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Alternative Country Music: Cowboy
Soul on the Range
 Just
as Country Western music listeners thought they had heard it all, in
rides CowboySoul band Mike Mann & the NightRiders.
While the Country Western label doesn’t quite
fit this all-black, Los Angeles-based band, nevertheless, the group
can’t seem to escape the category. The group’s debut album
“CowboySoul” on Mann-O-Mann Records shows the country side
of the ensemble, but also reflects the unique sounds of rock, funk and
blues, blended and packaged with all the soul this band can muster.
“Boots:”
The album opens with the toe-tapping, powerful dance tune “Boots”,
which features the deep and soulful voice of Mike Mann, who also plays
harmonica and guitar. While the song has a Country Western flavor, the
group adds its unique rock and soul touch. A live version of the song
also appears later on the album that captures the favorable reactions
of the audience.
“Rainbow/Fantasy
Song:” This is an easy listening ballad, featuring the
group’s sweet harmonies. The soul laced vocals paint a beautiful
picture for the ears, and create visions of all the Black Cowboys who
helped tame the wild west.
“Break It Off Cowboy Style:”
This song features the strong lead vocal styling of Mann. The medium
tempo tune demonstrates again the tight vocal harmony that has become
the trademark of the NightRiders.
“Mexico:”
This is a beautiful and unique tune in search of a soundtrack. Too bad
they don’t make Cowboy movies the way they used to. The tune, which
is bright and happy, demonstrates how versatile and talented this band
is.
“My Home Town:”
Another nice and smooth ballad. The song is guaranteed to make listeners
think about their home town as the NightRiders gracefully pay homage
to the importance of knowing that you can always go home.
“Worst 20 Minutes:”
An upbeat, rock & roll country & soulful western type song that
swings hard from beginning to end. While the tune is entitled the “Worst
20 Minutes,” listeners may agree the duration of the composition
is the best three minutes and 34 seconds of this album.
“Should’ve Married Your
Daddy:” A song as clever as its title. The tune, which
is highly danceable, also shows off the group’s talented guitarists.
The album also contains a live version of this song.
“Mustang Sally/Turn Back
The Hands Of Time:” This medely gives the group the
room to really stretch out with a collective display of R&B, rock
and just good old dance music from yester-year. These two tunes were
recorded live and demonstrate how the “NightRiders” worked
the audience into a frenzy. The guitar, keyboard and vocal work are
all outstanding, as well as the hot harmonica licks provided by Mann.
Other live tracks from this album include “Mine
Tonight” and ”The Weight/Go Baby.” Overall the group’s
debut album, which features original material, is excellent, and highlights
the tight vocal harmonies and superb musicianship by the fellows. And
just like Tiger Woods has taken the golf game by storm, watch out Nashville
and Country Western music lovers wherever you are, “Mike Mann &
the NightRiders” are gallopin’your way.
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