It was just six short months ago that I sat here reviewing "Follow Me To The Blues", by Peter McGraw.  At that time, knowing that this - his next release - was already in production, and being as impressed as I was with that first release, I ended that review by stating that I was certainly ready for "More McGraw"....and here it is.

 

    "More McGraw" contains eleven band originals and features Peter McGraw on Vocals & Backup Vocals, Ronny Sessum on Lead Guitar & Rhythm Guitar, Hans McMinamin on Rhythm Guitar, Donny Walsh on Harp & Backup Vocals, Richard Love on Drums & Backup Vocals, Roy Powers on Keyboards & Backup Vocals, Larry Mayo on Bass and Paige Roper on Backup Vocals.    

 

    Having made it's debut on the "House Of Blues Radio Hour", it's easy to see why "Party, Party, Party!" has become the disc's breakout hit.  It's an all out jam, written by Peter, which features rowdy vocals, blazing hot rhythm, fierce guitar leads and smokin' harp.  Everyone's tearin' it up big time on this one.

 

    Things slow down a bit on a beautifully done ballad called "Big Hill".  Lead by soothing piano and organ work by Roy, the band settles into a relaxed groove and allows their star to shine - and shine he does.  This is surely one of the discs best and these are the kind of songs that Peter McGraw was born to sing.  As a matter of fact, this listener would love nothing more than to hear a whole disc of this type of ballad sung by this masterful vocalist.   

 

    Another of the discs highlights is "Ain't That A Crying Shame".  It's a funky tune featuring more great, gravel voiced, vocals along with lots of good harmony from the backup vocalists.  Ronnie, Richard and Larry highlight this one with good guitar leads and tight rhythm.

 

    I'm sure I won't be alone in my thinking that "I'm Alone" is a total masterpiece.  This is one of those songs that literally takes you to another place.  It immediately caused my eyes to slowly close, picturing the set of American Bandstand, watching my teenage peers caressing as they "slow danced".  Honestly, I replayed this classic '50's sounding track so many times, that it took me nearly 50 minutes to reach the end of this five minute recording.  Guys, you all nailed this one. 

 

    You can hear the concern in Peter's voice as he says "I Think I Lost My Mojo".  And rightfully so, we all know how that can suck.  Even his doctor said that if he didn't find his Mojo he just might wake up dead.  This one's fast and furious, and unlike the previous mentioned track, it's the fast dancers who will now be filling the floor.  Richard, Roy and Donny light it up on drums, piano and harp.

 

    "What A Shame" is a dark, yet very true interpretation of the effects of crack cocaine - not just on the people it destroys, but on the surviving loved one's as well.  This one is all about the vocals - Peter's soulful and heartfelt leads and the solemn sound of the backup singers.

 

    Other tracks on "More McGraw" include: 'My Suitcase Is Gone", "I Gotta Go To New Orleans", "They Call Me The Mad Dog", I Had The Blues" and "Wait A Minute".

 

    This is the part of the review where I usually send you to the artist's web site and suggest you pick up the disc.  However, this time, when you get to http://www.bluesdestinyrecords.com, I'm going to suggest you not only pick up "More McGraw",  but you pick up - if you haven't already - "Follow Me To The Blues" as well.  Make sure you tell Peter that Pete the Blewzzman sent ya and he's already looking forward to even more McGraw.

 

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro

Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com