Album: Traveling North, October 2024
Can’t Miss Tracks: Taboo Love, Crazy over You, Cover Me
Label: 8th train records
Mikey Junior has become a fixture in the Philadelphia blues scene over the last decade. Earning a reputation for crafting some of the most soulful, authentic music in the Northeast. Known for his incredible skill on the harmonica and his rich, honeyed vocal delivery, he has spent years honing his craft. With his latest album Traveling North, he has undoubtedly raised the bar. This is the 12th album in his impressive collection, and it might just be his best work to date.
A Self-Taught Prodigy
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Mikey Junior’s journey into blues music began early. Growing up as the son of a professional musician, Mikey was immersed in music from a young age. By the time he was 18, he was already a seasoned veteran of the local music scene, making waves with his self-taught prowess on the harmonica and his deeply emotive singing style. Now in his 30s, Mikey has spent half his life releasing quality albums and captivating audiences with his ability to fuse classic blues influences with his own distinctive sound.
An Introspective Collection
Traveling North was produced, recorded, engineered, mixed, and mastered by BMA-nominated multi-instrumentalist Dave Gross, a longtime friend of Mikey’s. Gross, who also contributes lead guitar, rhythm guitar, keys, and percussion across various tracks, has helped elevate the album’s already impressive lineup of musicians. Joining Mikey in the studio are some of the finest players in the genre: Matt Raymond on bass, Michael Bram on drums, Greg Gumpel on guitar, and the incomparable Victor Wainwright on piano and organ. The result is a gritty yet polished set of urban blues that showcases Mikey’s deep connection to the genre while still pushing the boundaries of his sound.
The album opens with an original track, Old Enough To Know, which sets the tone for the emotional depth that follows. Mikey’s heartfelt vocals and fluid harmonica lines tell the story of a relationship gone wrong, capturing the pain and disillusionment of loving someone who wasn’t ready to commit. The song’s haunting vibe is perfectly complemented by Greg Gumpel’s fretwork, making it an unforgettable opener.
Capturing emotions
The album continues with Taboo Love, a tribute to late Philly guitar legend Danny DeGennaro, written by DeGennaro himself. Mikey and the band pay homage to his memory while making the song their own, with Dave Gross’s stellar guitar work and Victor Wainwright’s soulful organ adding to the track’s depth. The emotions continue in “You Hurt Me,” a slow-burning ballad featuring some excellent distorted guitar from Gross, as well as Mikey’s impassioned vocals.
Musical Guests Elevate the Sound
Another standout track is I’m Still Crazy Over You, which features remarkable keyboard work from Victor Wainwright. This poignant tune offers a moment of introspection, as Mikey reflects on the need to slow down and let go of a past love. The mood shifts once again with “Way Too Fast,” another Danny DeGennaro composition, where Mikey teams up with slide guitarist Josh Roberts for a memorable track that defies its title. The song has a languid pace, perfectly capturing the feel of a relationship that’s moving far too quickly.
Mikey Junior’s take on Gary Primich’s Brown Derby Liquor provides a moment of introspection and bittersweet acceptance. The track features a solitary drumbeat and a deep bassline, which sets the stage for Mikey’s road-weary vocals, capturing the solace he finds in a drink that offers him “a little peace of mind.” Matt Daniels adds some tasty guitar licks that complement Mikey’s signature harmonica lines.
Harmonica Mastery on Display
The pace picks up with She Can Do What She Wants To, an upbeat track that showcases Mikey’s playful side. The song celebrates the woman who does as she pleases – burning dinner, leaving dishes in the sink, or running the streets – but Mikey is more than okay with it, and his infectious joy comes through in every note of his harmonica.
While Traveling North explores themes of heartbreak, longing, and self-reflection, it also showcases Mikey Junior’s ability to find joy and beauty within the pain. The album is a testament to his growth as an artist – his harmonica tone is sharper, his vocals more confident, and his songwriting more poignant than ever before. It’s clear that Mikey is not only a talented musician but a true artist who continues to evolve and create music that speaks to the soul.
A Unique Take on Classics
One of the album’s most surprising moments comes with Mikey’s rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s Cover Me. The stripped-down arrangement, with acoustic guitar and a military-style drumbeat, captures the essence of the song in a fresh way. When the full band kicks in, the song comes alive in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.
The album closes with a heartfelt rendition of Willie Dixon’s “Sittin’ & Cryin’ the Blues, a fitting conclusion to an album that’s been as much about struggle as it has been about celebration. Mikey’s take on this classic blues track is slow and contemplative, with the core band providing a simple but powerful backing that lets Mikey’s emotion-filled harmonica take center stage.
Conclusion: A Must-Hear Album
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Mikey Junior or just discovering his music, Traveling North is an album that demands to be heard. With a powerful mix of original songs, heartfelt covers, and top-tier musicianship, it’s a collection that stands as a testament to the enduring power of the blues. Mikey Junior’s name is already being mentioned in the same breath as the greats, and it’s no doubt that this album will further cement his place among them. Highly recommended for any fan of the blues, this is an album that will stick with you long after the last note fades.
