Mike Morgan and the Crawl Plays Dallas' Pearl 11-24-07 - Dallas, TX - "Innocently listed on the Pearl calendar as "Mike Morgan and the Crawl" insiders knew what was really scheduled. The house filled as more and more fans filed in the door. We caught Mike Morgan and the Crawl's appearance at the Pearl in downtown Dallas Saturday night. For those of you that aren't familiar with Mike, you are missing one of the greatest guitars in the business some of the coolest songs. We paid a $5 cover and watched a $500 concert from the front row. I doubt there's a bad seat in the Pearl. High energy, doesn't begin to describe a Mike Morgan guitar performance. Get the CD's and crank them up to 10. It still ain't live. Go back in time and catch Jimmy Hendrix, SRV, Chuck Berry or any other "great", you wouldn't have seen a thing until you saw Mike Morgan spit "six-string fire" live. Mike plays with a hard driving authority that defines a Texas musical heritage for those good enough to put their own stamp on it. Blessed by God with a talent that can make grown men weep at the sound, you may only hear a guitar like that once in a lifetime if you are lucky. After a solid series of original compositions Mike brought up his friend and the perfect compliment to his explosive sound, the all original Randy McAllister. A series of amazing duets and tunes cranked up the energy to a whole new level. With over 300 plus recorded compositions on over 18 albums these two artists currently define a genre so exciting it takes your breath away. The crowd was treated to a duel concert with two of Dallas' musical legends on the same stage. When not solo, Mike was sharing vocals with Randy, until Randy brought the harp out for a jaw dropping, howling that brought the packed house to their feet. Sonny Collie on bass was the ever-animated, playful, consummate bass player with some heart rumbling solos of his own that proved why long time musical veteran, Sonny, is a star in his own right. Only the best on the Pearl stage this night. The third part in an occasional three part harmony. The drummer was perfect, I think it was Brian Ferguson. It takes a lot of drummer to keep up with Mike Morgan and Randy McAllister in the same show. Brian delivered. I've been to concerts for over 40 years and never witnessed anything like Saturday November 24th 2007. There's something special about a Mike Morgan/Randy McAllister/Sonny Collie event. You should have been there. I can't say anything more." - Music Critic - World Entertainment Network MORE ABOUT THIS MUSICIAN/BAND MORE ABOUT THIS VENUE The Greencards at the Granada in Dallas 11-09-07 - Dallas, TX - "It was my pleasure to experience The Greencards at the Granada on Greenville Avenue in Dallas. Music with a passion surpassed only by it's execution. Pure musical genius at so many levels. The Greencards were nothing short of spectacular. It would be an understatement and misunderstanding to define this band by a genre, culture or continent. I watched an exhibition of transcendent exuberance. It was a celebration in sound. The Greencards are capable of delivering a bluegrass theme framed in Appalachian tradition, flavored with a freshness that I would call "the twist". It might have just been my imagination, influenced by the knowledge of their Australian origins, but at times I thought I caught that Australian influence in the haunting under-tone of Aboriginal didjeridoos produced by the viola and fiddle of Eamon McLaughlin. It seemed like a nod to a cultural influence carried by The Greencards across continents and time. Carol Young the group's lead singer and bass player was stunning with sensitive ballads and three part harmony when Kym Warner, on Mandolin, joined Eamon for vocals. Eamon's fiddle was, at times, both sensitive and haunting while capable of sucking the last breath of oxygen from the theater in a cyclonic furry. The instrumental solos were life memories. Folk, country, bluegrass or Americana, I heard it all with a genre smoothing elegance. Carol was a lesson in charisma, playing an electric bass guitar with a grace un-match by any bass player I have ever seen. Kym's exhibition on mandolin was inspirational. I have rarely seen fingers so unencumbered by the mechanics of an instrument that the expression of the music was absolutely unaffected. The Greencards delivered a soul fillingly, culturally rich, modern, original interpretation, of traditional folk music