Earth toned blues-rocker Mick Kolassa brings his working band of David Dunavent/g, Leo Goff/b, Lee Andrew Williams/dr, Chris Stephenson/key and Susan Marshal-Daunielle Hill/voc to the front stage along with various guests for some boogying originals. Along with Eric Hughes’ wailing harp, Mick gives bluesy and bare knuckled stories on “US 12 to Highway” and “35 Miles To Empty” with the band sounding like they’re working on a chain gain on the sweaty “Cotton Road.” STAXY horns from Mark Franklin/tp and Kirk Smother/ts make for a stomping “Miss Boss” and strongly evoked “Pullin’ Me Down” but Kolassa shows a more delicate side on the shadowy and riveting “American Intervention.” Kolassa’s got a few good stories to tell, making the album more than just a collection of “Baby I need you” lyrics as on the ominous “Alternative Man” while the band shows it’s jazzy side on a hip “The Viper. “ Good stories told well.