Texas-born Mike Morgan returns with his 13th album of original songs, layering blues with a funky rhythm that captures the essence of Muscle Shoals and Beale Street all at once, and does a credible job. Morgan has a strong voice and develops rich melodies that stay true to blues structures and context, but also bring a slightly different sound and feel. Some of that may be the equipment, like his Epiphone Riviera with minihumbucking pickups and a penetrating tone used to good effect on “All Night Long” and “Sweet Angel.” A Strat can be heard on the title tune and “You’re The One,” though the best cut on the album may be the instrumental “Funky Thang,” which includes guest vocalists Randy McAllister and Lee McBee.

Morgan and company have been active for 20 years and deserve a wider following. The guy looks cool with that eye patch, and packs a mean sting with the Epiphone.

This article originally appeared in VG‘s Dec. ’09 issue. All copyrights are by the author and Vintage Guitar magazine. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.