Happy Hour
MoMojo, 2024
9/10
The key wizard and vocalist Mitch Woods brings us 13 songs with Kid Andersen, Larry Vann, Dave Somers and Kedar Roy on hand for the timeless blues sensibilities.
The energetic and melodic “Jukebox Drive” starts the listen with Larry Vann’s upbeat drumming complementing Woods’ soulful pipes, and “Long, Lean, And Lanky” follows with gritty singing amid Anderson’s warm guitar and plenty of dance floor playfulness.
Further along, Woods’ elegant keys make an impression across the slow burning “Cryin’ For My Baby”, while “Amber Lee” is an infectious and retro spirited album highlight that benefits much from Roy’s precise bass.
Deeper yet, “Queen Bee” showcases Dave Somers’ soaring sax via the rich landscape, and “Solid Gold Cadillac” exits with rumbling and glowing keys that are met with an animated rhythm section and Woods’ inimitable pipes.
This is Woods’ 14th album and contains all originals that are packed with boogie fun, New Orleans nods and his patented piano fueled vision that no one else can replicate.
Travels well with: Brock Davis- Everyday Miracle; Duke Robillard- Roll With Me