Miko Marks – Hell or High Water
This Oakland, CA-based artist, performing for 2 decades, is Miko’s first blues-based album. The Flint, Michigan native crafts her music around her life experiences, the good times, the rougher times & her tight grip on hope. Some come with a little Etta James energy, Martha Reeves appeal (the original “Dancing in the Streets”) & always hot, bluesy arrangements on her persuasive tracks.
That said, 10 compelling blues decorate the Justin Phipps-produced Hell or High Water (Dropped Oct 30/Redtone Records/35:44) recorded at Red Tone Records. Makes one wonder why certain artists aren’t on major labels. This is impeccably captured. Ms. Marks has the required voice, diligence, & discipline. The first track even has that fast, exciting guitar playing I first heard on an obscure Teddy Randazzo tune, “Let the Sunshine In” (not from “Hair”), but a bluesy 1961 masterpiece.
The harmonica work’s reminiscent of Paul Butterfield on both “Ain’t Nobody Gonna Bring Me Down” & “It’s Alright.” Miko’s vocal inflections make the song indulgent, groove-deep, & incessant. Her songs penetrate the pores, enter the soul, & dance around in the head until they reach the heart.
There’s an injection of dark, rural-flavored essentials in “Death Rolls Like Thunder” & “Bound to Roam.” Someday, during a live performance, Miko needs to have Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ beside her. Justin Phipps’ guitar work is that stellar. The galloping beat in “Death” & the circuitry in the harmonica are superb. That touch of professionalism in her tone is meticulous & savoring. “Sweet Mama’s Blues” possesses a Bessie Smith acuteness. “Reaper Blues” plays like vintage Paul Butterfield Blues Band (“East-West” LP) with gusto & exuberance from the fiery harmonica, stinging guitar & Miko.
Alright, alright, alright, the next LP needs to be a jazz album to keep Miko Marks above the surface of any possible mediocrity. Take a page from Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee & Cassandra Wilson. Miko doesn’t have a deep, growly blues voice like Nina Simone, Billie, Etta, or Cassandra, but has superior phrasing & vocal range to usurp any reference to past artists.
Maybe Miko shouldn’t be on a major label after all – they’d turn her into a lounge singer doing songs like “Wind Beneath My Wings.” We can’t have that.
This is one of the year’s best blues albums. The proof is in the listening.
Highlights – “Ain’t Nobody Gonna Bring Me Down,” “It’s Alright,” “Ease My Mind,” “Death Rolls Like Thunder,” “Sweet Mama’s Blues,” “Reaper Blues,” “Hell or High Water,” “Bound to Roam” & “Freedom.”
Musicians – Justin Phipps (guitar/dobro/harmonica/piano/Hammond B3/bass/drums/percussion) & Steve Wyreman (bass/baritone guitar/Wurlitzer/Hammond B3/percussion/shaker).
CD & color image courtesy of Karen Santos. CD @ Apple & Bandcamp + https://www.mikomarks.com/