Michael Juan Nunez

Michael Juan Nunez - http://michaeljuannunez.com

You can tell a lot about a man from the company he keeps and in the case of Michael Juan Nunez, its a telling barometer of his talent. Nunez is most often found supplying guitar leads, harmonies and melodic solos for Roddy Romero & the Hub City Allstars, and his six-string prowess has also been tapped by Zachary Richard and blues legends Henry Gray and Harry Hypolite. But Nunez is much more than a bandmate and gun for hire. His 2002 self-titled solo CD showcased Nunez acoustic fingerpicking, and now his new CD, About to Snap, shows Nunez blossoming as a songwriter.------------(Scott Jordan)---------------- When it becomes difficult to pigeonhole an artist, it speaks highly of their originality. When they've achieved a style all their own in a short time, without cloning name-brand influences to get there, it's even more impressive. Such is the case with Michael Juan Nunez. One moment, he's off in one direction; the next, he backflips and takes you somewhere totally different, yet both destinations are of his own making. He hails from Lafayette, La., where country merged with Cajun music, rock 'n' roll blended with Delta blues, and zydeco met soul. He earned his stripes in smoky bars and out-of-the-way roadhouses. His second release gets off to a powerful start with "Pack My Bag Blues," a gutbucket assault that underlines his dark, brooding slide, devil-driven vocals and piercing, otherworldly howl. The words "black cat bone" have never sounded so menacing. The jaunty "My Cadillac" is the first of four love songs; here Nunez professes undying affection for a classic ride in an SUV world. "Don't Mind Getting" takes on country blues, with help from the criminally undercelebrated D.L. Menard on rhythm guitar. "Pocketful of Jesus" takes bible-thumping salvation to new levels with a fat backbeat, a drug-addled delivery, and guitar contributions from the late Harry Hypolite. The intro to "Roll-n-Tumble" barely hints at what will follow, as technology works with percussive effects to give birth to a bright, shiny version of the old chestnut complete with inventive samples, crisp drums, and pointedly wicked guitar solos. "Donkey Donkey" is simply fun; the band's deep, Cajun-dipped groove turns into a party and keeps going until it simply drifts away. The ominous "Rusted Blade" is built on Nunez's low-down vocal delivery, while the boisterous "Mama's Kitchen" is set to Clint Redwing's Cajun beat, Roddie Romero's accordion, and Eric Adcock's rubboard. "Down That Road" is a standout, its dark slide and ragged, urgent vocals building to a thick gumbo. As a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and creative force, Nunez is one to watch. If he snaps, it won"t be from bending his principles: This record comes from the heart. -----(Eric Thom)