Mike Blakely - Keepsake

Noted singer/songwriter and Western novelist Mike Blakely's latest release isn't specifically “Cowboy,” but much of the material is perfectly Cowboy in attitude and locale.  Cases in point:  “A Town Called Paradise” (population, two...where the air is fresh and the stars are bright), “My Same Old New Mexican Dream” (of amazing vistas, topography and the trout are biting...what more could you want!) or “Moonlight Colorado (an escape to the high country “listening to a Marty Robbins tune”).  Being an accomplished novelist, Blakely can also deliver nice turns of phrase.  In one of his non-Western tracks he says “I am Nobody, Nobody's perfect, and so I'm perfect for you!” And that one's done in one of Ian Tyson's favorite rhythms...Reggae!

The album is very nicely produced and played, as are all of Mike Blakely's albums.  In fact, might I recommend looking online at Blakely's site or trying the resell sources to locate older Blakely releases?  Included on them are some of the best original contemporary Western songs in the repertoire!  Ten tracks.

CD:  (available through www.mikeblakely.com)

 - by Rick Huff