite, but I love the humor (such an important element in the blues) of "That's Why I Don't Sing the Blues," the jazzy "Blue Freddie" which really lets the band shine, and "Pride of the Cockney Rebels." Still, it seems almost unfair to pick those out, when every single song on here is a winner. You may find you prefer the heavy, rocking "No Soul City" or another of the ten tracks, all standouts. author: Rhetta Akamatsu

Track List:

01. More Then Meets the Eye [7:30]
02. That's Why I Don't Sing the Blues [4:10]
03. Lonely Ramona [5:27]
04. Blue Freddie [2:47]
05. No Soul City [4:32]
06. Gypsy Eyes [4:49]
07. San Antone [6:27]
08. My Life In Bags [3:41]
09. Nickels and Dimes [3:23]
10. Pride of the Cockney Rebels [6:38]
Personnel:
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Bobby Messano (Guitar,Vocals)
Steve Geller (Bass)
Joey B. Banks (Drums)
Jimmy Voegel (Keyboards)

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