Mick Reid

"The Man is indeed a solid record, original in sound and scope, a fine example of Australian-based electric blues."

"Beginning with the chug and grind of ‘Seems To Me’, The Man immediately stamps its intentions, letting you know straight up what you’re going to get - swampy grooves and melodic twists, razor sharp slashes of guitar, the thump and bump of a tight rhythm section, Reid’s voice riding the wave nicely."

“What I like most about this record then, is that it isn’t a straight-down-the-line blues record. Of course, after even a cursory listen it’s easy to tell that blues is the base ingredient here, but it’s not 12 tracks of 12-bar - it bucks that trend and utilises the blues to launch off and do its own thing.”

"There’s a heavy rock’n’roll influence underpinning the whole record, there’s a distinct boogie to everything here, and given Reid uses both electric and acoustic guitars, it gives the record a scope a lot of other Australian blues releases fail to capture."

"…definitely marks Mick Reid as one to watch on this blues scene of ours - solid effort."
- Samuel J. Fell - Rhythms Magazine

This seven track CD has it's feet well heeled in the blues, but doesn't get bogged down in it, throwing in a good variety of styles, including great funk and soul. Up front are the the genuine talents of Mick Reid on harp and vocals and slide guitar backed by guitar, keyboards and rhythm section.

Complimenting the five original tracks are two cover. There is a honest version B.B. Kings "The Thrill Is Gone" and Petty/Hardin's "Not Fade Away". It's a brave move by any outfit to cover BB's signature tune , but Mick and the band pull it off nicely. Tributes to a few blues masters are acknowledged in the jungle beat of "Not Fade Away" with a seamless segue into "Who Do You Love" as well as to Willie Dixon and The Wolf in "Evils" complete with a "Spoonful" back-beat throughout.
The keyboards move into the the fore in the jump boogie instrumental of "Stumpy's Jump" and soul of "Feel Like Cryin' ".

It's hard not to rave about this release - the fact that you can't pigeon-hole it is one of it's greatest assets. It's got the lot.

Tight playing, diverse subject material, and most importantly, the music itself - standard blues, rock'n'roll, funk, soul and boogie.

My only criticism is its brevity - it's all over too soon!
Highly recommended.

Peter Cummins, The Blue Room
3SER-fm, Melbourne - Peter Cummins, The Blue Room

See this crew live and chances are you will be joining the queue for this disc after the show...

... this time he is back with Mick Reid on harmonica and percussionist Benny Owen to back his growl and flying fingers.
The result is a gutsier set of electric blues, fired up up by Fraser's lap slide guitar. And it captures a fair representation of the band's live show's verve.


Lee Howard - Melbourne Herald Sun. - Lee Howard - Melbourne Herald Sun

...Passing The Time is heavily drenched in the frieght train steady twang of the lap steel, layered under and between some deluxe and decidedly underused harmonica, solid percussion and a bit of didgeridoo thrown in just to confuse/delight you even further.

Having seen the band live, I can vouch for their enthusiasm and passion for their music. Fraser, the elder statesman of the Trio, is content to sit and play, he's the base of the band, and it's a stark contrast to Owen behind his assortment of percussive instruments; I don't think he stopped smiling or hitting something for the entire set.

Boston born Mick Reid's consumate Mississippi sax skills, although not used enough on Passing The Time, are magic none the less.

Sam Fell - Rhythms Magazine - Sam Fell - Rhythms Magazine