 | | | ||
| Home Biography Recordings Reviews Gig Guide Video Extras Bookings Contact |
REVIEWS Why A Woman Gets The Blues (2011) Mike Garner was raised on the blues in the UK, but has lived in New Zealand for close on 25 years. His 6th album showcases his work as a solo artist and as a trio. Garner kicks off with "Devil Played The Harp", a crossroads-style tale which involves selling your soul to become proficient on the harp, which nicely sets the tone for the album. There is a light airy feel to the material here, and you get the feeling that Garner enjoys what he does. He encompasses a range of styles including gospel (the very fine "Circle Round The Sun"), bossa nova ("Dream Within A Dream"), and mambo ("Why A Woman Gets The Blues"). Most of the songs are original, including the excellent "Baby Don't Do That" with its shades of Papa George Lightfoot. Garner throws a jaunty reading of "You Gonna Wreck My Life" (aka "How Many More Years"), with some fine picking on the resonator, and very neat interpretations of "Honkey Tonk Women" and Tony Joe White's "Cool Town Woman". "Why A Woman Gets The Blues" shows that Mike Garner is a very talented musician. It is a collection of songs, all played with aplomb, regardless of whether delivered solo (guitar/harp) or with the band. The UK's loss has definitely been NZ's gain! Rating 8. This is simply an excellent album.
Besides a highly original cover of the Stones' world famous number "Honky Tonk Women" there are a variety of styles and songs to listen to, almost all equally fascinating. Another great cover is Howling Wolf's "You Gonna Wreck My Life" with Mike playing brilliantly on resonator guitar. Maybe not suggested by the title but this 11-track CD from Ode is a real pleasure. Rotorua-based blues guitarist and song-writer Garner, has previously taken third place in Nashville’s International Songwriting Competition and can claim other musical achievements in the US. ‘Why A Woman Gets The Blues’ is his sixth official release since 1999, and it’s a tasteful, professional and well-presented set of (mostly) bluesy originals. The album does feature an old Rolling Stones cover (Honky Tonk Women) and Cool Town Woman, a tune by Louisiana folk singer Tony Joe White. The songs are thoughtfully varied and coloured with different styles throughout the album; from raw acoustic blues to balmy Latin-tinged blues, to hard-living, down-and-out electric blues. There are some rootsy, pop-rock tracks included in the set, which also veers off into contemporary jazz/Steely Dan-like territory on Dream Within A Dream. The rhythm section’s arrangements and production tones are pretty much perfect, so if you have an affinity for the American roots and guitar blues genre check this disc out. I can not recall having any Blues records cross my desk from New Zealand before and I like what I hear. If this is a sample of what might be available down there then bring it on. Overall this album works really well with little clutter in the production which is kind of the way I like it. A very tasty cover of the Jagger/Richards classic 'Honky Tonk Women' is so far removed from the original to be almost a new song but of course balanced with those oh so familiar lyrics making this a highlight on an already fine body of work. So apparently this is album number six from Mike; enjoy this and go search out the others via the Internet. Kathmandu Blues DVD (2010) Cad's Alley (2007) " … a superb album complete with good songs. "Have You Ever Loved A Woman" from Billy Myles on acoustic as well as washboard and mandolin is a fantastic performance. Blues fans will continue to enjoy Cad's Alley's very interesting tunes.” " Mike Garner is a superb vocalist and multi-instrumentalis.
This is a very well-rounded, warm and enjoyable romp from the get-go, with the pace not slowing one iota. Recommended buying for all blues enthusiasts around the country" "Cad’s Alley is a very assured blues album, combining fine intelligent songs with well-planned and executed arrangements. It showcases the effortless authenticity of Mike’s voice and the range and skill of his guitar playing." "This CD is very imaginative, entertaining, and well-done. It could hold one’s interest through many playings. It is a good representation of Mike Garner’s many talents." Drivin' With The Blues (2004) "Drivin With the Blues is an album of great songs and even better performances. Mike's guitar work is a pleasure to listen to." " ... a guy that makes albums of such kind I just can't wait to put on the stereo.- Mike Garner put so much of himself into the songs that you can simply feel the ooze of love for this type country-blues." “Drivin’ With The Blues is a good record of acoustic blues and its creator, Mike Garner is a good discovery because of his skills both on the guitar and the harmonica.” Still Your Lovin' Man (2003) Steppin' Out To The Blues (1999) "It's to Mike's credit that his originals stand up well when compared to the standards they cover here. Steppin' Out should provide a benchmark for blues recordings in New Zealand." "This CD is a great introduction to the diversity and talent that New Zealand's father and son team of Mike and Paul Garner have." "These guys have a good feel that fits comfortably in your CD player. The album has some fine playing. Particularly enjoyed the last Slidin' Out track."
|
|
