The saying in this state is, "The stars at night are big and bright/Deep in the heart of Texas..." and this is right on the same main blues vein. Five years ago I came to love the live blues sound here in Austin, Texas, which the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan had a lot to do with, and you just can't seem to find that talent on tape. Until, of course, Sleepy Ray. This guy plays with great feeling. Pick up a strat and go get 'em Ray!
Under The Mighty Blood starts right off with a good twist of the train blues flavor with a Gospel touch in the song "Station to Station," which states, "If you don't know your destination/Just get aboard this train/Cause this just might be the last time...that it'll pass this way again."
"Greatest of These," a slow, laid back jam that just brings alive the greatest commandment that the Lord gave, "But of faith, hope, and love, love is the greatest of these." In blues, you hear all kinds of stories, yet on "Ain't Talkin' About It," Sleepy Ray just puts his message both in the playing and the words. That's honesty and talent! You get them both and a whole lot more.
Overall, the only downfall is I haven't seen him live, and when the tape ends I have to get up and turn it over; yet it's all worth the experience and, with mostly everything that comes from the New Breed family, there is a sense of worship. Taking a listen to this album under any sky can bring you into the presence of God. When it's over, say a big "Amen!" and play it again.