CHRIS MICHIE
Tough Love (CatchARabbit Records)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Long-time San Francisco area back-up guitarist Chris Michie is out front on his third disc called Tough Love on CatchARabbit Records. His label should’ve been called CatchARecord Records, since Tough Love is well worth a listen. Chris has shared the stage with such blues luminaries as B.B. King, Albert King, Big Mama Thornton, Buddy Guy, and Elvin Bishop. In addition to playing with a who’s who in the blues, Chris has played some of the Bay Area’s trendsetting venues like The Fillmore, The Matrix, Winterland and The Family Dog. Michie’s lead guitar sparkles on "Shaky House," an uptempo blues about life in an earthquake zone. He’s got a full band with a capable horn section that ushers in the wistful "Don’ Wanna Go," a song that gives voice to Viet Nam veterans who had second thoughts about returning stateside. My favorites include the straightahead jammin’ instrumental of "The Terminal Dog," ‘cause I can hear him bending notes just like Buddy Guy and a lot of other great blues players. Tough Love is a fun rhythm and blues record, particularly for fans of 70’s style guitar solos. In Chris Michie’s hands, these guitar parts soar. Check out his website at http://www.cmichie.com. Track List:

Use Me * Shaky House * A Bone To Pick * Evil Employer * Gimpy * Don' Wanna Go * Burning Down The Wind * Sweet Disposition * Method * Terminal Dog * Anita Shodda

© 1999 - Eric Steiner