Philadelphia, known more for its rhytm & blues than traditional blues, is nevertheless the home to some outstanding blues musicians including harmonica virtuoso Steve Guyger, the sultry young singer Gina Sicilia, and the up-and-coming, hardworking blues harp standout Mikey Junior.
Mikey Junior, who often homesteads at the Twisted Tail in Philly’s South Street area, has embraced a musical style reminiscent of the great post-war Chicago electric blues legends. A full-time musician by the time he finished high school, Mikey Junior has been playing blues harmonica professionally for about a dozen years. With a style reminiscent of the late great William Clarke, he has the passion and dedication to become an elite harmonica player. With an engaging personality, he is also an energetic supporter for other upstart blues musicians in Philly, regularly hosting open jams at the ‘Tail.
Traveling South, Mikey Junior’s eighth album since 2003, is a solid, inspired effort. He provides straight-forward electric blues from the train-like title tune through to the end. Other album highlights include the bumping, thumping “Morning On My Way,” the rocking “Katie Lynn,” the tortured “You,” and the gritty closer, “Trying To Do The Best I Can.” All the songs were written by Mikey Junior except the title tune, which was written by British blues impresario Mike Vernon, and “Bad Time Blues,” written by the late Danny DeGennaro, who had been a Philly area musical fixture before being murdered in a robbery attempt in late 2011.
Traveling South was produced by Dave Gross. Playing with Mikey Junior on the album are guitarists Gross and Dean Shot, with Jeremy Baum on keyboards, Matt Raymond on bass, and Michael Bram on drums.
About the author: Bill Wilcox is a roots music enthusiast recently relocated from the Washington, DC area to Philadelphia, PA and back again.