Mission Blues - I don't Live There Anymore

I love the picture on the CD cover.  It has always taken me back to "my" old days and my old friends when I look at it.  I'm a small town Indiana boy and can really relate to the whole vibe of this CD.

The CD was recorded at Awestruck Studios (www.awestruckstudios.com) with several additional players as special guests.  The core of the band is what drives this CD however. When you open the CD you get a 3 page insert printed on both sides about the CD, The Band, and of course their music. In their own words, "These songs are just a few of the snapshots from our travels, an expression of the emotions and memories that make up who we are."

There are those who try to play the blues, those who play blues, and those who know the blues. These guys in my opinion know the blues.  Their lyrics sound the heart.  From the very first song till the live recording performance at the end - it's a great listen.  The first song "Hour Of The Storm" sets the pace with a freight train thunder of movement.  Strong harmonica, organ, and the guitars keep your attention.

You could earn a certificate in Theology memorizing the words to "Better Off Dead". That song has a great Jazzy blues vibe to me that makes me want to hear it again and again.  The sound of the horns and lead guitars was a great mix to listen to.  Good stuff!

These songs really embrace the reality of Christian living. "You Belong To Me" speaks to whatever your worries with money, work or regrets, you have been set free and "you belong to me". This is a great slow moving blues tune that can turn your hurting to hoping.

The other songs on this CD were equally great with super progressions for blues, finger-nail licks, and grunting guitar sound, but I have to say my favorite is the title song "I Don't Live There Anymore".  How many times I have run into old friends after I became a believer, and had to say "I been changed to the core and I don't live there anymore".

Mission Blues of this CD:
Bill Fields "Tico": Drums
Bob Wiseup: Bass
Kevin Gregg: Alto Sax
Tim "Doc" Caudill: Guitars / Vocals
Gary Pycior: Harmonica and Percussion

Note: Josh Parks is now their new lead guitarist and shares the vocals.  There may have been other changes but all changes only enhanced their sound.  They just keep getting better and better.

~ Ron Richards