Mikey Junior traveled east with his band from Bucks County to the Jersey Shore last month to play the Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival. After a terrific set of high-energy, harp-based blues, he dropped by the merchandise tent with his just-released CD, Traveling North. Having listened to it, I must report that this introspective collection is right up there with his best work. The ten songs include some excellent new material and covers that might surprise even those familiar with him.
All of the production was handled by Mikey’s good friend, top-notch musician Dave Gross, who also plays multiple instruments on several tracks.
The album opens with an original titled “Old Enough To Know,” which tells the story of a good love gone bad. Mikey’s fluid harp licks and mournful vocals amplify the emotion. He is backed here, and on the remaining tracks, by Matt Raymond on bass, Michael Bram on drums, and Greg Gumpel on guitar.
Continuing with the slow and sultry sound, Mikey covers a Danny DeGennaro tune, Taboo Love. Danny, a well-respected musician on the local scene who also played with national acts, was tragically shot in his home in 2011. With Dave Gross on lead guitar and Mikey on harp and vocals, they pay homage to Danny’s song while making it their own.
“You Hurt Me” stays in that same vein, with Dave delivering some fine distorted guitar throughout. Another original, “I’m Still Crazy Over You,” includes standout keyboard work from none other than Victor Wainwright, which perfectly complements Mikey’s harp.
Another Danny DeGennaro original, “Way Too Fast,” showcases memorable slide work from Josh Roberts on a track that is anything but fast. An intriguing drum pattern leads off “Brown Derby Liquor,” supported by a loping bass line. Mikey’s road-weary vocals tell the story of a drink that can “buy him a little peace of mind.” Long-time band guitarist Matt Daniels lays down some tasty licks that perfectly complement Mikey’s harp arrangement.
Mikey’s take on Bruce Springsteen’s “Cover Me” starts as a stripped-down version, with Dave’s acoustic guitar over an almost military beat. When the band joins in, they capture the essence of the song in an original arrangement that really works.
The pace picks up with Mikey’s song, “She Can Do What She Wants To,” where driving beats match Mikey’s lusty harp and vocals. A song most associated with the great Ray Charles, “Hit The Road Jack,” is turned into a shuffle highlighted by Mikey’s vocals and backed by his dad, Michael Hudak Sr., and stepmom, Robin Hudak. This track sounds like it was a lot of fun to record in the studio.
For the final song, Mikey goes back to 1960 with Willie Dixon’s “Sittin’ & Cryin’ The Blues.” Staying true to the theme of the collection, he gives it the classic slow-blues treatment with just the core band backing him. It’s a fitting way to end an outstanding collection of songs by an artist who’s really hitting his musical stride.
For show dates, merchandise and press, go to MikeyJunior.com.