that resulted in two standing ovations. The solos alternately moved the audience to tears of appreciation and extreme exhilaration. The Greencards are surprising. It was a concert of a lifetime. I highly recommend their latest CD "The Greencards Viridain" and a ticket to every performance you can make." - Music Critic - World Entertainment Network MORE ABOUT THIS MUSICIAN/BAND MORE ABOUT THIS VENUE Randy McAllister's Tuesday at the House of Blues in Dallas 09-05-07 - Dallas, TX - "A rainy night in downtown Dallas started in the best way possible with Randy McAllister and his Band on a "House of Blues" stage in the urban hot spot they call "Uptown" in downtown Dallas. The "House of Blues" in Dallas is still a newcomer, a welcome addition to the Blues rich Dallas tradition. Long an internationally recognized Blues citadel, local Dallas' Bluesmen past and present have earned the respect of the music world as culturally influenced innovators. Randy McAllister has been proclaimed one of the best by Big City Blues and others, selected with Eric Clapton as one of two artists nominated in three international categories for Australia's Blue Star Awards. Randy McAllister has won accolades for his high energy performances, cross genre compositions and last night proved why. Playing a mix of Blues, Roots and Americana with Latin influences, Randy McAllister, an inspired Matt Woodburn on guitar and Billy Acord on bass started with some of Randy's latest releases from his "Dope Slap Soup" album. Harp solos by Randy and guitar solos by Matt were only surpassed by the counterpoint duets that danced in irresistibly haunting melodies, pure genius. If you've never heard this band, you've never experienced the sounds and lives of Texans. Randy explores the archetypical Texas in lightening flashes of inspiration better played in larger rooms without Plexiglass barriers. Chandeliers should rattle just as his music rattles the soul when Matt Woodburn lets loose with a melodic East Texas woodsman's howl. Randy and the band took the night into unrecorded territory with at least three amazing original compositions that aren't even on disc. Randy is known to have hundreds of unrecorded compositions with only a fraction recorded even with 8 solid CD's released. Some of his best work like "Perfect Day" is still only available live. If you didn't make it out last Tuesday, you still have time to experience this. Randy McAllister will be at the House of Blues every Tuesday in September. Make plans to see the remaining three concerts. I personally guarantee it will be a life memory." - Music Critic - World Entertainment Network MORE ABOUT THIS MUSICIAN/BAND MORE ABOUT THIS VENUE Flying High While Staying Low Down Artist: Randy McAllister Released: November 20th 2006 Label: Freedom First Records - Indie Management: Busthead Management "Hang on to your seats! "Flying High While Staying Low Down" is truly the best of Randy McAllister. With tracks selected from two of his hottest albums plus 5-tracks from his upcoming album "Dope Slap Soup", the combination highlights the rich melodies and attention grabbing lyrics that make Randy McAllister the latest, greatest Texas talent. Each of the tracks serves to broaden the spectum that is Randy McAllister. If you've missed this Grammy Nominee, time to tune in. Randy may be one of the hottest multi-instrumentalist, singer/song writers performing today. For anyone that wants to discover overwhelming talent that just makes you feel good. Listen closely, you'll experience the brick rattling thunder clap of a music legend! 'Flying High While Staying Low Down' is lightning in a bottle!" - Review by - Entertainment Wire Service MORE ABOUT THIS MUSICIAN/BAND Mike Morgan's "Stronger Every Day" 11-24-07 - Dallas, TX - "First let's talk about Mike Morgan on guitar. You have to, it's his album and that means six string solos throughout. He plays like his guitar is a second voice. Watch him for a year and you will never see everything he's got. Watch him for 10-years and you might figure out he's a moving target. He plays his own style. I'd call it lightening spine, flash powder guitar. He can drive from a bass note to a soprano frenzy with a passion that will take your breath away. No comparisons possible. Mike Morgan is a living guitar legend. Blind men in a 10,000 mile radius know when Mike Morgan picks up the guitar because the small hairs on their arms stand straight up. It's just