Search - Michael Hill, Blues Mob :: Electric Storyland Live

Live Performance Lacking

tjp | Chandler, IN USA | 05/07/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Because of where I live, the odds of getting to see the Blues Mob live are not good. Therefore, I anxiously awaited the day when Michael Hill would release a live CD. Unfortunately, the fullness and richness of his studio CD's is not replicated on "Electric Storyland Live." The problem is not of substance but the lack of. This two CD set is comprised of only three artists except for one track in which Ana Popovic pitches in on guitar. The lack of any keyboard influence is very disappointing. Michael is Michael on this CD and is right on in his instrumentation and vocals. Bill McClellan on drums and backing vocals along with Pete Cummings on bass and backing vocals do more than just fill in. Cummings' bass is funky and driving. In many instances he is what Jack Bruce was to Eric Clapton-complementary but giving the bass an equal to Michael's guitar work. McClellan's drum work is satisfactory. He does a good job carrying the music but nothing else. As a power trio, the Blues Mob is very good but disappointing when compared to there studio work."

A good live representation of The Blues Mob

Thelonious | 02/03/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Electric Storyland is a 2 disc live release from Michael Hill's Blues Mob, which is now a power trio. The performances are strong. Hill has always been a stellar live act. This release actually has 2 new songs, "Heart Of The City" and "Something In The Sky", that lead off each disc. These are somewhat regulation blues and funk numbers that are enlivened by Hill's guitar work. What is more interesting are the incendiary versions of Blues Mob classics. "Evil In The Air", one of the best songs the group has ever written, is given an extended workout that borders on the volcanic. The funky "Monticello Nights" grooves mercilessly. "Grandmother's Blues" is angry and intense in this setting. "New York State Of Blues" swings mightily and grooves hard. "Blessings" is a Santana-styled workout with a generous helping of Hill's searing guitar work. "The Chocolate Cream Jam" combines an excellent rendition of Cream's "Sunshine Of Your Love" with a less-manic take on Cream's rendition of "Crossroads". The Bloodlines trilogy provides strong renditions of "Why We Play The Blues", "Can't Recall A Time", and "Hard Blues For Hard Times". Overall, this set captures the energy and quality of a Blues Mob show. This is one of the most underappreciated bands working."