David Michael Miller: Same Soil Review
Same Soil is David Michael Miller’s second solo album and the follow-up to last year’s Poisons Sipped. The sound could best be described as “modern traditional”. With its mix of blues, gospel and soul influences, Same Soil is a celebration of traditional roots styles. The album opens with the acoustic guitar riff from “All the Blues to You,” which lays the groundwork for the entire album of soulful songs with relatable themes. There’s always enough familiarity to make you feel at home and enough twists to keep you interested, but this is Same Soil’s second greatest strength. The first is the voice of David Michael Miller. This man has a mastery of the human voice that few can match. Dynamically, he always hits the spot without sounding like he’s showing off. Every line seems to roll off his tongue with complete and complete ease. From the loudest and most intense passages to the barely spoken ones; each melodic and lyrical figure exudes soul.
David explores songs inspired by Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, and Bo Diddley, among others. The bassy, dirty lead riff “Doing Me In, Doing Me Wrong” references “Manish Boy,” but takes a more modern twist that would make Muddy proud. “Got Them Blues” is a fast-paced gospel blues jam with more than a few nods to Robert Randolph. “Friend of Mine” is a soulful bluesy ballad with sax and guitar work reminiscent of early Tom Waits. When David’s voice comes in with the soul and wisdom of Robert Cray and a touch of Al Green, he really gives you goosebumps. It draws on many influences and styles, but still sounds very natural and always earthy. This may sound like hyperbole, but every single track on Same Soil is a total winner. This is one of those rare albums where you’re not going around looking for the good songs. “Just Ride” is a great blues rocker. “Shoes To Shine” is a dynamite funk/soul number with amazing chord changes and a great solo section with saxophone and guitar exchanging four.
No review of Same Soil would be complete without mentioning the band chosen by David to bring the songs to life, including keyboardist Jim Ehinger (Bonnie, Raitt, Albert Collins, Billy Vera and The Beaters), saxophonist Jason Moynihan (Buddy Guy) and the drummer. Carlton Campbell (of the Campbell Brothers). Everyone is giving one hundred percent but no one is “blowing too hard.” Everyone plays to perfectly serve the songs, David’s voice and the grounded production.
David Michael Miller has the potential to go anywhere and be anything he wants in this business. He could easily be the next big blues superstar like Robert Cray or Bonnie Raitt. In the meantime, we can all enjoy the same soil as we see what the future holds.