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Cascade Blues Music Reviews Michael Osborn,Touch Tone |
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Cascade Blues Music Reviews Michael Osborn,Touch Tone |
Music Review Reprint from the
September, 2004 BluesNotes
By Greg Johnson
Michael Osborn is no stranger when it comes to working his way around a fretboard. He’s been playing a guitar almost his entire life and has had the distinct fortune to work with many of the finest Blues musicians the West Coast has had to offer, including a lengthy stint behind the legendary John Lee Hooker. During his career, he has also released a handful of worthy recordings, three of which can be found on California’s Blue Rock’It label. But, it has been far too long a period since that last album came out in 1996 and you just knew that Michael had to be bursting at the seams with some incredible music wanting to be heard. The wait was well worth it, believe me.
“Touch Tone” ends an eight-year drought without any new Michael Osborn material. Not that he hasn’t been laying down some tracks over those years, some appearing on this latest self-produced CD first placed onto tape back in 1999. Those three numbers were recorded while he was still residing in Northern California and feature a handful of time-tested musicians including Dewayne Pate, Steve Hazelwood, Ron E. Beck and Gabriel Ford. All are instrumentals and Osborn originals. Michael’s guitar soars with extremely rich tone that leaves you hanging with him on every tasty note.
Most of the album, though, has been pieced together over the past two years. Michael had moved to Portland in late 2001 and sat back watching the local Blues scene. He made an acquaintance with harmonica master Bill Rhoades that developed into a professional relationship and paired the guitarist with perhaps the perfect foil for his music. Joining Rhoades’ band, The Party Kings, placed Michael in one of the tightest outfits working in Portland today. On this solo outing he has brought all of the members on board and you just cannot expect any better than what you hear. It’s brilliant! Johnny Moore’s drums and Tom Szell’s bass provide essential backbeat while Michael and Bill trade vocals and instrumental bursts. This is not a band, it’s an ensemble. All equal parts combining for a heavy dose of some of the most refreshing Blues heard yet this year.
There is no lull found on “Touch Tone.” The album is complete from tracks one through 12. The only flaw is that it ends. I could go on listening to this CD endlessly. Hope we do not have to wait another eight years for the next one.
© 2004 Cascade Blues Association