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Mick Abrahams Revived Review by Gary Hill Mick Abrahams was the original guitarist for Jethro Tull. It’s important to note that when that band first started out, there was a lot of blues in their musical soul. For that reason, it should be no surprise that there is a lot of blues here. There are a number of guest musicians on this. The most notably of them are the Rolling Stones’ Bill Wyman and another Tull guitarist, Martin Barre. Fifty percent of the royalties of this album go to Kids ‘n’ Cancer. The DVD that’s included is kind of cool with interview bits and in studio stuff. This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015 Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review

Summer Day This cool rocker is the kind of thing you might get if you mixed Cream with Stevie Ray Vaughn and some stoner metal. It’s a great cut and an excellent way to start the set.

What About Us Old school blues and rock and roll merge on this fun little number. I’m not a big fan of the super-deep vocal bit, but the saxophone is a nice touch.

Elz & Aby's Jam This instrumental has a real old time rock and roll vibe. I love the guitar soloing. The horn section brings a lot to the proceedings, too.

On the Road Again I really love this take on the old Canned Heat tune. I’d say that I like this better than I do that other rendition. The vocals are better. The harmonica adds a lot, and the guitar soloing is on point for sure. It’s a great jam.

Nadine I absolutely love this Chuck Berry cover. This thing just plain grooves, and the tune is just so tasty.

Remember The harmonica on this is great, but the whole tune is so classy. This is a great old school blues jam.

I Can Tell Martin Barre guests on this cut. It’s a killer electric blues tune with a lot of energy. This is just such a potent song. It’s one of the best here, really.

I'm a Hog for You This cut stands apart because of the female vocals. It’s more of an old time rock and roll tune. It’s not my favorite thing here, but it has its moments.

Bright Lights, Big City This twelve bar blues is delivered in fine fashion. The harmonica adds a lot, but the whole arrangement is classy and classic.

Dragonfly This dual acoustic guitar solo is quite intricate and pretty. There are hints of blues here, but it’s really a lot more than that.

Boney Moronie High energy, old time rock and roll is the order of business here. A fun cut, this is another standout.

Goodnight Irene This is more or less an old school country ballad. It’s a good song, but not my thing.

Poison Ivy Featuring Bill Wyman on bass, this is a killer soulful rocker. Beverly Skeete returns as the vocalist. I like this song so much. Her voice works really well here. The whole arrangement rocks, too.

Red River Rock This instrumental has some jazz in the mix. It reminds me a bit of something Booker T. and the MGs might do overall, though.

North by North West A slide guitar duet, this is a great blues jam. It’s purely instrumental and a lot of fun.

Hungry for Love Here we get a 1960s styled rocker. It’s another that’s especially effective.

Summer Day with Hammond The closer seems a lot like the opener. It’s also one of the best tunes here. It almost feels like there’s a bit of an Allman Brothers vibe to this.

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