Music Is the Medicine

Native Canadian Derek Miller sounds as if he grew up on all the great blues guitarists from the Mississippi Delta and the later British guitarists of the '60s who brought them back into fashion. Although the title track is a bit on the funky side, Miller delivers the song with the same pizzazz and panache that perhaps the Black Crowes would have circa Southern Harmony and Musical Companion or Three Snakes and One Charm. It is full of a blues gospel revival tone that works wonders. "Wheels on Fire" begins with a slower and more melodic Americana style that doesn't quite capture the assets of the musician but grows on the listener due to some subtle female harmonies on the chorus. The guitar solo is quite appealing though as Miller shows his chops. This album's strong asset is the authenticity Miller brings to each song, void of over-production or needless arrangements. It's the sound of a band that is well oiled and polished on the deliberate swamp rock tone of "End of the World" and also the Southern fried hues coloring "Into the Storm." The album goes down a notch or two with the slower and soft acoustic ballad "Heaven." Miller isn't afraid to rework old classics into more of a Native American rhythm, which he does with great results on "Lovesick Blues" as his voice leads the way backed by a shining electric guitar and tambourine. Other influences heard on the album are the Rolling Stones circa "Angie" on the melodic "Someone Call an Angel Down." The downtempo Clapton-style or early psychedelic Led Zeppelin blues makes "Jaded Are My Wings" as bombastic and grandiose as it deserves to be, showcasing some fine guitar solos early and often.