If I were to start a review by saying that the CD I was about to write about was the new release from a "Bayou Country" Bluesman, everyone would immediately know the area of my reference and most of you would even have good guesses as to whom I may be reviewing.  I wonder if I'd get the same kind of acknowledgement if I said the CD I was about to write about was the new release from a "Bison Country" Bluesman?  Of course not!

 

    As it so happens, The National Bison Range is located just outside of Missoula, Montana - home of Bluesman Mike Bader.  Being the best known bluesman in an area where the American Bison roam,  makes MIKE BADER the "Bison Country Bluesman".  There's a name for your next CD, MIKE.

 

    "MATCHES MY FEELINGS" is the second release by MIKE BADER.  Having reviewed, and certainly enjoyed, his first release - "CLEARCUT CASE OF THE BLUES" - back in November of 2004, it was a "clear cut" pleasure to hear from MIKE again. 

 

    On "MATCHES MY FEELINGS", MIKE BADER on guitars and vocals and writer of all songs, is joined by the rhythm section of LARRY HIRSHBERG on bass and "BZ" BRANDON ZIMMER on drums - the nucleus of his three piece band.  Special guests include TOM "T-BONE" GIBLIN on keyboards, JOAN ZEN on vocals, JASON HICKS on saxophone and TOM BADER, BOB BADER and DAVE BADER (whom I'll affectionately refer to as the "BAD ASS BADER BROTHERS", respectively on harmonica, drums and bass. 

 

    The opening track,  "WRONG NAME WOMAN" describes a situation that, to say the least, would put a strain on any relationship - being called the wrong name by your mate - YIKES!  The highlights on this one appear in the very long instrumental jam in the middle of the track.  While the rhythm section locks into a nice dance groove, MIKE puts out several very hot guitar solos.

 

    On "DEFIES GRAVITY", MIKE encounters some very disturbing obstacles in his quest to rid himself of his lady.  Throwing her in the ocean, weighted down with chains, as well as throwing her out of a moving airplane both seem to fail.  After all, she does defy gravity.  This one features all the BADER BOYS with TOM'S hot harp being one of the tracks highlights.

 

    Along with lots of great guitar work by MIKE, "CALL ME THE GRIZZ" features some of the best sax work on the disc.  JASON definitely highlights this track.

 

    "BEEN GROUNDED" is another track by the BAD ASS BADER BROTHERS BLUES BAND.  It's the second of two tracks, on "MATCHES MY FEELINGS", where they all perform together.  This topical cut is about something that's giving us all the blues......being grounded - by the price of gas.  This track features great blues guitar throughout.

 

    Regardless of where you live, it seems you'll have a cross to bear when it comes to the phenomenon common to that area.  I deal with in Florida in the form of hurricanes, Californians have earthquakes, Midwesterners have tornados and MIKE BADER has to get out of the way of "SMOKIN' BUFFALO".  As he says on this track, which features excellent harp and Piano by the two TOMS, "there's nothing you can do, but step aside and let them through".   Good advice from the "Bison Country Bluesman".

 

    As the title might indicate, "JUMP SHUFFLIN' BLUES", is shuffle that gets the guys in jam mode.  Everyone's sounding great on what, in my opinion, is easily the discs best track.  Very reminiscent of the late great Little Milton's "(HEY, HEY) THE BLUES IS ALRIGHT", this one will get you movin'.

 

    Remember, if your travels should ever take you to Western Montana, besides dodging those buffalos, make sure your you look up MIKE BADER and tell him the Blewzzman sent ya.  Another way to check him out is by simply going to www.mikebaderblues.com.