Mike Whellans ' Fired-Up & Ready' Mike Whellans COMD2101
See the video below for a little preview from the studio....
Mike Whellans is the real thing, a keeper of the one-man blues band flame that burned so passionately in the work of this highly specialised form’s masters, including Doctor Isaiah Ross, Jesse Fuller and Whellans’ great British forerunner, Tony ‘Duster’ Bennett.
Like all true bluesmen and women, when Whellans sings and plays, he means it. He can set a scene of darkness and foreboding as the Boogie Man lurks, play twelve-string guitar in the grand driving blues tradition to propel his Winding Track, and sing of hugging his baby’s deserted pillow so that you really feel his loss.
The one-man blues band is self-sufficient, of course, but as with Bennett, Whellans can call on other musicians to expand his palette and yet retain the spirit of individuality that is his major strength – even when guests such as David Bromberg have recorded their parts on different continents.
If you’re already familiar with Whellans, you’ll know to expect blues that’s fired up and ready. But if this is your introduction, prepare to hear a talent who’s not only his own man as a singer, guitarist and ace blues harpist, he’s his own rhythm section, too.
ROB ADAMS
MIKE WHELLANS – Guitar, Harmonica, Drums & Vocals, is joined by:
DAVID BROMBERG – Guitar,
MIKE KATZ - Bass & Highland Bagpipe,
PETER MEANEY - Tenor Sax,
BRIAN MILLER – Mandolin,
ALAN REID - Hammond Organ,
GRAHAM SCOTT - Piano,
ALASDAIR WHITE – Fiddle
Produced by Robin Morton
'...one of Scotland's heroes, a bluesman of amazing ability...a totally brilliant one man band.'
Mike Harding, preview of 'Fired-Up & Ready', BBC Folk & Acoustic Website 15th Sep 2008
'... Britain's foremost 'one-man' blues band...An uplifting album by a Scottish master'
Scotland on Sunday, reviewing 'Fired-Up & Ready', 5th October 2008
'Have you any idea how much your face gnawingly aches if you unwittingly maintain a smile for almost fifty-three minutes? I do, now that I've listened through this masterful Blues album!' 10/10
Loud Horizon Music, reviewing 'Fired-Up & Ready, 6th Oct 2008
'...just about the best time you can have while staying within the bounds of decency....The newly converted Seasick Steve fans should make this top notch treat their next discovery and I can't recommend it highly enough'
Zeitgeist Review, reviewing 'Fired-Up & Ready, 8th Oct 2008
'If he was American he would probably be hailed as a folk hero and ride to gigs in the back of a freight train. ...a man that knows his craft and really puts his heart, soul and everything into his blues.'
Fatea, reviewing 'Fired-Up & Ready, Sept 2008
'...sit down and listen, because you’re about to get a lesson in great music. ...this is an album from the heart... ...a great release from the one man blues powerhouse... 9 out of 10'
Die Shellsuit Die, reviewing 'Fired-Up & Ready, Nov 2008
'...Whellans delivers the goods with style and accuracy... ...a great representation of a very skilful musician... ...a superbly crafted album...'
Toxic Pete, reviewing 'Fired-Up & Ready, Sept 2008
'...packing a blinding array of material into these 53 minutes. The breathless rush as riff follows boogie on it's way to feelgood factor is often exhilarating... Engaging, well-crafted & rockin', the album's a blast throughout.'
Living Tradition, reviewing 'Fired-Up & Ready, Nov 2008
Release Date UK: 13.10.08
Track list
01 Fired Up And Ready
02 The Boogie Man
03 Going To My Home Town
04 I Want To Hug You
05 Danger Man II
06 Early In The Morning
07 Winding Track
08 Diving Duck Blues
09 Red Hot Kisses
10 Lonesome Road
11 Worried Mind
12 Nobody’s Fault But Mine/Jack 0’ Diamond
13 Pinetop Moon / Sandy Cameron
