The Subdudes
Miracle Mule
Back Porch Records
Release – 2004
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also available on amazon
To say that they are back is an understatement that doesn’t do this disc justice, because this is not a return, but a solid progression. They returned to recording after a nearly 9 year hiatus in fantastic form. This resulting disc has the trademark harmonies, the warmth the group exudes, the strong songwriting, and the rich soul-felt mix of music that are/were always the characteristic strengths of this group. Their music is a thick gumbo of all those musical traditions that are in New Orleans: gospel, funk, roots-rock, and blues. All this music still comes to us still without any drummer, but with the whole band adding to the percussion. Their sound is warm and close to you, it comes both from the songwriting, and their strong harmonies. This incarnation is three of the original members of the group. These three are the main strength of the group, they provide the intimate songwriting that
characterizes, and is the backbone that helps set this group apart. {$Tommy Malone}, {$Steve Amedee}, and {$John Magnie}, are the original members and the song writing triumvirate. Gone is {$Johnny Ray Allen} the bassist, and he is replaced by two: {$Tim Cook} (vocals, bass, and percussion) and {$Jimmy Mesa} (bass, guitar). If you didn’t know of them before, be prepared to walk away a fan, and with a smile on your face. They know their strengths and they know how to make a record that always seems to be warm and intimate and made just to put a happy mood in your mind.