Mick Kidd With David Blight – Menu Of Sin | Album Review

Mick Kidd With David Blight – Menu Of Sin

Self-produced CD

10 songs – 42 minutes

www.mickkiddblues.com

Singer/guitarist Mick Kidd and harmonica player David Blight are a familiar pairing in the blues scene of southern Australia and follow up on their well-received album, Winter Sun, with this interesting collection of what Kidd terms “slidin’, stompin'” acoustic blues.

Based out of Adelaide on the south-central coast, Kidd’s been working as a bluesman professionally for the better part of three decades and has also delved into the world of electric rock when fronting symphony orchestras in Darwin and his hometown for multiple Pink Floyd tribute events.

After their debut release climbed to the Top 10 of Down Under blues charts, Kidd captured the prize for outstanding male performer at the 2014 South Australian Blues Awards and they won in the solo/duo category, too. They represented the Adelaide Roots & Blues Association at the 2016 International Blues Challenge, surviving three nights of competition to reach the quarterfinals.

A gifted songwriter and storyteller, Kidd created nine of the 10 originals on Menu Of Sin himself, teaming with Blight on the other. Several of the tunes came about as a result of their experiences at the IBCs in Memphis.

The disc was captured at Cashel Street Studios in Adelaide and features Mick on resonator, acoustic, electric and bass guitars as well as stomp box. Blight handles harp throughout and contributes vocals on two numbers. And they’re augmented by D.D. McGee, who sits in on drums for three tunes.

The album opens with Kidd on resonator for “Deja Vu Blues,” which he delivers vocally in a clear, pleasant tenor. It’s an interesting tune that describes the repeating troubles — from writing checks he’s no longer able to cash and much, much more. Blight’s simple harp lines are in the background as Mick’s out front strumming chords until they stretch out a little for a mid-tune break.

The action gets more interesting on “Good Enough For Me,” which features Kidd picking on slide and David stretching out a little. The message is that it doesn’t matter what the situation might be, the singer’s ready to accept the hand that he’s dealt. McGee joins in for the title cut, “Menu Of Sin,” which invites the listener to sit at the table, before Blight takes command of the mike for “Miss Beehavin’,” a tasty country blues suggestion that a lady change her wild and cheating ways. His harp skills come to the fore during the solo.

An extended instrumental section introduces “Cut You Loose,” a slow-blues song of parting, before the duo pick up steam again for “Last Fly In Memphis,” a powerful number built on a steady guitar hook. The insect on the wall has been there for an indeterminate length of time on Beale Street — and he’s seen it all. Bright delivers “Born To Be My Crime,” a tune that describes someone with a quiet disposition who’s out for revenge and knows it’s best to serve it cold.

The mood brightens for another propulsive number, “A Waste Of Time Well Spent,” which begins as a coming-of-age tune and progresses into a search into the future. The tempo picks up dramatically for the southern rocker “Heaven, Hell Or Harrogate” before the instrumental “Going Home” brings the action to a close.

If you’re a fan of modern acoustic blues and looking for something different, this might appeal to you. You can buy it or download it through http://mickkidd.bandcamp.com.

Please follow and like us:
0