Hi fellow 'Catters.
I just finished listening (for the 7th time) to our own Justapicker's CD - Justapicker & Friends, Vol. 1.
Michael Kaye ought to change his Mudcat handle to "Justahelluvapicker."
Every track on this 14 track collection is a beauty.
From Buckdancer's Choice all the way through Nazareth Pilgrim Blues, he mixes traditional tunes with covers with his own tunes.
And if you like Merle Travis, Doc Watson, Libba Cotton, John Hurt, with a little Chet, you'll love this CD.
The picking is clean and clear and best of all - extremely tasteful; no fancy hot licks just for the sake of throwing them into the mix, although there are a few hot licks here indeed.Bye Bye Bluebell (Merle Travis version) would make ol' Merle proud, and Anytime with Joanne Shaw on vocals and Rick Fielding on mandolin & Dobro makes me hit the "Repeat" button.
Shades - Michael's own composition makes me think of a Beatles' tune, expertly fingerpicked. It's not the Beatles, but it has that great Lennon/McCartney feel to it.
Joanne Shaw is a great singer and she does a magnificent job on Dylan's Don't Think Twice, with Justapicker playing guitar, piano, harmonica and anything else he found lying around the studio - a fine piece.
Rick Fielding manages to keep up quite well with Michael and Joanne. *G*
One small complaint that I have is this: I think a couple of the pieces are too short. You no sooner get into them, and are bopping along, enjoying the music and Michael's expertise when ...they're over.
You find yourself thinking: Boy I wish that one could go on a bit longer.
I wholeheartedly recommend this CD to any beginning or advanced guitar players, in fact, to anybody who enjoys virtuoso performances of any kind.
You can pm Justapicker here at the Mudcat.


Seamus