It wouldn’t be an underestimation to say that without Mike Vernon British – and, thus, international – blues could have or sounded much differently from what the world knows and loves. As a producer behind such trailblazing albums as BLUESBREAKERS’s so-called “Beano” and “Bare Wires” and TEN YEARS AFTER’s first full-length platter, CHICKEN SHACK’s “40 Blue Fingers” and “Blue Matter” by SAVOY BROWN, FLEETWOOD MAC’s early output, plus David Bowie’s eponymous debut, the veteran and his Blue Horizon label basically masterminded the scene. Although still active, Mike rarely gets behind the console now – yet Vernon gets behind the mike instead.
Having released a solo LP “Moment Of Madness” 50 years go, the MBE fronted a few ensembles lately, such as THE MIGHTY COMBO, with whom he recorded "Beyond The Blue Horizon" in 2018, and now, CAT SQUIRREL, in which he shares the stage with the musicians from Spain where Vernon resides. Of course, it’s not a purely concert outfit: a month ago, the quintet issued their long-overdue debut, titled “Blues What Am” and available on their Bandcamp. Given Mike’s reputation and talent, one can’t go wrong with this album.
Blues What Am
1. I Feel So Good
2. What Might Be Your Name
3. Cat Squirrel
4. Sugaree
5. Out On A Limb
6. Heart Of Gold
7. My Baby’s Gone
8. Tell Me Mama
9. What The Blues Will Do
10. All She Wants Is Me
11. You Got Me Dizzy
12. Baby Please
13. One Minute
14. Let The Boogie Rip
