What makes this acoustic trio truly unique is that, whether playing originals
or cover songs, it authentically carries on the Piedmont Blues tradition.
A rare find in this day and age.
Merritt is a real Renaissance woman. This renown visual artist and
electric bass player extraordinaire now adds harmonica to her life's
arsenal. Also of note, Jackie, as recorded here, is a wonderful songwriter --
taking contemporary observations and cloaking them in traditional blues
forms.
Spicer is the anchor of MSG. His notes are soulful, but crisp and clean,
and his timing is impeccable. Feels like he inherited his "Piedmont thumb,"
the defining characteristic of a Piedmont Blues guitar player, from
Piedmont legend, John Cephas. The torch has been passed.
Gibbs is the main vocalist. She has perhaps the richest voice, with the
widest range, that I've ever heard. Her voice will set this CD apart from any
similar blues recordings. It will warmly wrap itself around you and
simultaneously chill you to the bones. No words can adequately describe it.
And, her percussion work is icing on the cake.
