Michal Bailey's Page

Devils Ride is one of the best locally produced efforts of the past couple of years.Michal Bailey is a remarkable guitarist who claims Albert and Freddie King as inspirations,though to his credit he sidesteps any easy comparisons.He is his own player and undeniably brings some of his rock and roll backround to the project.Outside of superb takes on the Mel London classic "Sugar Sweet"and Eddie Boyd's"aint Doin To Bad"the tunes are Bailey origanals.He's a fine songwriter,good vocalist,and a first-rate guitarist.Opening with "The Rooster"his take on the sometimes cocky attitude of musicians,Bailey and the band come fully loaded and ready to play."Waiting By The Phone"features his tasty guitar work,somewhat jazzy in structure though decidedly bluesy in execution."Outlaw Blues" is a rocker that mines a few cliche,though a cliche in the right hands still impresses."piece of sky" a composition that reminds of the Boz Scaggs/Duane Allman version of "loan me a dime"is the standout piece on the disc.Bailey wrote this for a son he lost a dozen years ago and says he doesn't play it much because it's too emotionaly taxing.This is a transcendent piece of guitar work that melds deep emotion with intelligent and well thought out guitar work."overqualified"with an intro nod to Hendrix and buoyed by great organ work,speaks to the singers blues resume("I've been down so low/I couldn't find a place to hide....too many days at the mill/it's a wonder I'm still alive")and showcases a suitcase full of wonderfull guitar chops.The closing title piece is interesting enough,though it sounds like a Lynyrd Skynyrd ballad rather than a blues number.One throwaway aint bad.The rest of this is loaded with chops to spare.I can't wait to see and hear this band on stage.This is as sonically impressive(recorded at Reel Life Recorders in South Lyon)as musically captivating. Check out www.michalbailey.com for ordering info.

Mark E. Gallo
Detroit Blues Society.