Turquoise Blue
Dark Idol, 2022
8/10
A blues-rock guitarist who knows his way around a tune you won’t soon forget, Micki Free is in the company of Gary Clark Jr., Steve Stevens, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram and Cindy Blackman Santana across these 14 memorable rockers that tip their hat to Free’s Native American heritage.
“Riding 420” opens the listen with plenty of ruggedness and tunefulness as Free’s blues-rock unfolds with warmth and grit, and “Bye 2020” follows with thick guitar, thumping drums and well timed organ as Free discusses all that was bad about 2020 in his sturdy rock’n’roll presence.
Further along, “All Along The Watchtower” puts an inimitable spin on the classic song with a dynamic, soaring pulse that showcases the strong guitar work superbly, while “Judicator Blues” moves with a timeless blues spirit that’s power and melody amid the charming organ prowess.
Inching towards the end, “Ring Of Fire”, which is not the cover you might think it is, swirls with poetic wordplay and classic rock flavor, and “Blues Memories” exits with cozy acoustic guitar and some playful atmosphere as a softer formula finishes the very well thought out record.
There’s a good reason why legends like Carlos Santana and Billy Gibbons are praising Micki Free, and if you listen to this lyrically topical and eclectic version of the blues you’ll likely find yourself a fan, too.
Travels well with: Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free; Billy Price- Dog Eat Dog