My introduction to this flamboyant and charismatic guy was at the 3rd Annual Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue at Ground Zero in Clarksdale, MS back in May of 2008. That night he showed the audience the meaning of "taking the stage by storm". Out of nowhere - and quite frankly I don't recall if he was introduced, or even invited - he came flying up to the stage, did a tremendously aggressive harp solo in which he absolutely blew his brains out, then he flew from the stage as quickly as he had appeared. Although cheering wildly, many of the people in the room - myself included - didn't even know who he was. Once I found out his name, I knew that one day I'd be happily writing about Mikey Jr.

Being a mere baby by blues standards, "It Ain't Hard To Tell" is this thirty-ish year old's sixth release. On it Mikey Jr, on harmonica and vocals, is joined by Matt Daniels on guitar, Jimmy Pritchard on bass, and Adam Stranburg on drums. The disc contains fourteen tracks of which about 60% of them are covers, 40% of them are originals with 100% of them being very well done.

The title track, an original called "It Ain't Hard To Tell", pretty much lays the ground work for what you'll hear on most of the tracks.... Tight rhythm, great harp and a hard vocal style similar to none.

I think Mikey and I - and possibly a bunch of you as well - may have a common friend. He's that guy that never spends any dough and disappears whenever the bill comes around. You know him, right? Sure you do, his name is "Cheapskate". Obviously there are none of them in the band because everyone's putting in more than their due on this one. Smokin' rhythm, fiery guitar leads and wailing vocals and harp. Real good stuff.

A slow jazzy type instrumental is a perfect way for Mikey, and the rest of the band as well, to catch their breath and "Chitlin Con Carne" is just that. Interjecting relaxed harmonica and guitar leads into the mix of a smooth, steady rhythm create a wonderfully mellow melody.

Another original track, titled "You All Alone", features some of the discs best guitar work. It's just a few seconds over two minutes long but that's enough time for Matt to have Beethoven rolling over.

It's a low down dirty thing when you call your baby and another man answers the phone and "Telephone Blues" is about as low down and dirty as this disc gets. The gut wrenching vocals, the mournful sounds of the harp, and the scorching leads on the guitar equally convey a pronounced feeling of pain.

Two instrumental tracks on which Mikey is noticeably missing in action are appropriately, and quite cleverly, titled "Mikey's At The Bar" and "Mikey's Out Back". They were obviously recorded while he went for a cocktail and then for a cigarette or some fresh air. Both tracks feature amazing guitar and rhythm work from Matt, Jimmy and Adam. While he's at the bar, the guys got into a fast and frenzied jam and when he's out back they slow it down to a very relaxed and mellow pace. Regardless, both tracks are great.

For more about Mikey Jr check him out at www.mikeyjunior.com. Once you're there, think about picking up some of his music and make sure you tell him the Blewzzman sent you.

Interestingly, when Mikey Jr sent me this disc, he also sent one from his band mates - Matt and Jimmy. I'm happy to say that they will both be featured in my next two reviews.