Monster Mike Welch Nothing But Time (CD)

(Gulf Coast) 14 tracks
Welch opens Nothing But Time with the powerful, B.B. King-inspired “Walking To You Baby.” Immediately, Welch is fully switched-on and swinging for the fences. His guitar lines are audacious and bold, as are his vocals. The horn-enhanced band swings hard behind him and gives him plenty of space to fly. You can easily tell how good he feels to be back in the hot seat.

Robert Johnson’s eternal 'If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day' becomes a revved-up, train beat rocker with a down-home vibe in Mike’s grip. Rick Estrin guests on harp and does himself proud. Welch’s voice is urgent and full of soul and sounds like he’s singing right in front of you. This is real, ragged-edge blues and the energy it creates is what this thing of ours is all about.

In contrast, Welch’s title track '’ve Got Nothing But Time' is laidback and deeply funky. Mike wails with a sweet vintage tone overtop of a chilled-out beat sure to get people moving wherever it’s heard. Figure in the horns and backup singers and you’ve got yourself a proper party. It’s a fun song and one of the best on the set.

Monster Mike Welch proves that he’s 100% back in the saddle all over Nothing But Time and the album will come to be known as another high-water mark in his blues career. He’s a guitar arsonist and a vocal force to be dealt with who is now recovered and ready to go harder than ever before. This is fine work from one of the top artists making roots music today. Listen loud and love it!