Reviews & Press Clippings
“Slide guitar supremo meets Blockhead Chaz”
Result: A philosophical, funny, funky, multi-faceted gem of an album, and that’s a description that I believe, nails it. As you’d expect, there are copious servings of blues, all embellished by musical and lyrical twists that, for example, stamp a steadfastly 2024 British trademark on the product, or inject a surreal element to proceedings. There’s also a healthy chunk of Blockheads-like funk to be enjoyed and even a touch of pastoral English whimsy – and, despite the sometimes sticky subject matter of the lyrics, humour is seldom very far below the surface.
And Michael and Chaz have done the whole thing almost without outsider help. Michael takes on the vocal responsibilities and plays some of the finest slide, lap steel and rhythm guitar that you’re likely to hear this year. Chaz plays guitar, keyboards, bass, drums and percussion, as well as stepping forward to deliver backing vocals as and when required. Indeed, the only additional help the pair have commissioned comes from Ric Parnell, who plays drums on one track. And it all fits together wonderfully. A philosophical, funny, funky, multi-faceted gem of an album".
John Barlass - At The Barrier
The varied, mesmerising rhythms of the music are matched by verses which obviously borrow a poetic ethos and world-worn approach from the likes of JJ Cale, Bob Dylan and blues masters past" - eastportlandblog.com
Michael Messer & Chaz Jankel have brought us a wonderful folky acoustic rock track that carries an impeccable groove and swings to it with his latest offering “Mostly We Drive”. You can’t help but nod your head and sway to the beat of this track as its tempo and rhythm are classic folk country rock. The vocal performance is grounded and full of expression leading to an infectious literning experience that makes you feel like you can’t get enough of this track. I loved listening to “Mostly We Drive” and so will you, so go check it out and add it to your playlists today!" - Lost In The Manor
"Easy, flowing currents of melody tumble through ‘Mostly We Drive’ from gifted songwriting duo Michael Messer and Chaz Jankel. Throughout the song, the rhythms of resonator guitar and the sumptuous, slipping, sliding notes are absolutely gorgeous from two great artists who combine many years of songwriting experience and precision playing to create a fresh, new bluesy sound. Michael Messer’s thoughtful lyrics are striking: “One day we die, the rest we’re alive,” and all the songs from the duo will have you seeking adventure and life" - Andrew Frolish - Americana-UK
"The quality of the playing is exceptional – they are both masters at their crafts – and the end result is an album of many highs and no lows. The music just flows easily." - music-news.com
Thank you Michael, Manish and Gurdain for an incredible evening of music…..Michael Messer's Mitra were truly one of the highlights of the 2023 Masala Festival!!
Vikas Kumar MBE - Director of Masala Festival & GemArts
Michael Messer's Mitra - nominated in the 'Best Band of 2017' category in the 'Songlines 2017 Music Awards'
Call Of The Blues - #7 in Ted Gioia's 100 Best Albums of 2016
Call Of The Blues - #1 in the iTunes Blues Chart - February 2016
Call Of The Blues - #1 in the World Music Network Chart - May 2016
Call Of The Blues - #1 in the World Music Network Chart - April 2016
Call Of The Blues - #10 in the Transglobal World Music Chart - April 2016
Call Of The Blues - fRoots Playlist - January/February 2016
Call Of The Blues - Songlines 'Top Of The World' top 10 - April 2016
Call Of The Blues - #1 in the IBBA chart - February 2016
Call Of The Blues - #4 - Argonauta's Best World Music Albums of 2016
Call Of The Blues - Album Of The Year - Guitarist Magazine 2016
"MAGNIFICENT INDIAN BLUES ....Call Of The Blues is a remarkable fusion of country blues with Hindustani music, showcasing the splendour of the slide guitar and the talent of three extraordinary musicians".
Angel Romero World Music Central
"The trio spent two days in the studio recording this quite superb album. Messer’s regular blues repertoire is the source of much of the material – but they’re transformed by the Indian musicians, as the dark, droning mojo of the Delta is lent additional mystery by the layers of raga-like atmospheric ambience. Best of all is ‘Bhupali Blues’, in which the exchange works in the opposite direction, with Messer’s bottleneck blues tropes blending seamlessly into the structure of a traditional raga as the two guitarists exchange licks with scintillating panache".
Nigel Williamson Songlines
"There's nothing I Like more than a meeting of musical minds where you can't hear the joins, and that is absolutely what we've got here. Messer is rare amongst Brit bluesniks, in that he possesses a real feel for the music and yet gives it his own personal stamp. This is an acoustic blues album that takes the music right back to the deltas; Mississippi and Ganges".
Jamie Renton fRoots
"...Not since the Beatles teamed up with Ravi Shankar back in the day has there been such an experimental and inspired meeting of musical cultures. I've no doubt this album is going to be internationally lauded for both its musicianship and Messer's stunning vision".
Iain Patience Music News USA
"Filled With Eastern Spice and Magic. Every note is blues that shimmer like sari silk. This album is a success due to the melodious delivery of the lyrics from Michael, plus the grounding of his guitar skills keeping the blues rooted in the soul. The tabla and Mohan veena add texture, tone and twists in the beat and cadences of the blues. Call of The Blues is a mighty voice" Liz Aiken - Bluesdoodles 10/10
“The most exciting and creative blues innovation I have heard in years!”
David Freeman Jazz FM
eFestivals review RED ROOSTER FESTIVAL 2023 ....Things got even better when Michael Messer’s Mitra took to the stage, mashing up western and Hindustani sounds to truly mesmerising effect. Easily one of the best performances of the weekend, or indeed any weekend.
Call Of The Blues - BBC Radio
BBC Radio 2 Cerys Matthews Blues Show (Live Session)
BBC Radio 2 Mark Radcliffe The Folk Show
BBC Radio 2 Paul Jones Rhythm & Blues Show
BBC Radio 3 Late Junction
BBC Radio 6Music Cerys Matthews World Music Show
Call Of The Blues - "One of the top albums of 2016!"
Kevin Beale Blues On The Marsh - UK
Call Of The Blues - ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Acoustic Blues Club - KCOR Kansas City Online Radio - USA
Call Of The Blues - ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Gary Grainger's Blues Show - Bishop FM - UK
Call Of The Blues - ALBUM OF THE WEEK
André Rhéaume Podcast - Canada
Call Of The Blues - ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Elena Wolay Sverige Radio - Sweden
Call Of The Blues - ALBUM OF THE WEEK
Lauri 'Arno' Ankerman - Ison Suden Show, Lähiradio - Finland
Call Of The Blues - featured as one of three albums of the month
Chris Heim - Global Village Radio - USA
Call Of The Blues - featured as one of three albums of the month
Juan Antonio Vázquez & Araceli Tzigane, Mundofonias - Spain
Call Of The Blues - featured album
Rootsworld Radio, USA
Call Of The Blues - featured album
World Fusion Chicago, USA
Call Of The Blues - featured as one of three albums of the week
Willi Klopottek, Mondophon Auf Radio, Luxembourg
"It's nothing like I've ever played on my Blues & Boogie show before, it's superb!" David Freeman Jazz FM