The reviews are coming in for Blind Lemon Sessions — Mick Kolassa’s January 2020 Album
Reflections In Blue
The roles of the songster, singer/songwriter, storyteller, bard, minstrel, bluesman, griot, etc. is one of the most important positions in the business of making music. One major purpose behind having a band performing was to allow patrons to cut loose, have a few drinks and to lay down all the burdens of a week on the job. That was true in the 1920s, when recorded music was in its infancy and it is true today. The Blind Lemon Sessions fits that bill in every sense possible way. It is easy on the ear, entertaining, easy to dance to (if that’s your thing), easy to get lost in, gives lots of food for thought, and is just plain fun. Even in these trying times, this album makes it possible to lay all the BS aside and simply relax. No musician could ask for anything more. Mick Kolassa shows what he is truly made of…and I am impressed. This album hits all the right buttons, then turns around to hit them a second time. There will always be those who will say “It’s not Blues”, but that’s just fine…they said the same thing about Muddy Waters and countless others as well. This recording is loaded with timeless classics, original tunes that hone right in on life in the here and now and a cover of the Beatles’ “Help” that makes more sense than the original. The cherry on top is that all net proceeds from album sales go to charity. Kick, who plays 6 & 12 string guitars, baritone guitar, baritone ukulele, banjolele & percussion on the album as well as doing vocals, is joined by David Dunavent (guitar, slide guitar, banjo & percussion), Seth Hill & Bill Ruffino (bass), Eric Hughes (harmonica) and Alice Hasen (violin). This one might not feature screaming guitars and high-tech pyrotechnics, but the content is solid, the performance is superb, and it is done in a time-honored tradition. Mick Kolassa is a songster of the highest order. Even the hardcore headbanger deserves a moment now and then to regroup. This one’s a no-brainer. Give it a listen. You won’t regret it.
Bill Wilson, Reflections In Blue
