Miller Brothers Band
Tales From Foundry Town
Foundry Town 1001
The Miller Brothers have a Midwest working class background. All of the band members grew up near Detroit, Michigan, where they
have known each other since high school. For a time, they went their separate ways, but they eventually reassembled in Los Angeles.
You’ll sense a heavy metal sounding production before you confirm, via the credits, that Tales From The Foundry was recorded in
California.
Bob Ramsey’s piano powerfully carries the rhythm and adds fills while Mark Tomorsky’s slide guitar rocks on the opening track
"Alabama Key". The title comes from the slang term for a slim Jim tool used to steal cars. "Crazy" is radio-friendly thanks to the
synthesizer. "Ghost On A Roll," which was inspired by the distressing lives of the homeless, proves these guys can write a mean
tune. Here, Dave Miller’s harp sets the mood and squalls to the excellent melody and arrangement. "Things Will Get Better" is a
funky groove with nice backing vocals. "Out Of Control" is a rockin’ boogie rooted deeply in blues. "Pain Comes Your Way" flashes
back to the American rock bands of the ’60s, e.g., The Doors, who embraced the blues. Here fuzz tone guitar adds to the sweet
intoxication, which is mellow and relaxing. "You Don’t Know Me" is the most profound song. It challenges couples not to fall into the
trap of having superficial relations, but rather to develop genuinely meaningful relationships.
All 12 original songs will transition to the stage well since not a lot of studio magic was used in the recording. The tunes all tell stories
about life, love and working for a living. Some songs, e.g., "Playin’," will appeal to the blues and rock crowd, but more often than not this
CD is too rocky for my blues tastes. Surely, I didn’t expect to encounter traditional blues at the foundry?! The production is good and the
musicianship is solid. You will groove and shake to this music!
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues CD Review - March 2007
Current Reviews - 2007 Reviews - available at our store
