An acronym for “Music Of The Universe,” MOTU is the stage name for singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Dr. Richard Michelson, and this collective’s 22nd album (!) -- The Water Is High -- delivers addictive and downright phenomenal female-fronted blues rock. True to its subtitle (“Songs of Love, Lies, and Freedom”), the album covers a lot of ground both musically and lyrically.
From the fat blues-guitar solo Michelson unleashes on the opening track, “I’m Just Here Playin’ in this Band,” to the playful mandolin solo in “That Last Summer Breeze” to the spacey sitar on the fun instrumental “Lovely Day for a Moon Walk,” The Water Is High showcase a rich range of musical styles. Equally influenced by the likes of John McLaughlin, Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Beck, MOTU features Dee Michelson on understated but spot-on vocals, Ed Modzel on drums and Bob Rush on keys and harmonica. Michelson’s gruff vocals also show up on the title track and a handful of other songs. He wrote all of 10 pieces here, too, and his guitar tones ooze attitude while his music makes you think.
This album’s sun-drenched cover? Its impeccable attention to musical detail? Its diverse styles and moods? Lyrics that matter? Clearly, all of that suggests that The Water Is High is not your typical blues-rock album. And it demands your attention.
Track Listing:
1. I’m Just Here Playin’ in this Band
2. The Water Is High
3. That Last Summer Breeze
4. The Brotherhood of Man
5. Are You the Man I’ve Been Waiting For?
6. Lovely Day for a Moon Walk
7. Can We All Rise Above?
8. Don’t You Worry, It’s Gonna Be Alright
9. I’ll Fly Away
10. Walk With Me For One More Mile
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