Mike Zito — ‘Make Blues Not War’
Label: Ruf Records

Produced by Tom Hambridge, Make Blues Not War showcases Mike Zito at his most passionate. It’s a string of loose, in-the-moment, energetic performances of some of the most pleasurable blues you’ve heard in a long time.

Pay special attention to the title track. It begins with a brooding, pouting stance, then develops into a smolder and by the end it has become a vocal fire. On the rest of the album, Zito comes across like a guy who just got the keys to a new car called music; he tests and pushes it to the limit and has a blast. You will too.

Essential Downloads: “Highway Mama,” “Make Blues Not War,” “Road Dog.”

To preview or purchase this album on iTunes, click here.