Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
There are times when looking past the limit of all that you have achieved so far and seeing further with the mind’s eye is the only option available to the human spirit of adventure; sadly the experience of finding the absolute is hindered by perspective, the limitations we have put upon ourselves is a blinkered weight which closes our eyes to the possibility of further knowledge, of understanding and greatness.
It is a dare to see Beyond The Blue Horizon, to give it all over and reach out just that further from the standing point at the crossroads you have reached; it is the epitome of keep walking west, for in that pursuit comes heavy riches and an even wider view point in which to guide others upon their way.
For Mike Vernon, the measure of the Horizon has always been one of adaption, of having the rare insight in to seeing every angle possible, of continuation, of evaluation and evolution, not one to naturally see what others perceive as the edge of the world, he continues on, the skyline limitless, the scope boundless. Now that scope has taken on a new shape, the vista opens to a new ground-breaking moment as the man who has already achieved so much, brings the debut album of Mike Vernon & The Mighty Combo, Beyond The Blue Horizon to the foreground in all its R ‘n’ B beauty and class.
To see past your own line of recognised surroundings is a skill, to break free of that prison continually is to be rightly lauded, but you still need to have had someone else go that far before to show you the way home, and with songs of the meaty character, of the energy inhabited by the likes of Fats Domino, Little Richard and Louis Jordan, the way forward becomes clear.
With the band featuring Kid Carlos, Ian Jennings, Matt Little, Paul Tasker and Mike Hellier, tracks such as the opener We’re Gonna Rock This Joint, Heart & Soul, (I Don’t Know Why I Love You) But I Do, Your Mind Is Vacation, Red Letter Day and An Affair With The Blues are the embodiment of a good time had, and one that strikes out with confidence, passion and commitment.
It is a rare gift to see Beyond The Blue Horizon, it is within reach of all who profess to search for the next big thing or enlightenment, so few though personally have the foresight to know that it a place where such adventures lay, where dreams on sturdy foundations exist. A wonderfully jubilant album, Mike Vernon & The mighty Combo are resolute in the belief in their sight and vision.
Mike Vernon & The Mighty Combo’s Beyond The Blue Horizon is released by Manhaton Records on September 7th.
Ian D. Hall