As promised last month, here’s a look at Mike Sanchez’s new CD. Like the previous collection Just Can’t Afford It, it’s released on his own label and, unlike the previous collection, it’s exclusively rhythm’n’blues, some rockin’, some slow, but all with that distinctive Sanchez stamp. The only original composition in the set, ‘Fast Train’ is a hard driving up tempo opus that powers along, with bassist Al Gare and guitarist Andy Silvester in particular shovelling on the coal.
Mike’s road band (Gare, Silvester, tenor saxist Al Nicholls and drummer Mark Morgan) are heard to great effect throughout the album and harp blower Ricky Cool (the original frontman of the Big Town Playboys) guests on the down-home ‘Everyday, Everynight’ as does trumpeter Dave Priseman on a fine version of Smiley L’s ‘Shame, Shame, Shame’. Popularised (if that’s the right word to use) by Bobby Vee, ‘Someday’ bounces along splendidly as does a take on Brook Benton’s ‘Hurtin’ Inside’. Billy Myles’ ‘Tell Me Who’ is a good jiver for those who like to jive (I dunno – I can’t jive!)

The title track was first known to me through a version by Jim Reeves and the slow shuffle utilised on Gentleman Jim’s cut has been replaced by a steady, loose beat on Mike’s. Good guitar from Andy S. More blues sounds abound with Little Walter’s ‘Come back Baby’, Slim Harpo’s ‘Strange Love’, the excellent ‘I Miss You So’ and Young Jessie’s ‘Well Baby’. The Sanchez vocal chords are given a thorough workout on Big Danny Oliver’s ‘Sapphire’. ‘Love My Baby’ is a song beloved of all Sun worshippers and Mike’s version combines the vocal phrasing of Junior Parker’s original with the musical approach of Hayden Thompson’s rockabilly cover. The Ruth Brown songbook is plundered for ‘I Wanna Do More’ and a brisk run through Tarheel Slim’s ‘Wildcat Tamer’ concludes a fine set. Or does it? Prospective buyers take note: there is an extra, unlisted track at the end of the CD, a nice version of Charlie Rich’s ‘Rebound’.