a Texas fact. Musicians who know, come from cities and towns hundreds of miles away to hear this man play anywhere, anytime he's about to take the stage. Musician that don't, aren't. It's a respect thing. That little commentary is just the background you need to know before you put "Stronger Every Day" in the player. Listen it's a pleasure. "Stronger Every Day" is 67 minutes of inspired musical composition, executed flawlessly by some of the most awe inspiring talent in the business. This is a Grammy quality work. There is something about Mike's selection of contributors for this album that really speaks. Mike's solos are as much guitar as voice. Hear him once and you'll crave it like watermellon in January. On "Stronger Every Day", Mike has matched his compositions precisely to the vocal talents and instrumentation, painting in sound, a three dimensional audio tapestry, so rich at points, the listener can't help but be mesmerized by the lyrics, melodies and rhythms. Written by Mike, the tracks on this album are an exhibition in composition diversity. This is a cross genre album with blues, rock, jazz, country and soul blended the way painters use watercolors. It's the result that counts. The lead off track sets the tone. "All Night Long" is an archetypical blues defining anthem with some rockin' Mike Morgan vocals and guitar solos. Track 2 "Where's The Love" carries a jazz inspired melodic theme that proves Morgan's versatility as songwriter, Randy McAllister's soulful vocals sell the story line with conviction and guitar in this one shows a flip side of Mike Morgan, very jazzy and so, so rich. Track 3 is "Sweet Angel" with Lee McBee on vocals and so sweet I could listen all day long just keep it playing. Track 4 "You're the One" features Mike's distinctive vocals, lyrics and Randy McAllister's hard driving award winning harp, a combination that's gold. You can slow dance to the title track 5 "Stronger Every Day" the lyrics and the melody on this one are "blow you away strong", well named, pure musical comfort. Worth the price of the album or admission alone. Destine to be a cross genre classic. Track 6 "The Birthday Song". I love this song. Better than McCartney's and way better than the traditional, it's a celebration and Mike knows how to party. Track 7 "When I Get Back Home" another strong blues style ballad sung by Randy McAllister with lyrics that make you glow inside anchored by another guitar legend on bass, Sonny Collie. Track 8 "How Much More Time" starts out with an acoustic folk feel that builds toward a rich electric, rock anthem. Go Mike go! Track 9 "I Have To Let You Go" would have made an amazing Elvis classic, is sung by the velvet voiced Randy McAllister, another classic, well written with Mike Morgan guitar solo highlights. It's really hard to fully appreciate the richness of the individual compositions on this album because there are so many. Okie Dokie Stomp the 10th track is the shortest, a Mike Morgan exhibition in guitar. Gotta love Mike on the guitar. Track 11 "I Cried For You Baby" starts out with a rich Hammond organ and guitar and just gets better with Lee McBee vocals and Rhandy Simmons bass. The Mike Morgan guitar solos are jammin' hot. Gotta love this combination. With all due respect to the "elders".... It doesn't get any better than this in Blues/Americana. "97 Times" Track 12 is a really nice, a classic with Randy McAllister vocals, Hammond organ and more Mike Morgan guitar. "Funky Thang" Track 13 is another surprising jazz inspired instrumental with that unmistakable driven Mike Morgan guitar signature all over it. Another track I could listen to all day long. Mike is definitely punching a hole in the envelope. "Time" the final track finishes the album. It's a more "traditional" signature Mike Morgan composition with Lee McBee delivering on vocals. All in all, "Stronger Every Day" is proof Mike Morgan can write as well as he plays. No duds on this album. 14 tracks of heart and music perfection. Clearly Mike is successfully exploring some more sophisticated music and lyrics while ignoring the restrictions of genre. This one belongs in any collection, get an archival copy autographed then buy six more for Christmas gifts." - Music Critic - World Entertainment Network MORE ABOUT THIS MUSICIAN/BAND MORE ABOUT THIS VENUE A MEMBER OF THE LOKKE ADVERTISING NETWORK COPYRIGHT 2006 DON LOKKE JR - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED