When the animals did "House of the rising Sun" in 1964, it affected contemporary blues.Along with a lot of other changes in popular music, the dramatic quality of that song wove itself into the ongoing blues revival. Michael John's songs have that quality. His charged vocals and colorful blues harp run on pure emotion. A guest appearance by Coco Montoya lifts this session of the band's original tunes. Michael John calls his band "The Bottom Line" screaming guitar with a punchy sax and the groove machine of T-Bone on drums and Chuck Lee on bass makes this band one to keep an eye on. Both his slow, blues ballads and fast, blazing romps produce winners. Michael John and his band "The Bottom Line" are an outstanding blues band, playing real blues all over Southern California. Michael John, a very soulful artist whos vocals have a lot of raw power and emotion will readily attest to the legitimacy of his band as an up and coming force in the blues industry.-Southland Blues Magazine His debut cd "Can't Tell Me" without a doubt sits on the foundation of rocking blues. Michael John's influences are many, however two in particular that confirm his love for the blues; First in 1987 at the Palomino in North Hollywood CA, his band opened for Buddy Guy and Junior Wells. Buddy was on stage doing his thing he does so well and Michael John was sitting back stage with Junior. Junior was in the wings awaiting his call from Buddy he sat down with Michael and showed him some licks that only the Godfather of the blues harmonica can do. There's no question that Junior was one of the kindest people Michael John has ever met. Shortly after, Michael John played a benefit for Willie Dixon at the Music Machine in Santa Monica, CA. After his set Willie waved Michael John over to his table put his big arm around him and said "Man, you's a damn good singer don't you ever stop singing the blues". The rest was history. God bless both Willie and Junior. In addition to Willie and Junior, Albert Collins, all three Kings, and of course his very good friend Coco Montoya have all played a big part in influencing his life and his love for the blues. Michael John and The Bottom Line have shared the stage with The Robert Cray Band, Taj Mahal & The Phantom Blues band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds,Robben Ford,Bobby "Blue" Bland, and Rod Piazza just to name a few. This CD for $11.00 is a steal. Get while you can!