Originally from Scotland, Johnny Reid found his way to Canada, and unless you live there, or somewhere close to the American boarder, chances are that you’ve never heard of him. It would be all to easy too call this man an alternative country artist, but that’s just not the truth ... while country certainly is his musical background, the cat lays down some sensuous rockin’ soul, and country honk, suggesting what may have become of James Hunter, had James taken his music down a country road. You’re gonna’ hear some Mink Deville hidden in the background, yet even with mandolins and fiddles propelling him forward, there’s a joy and happiness to this release ... and almost religious at times, though songs like “Thank You,” speak of those power rock ballads from the 1980’s, and are easily dismissed.Johnny Reid’s music soars, filled with honesty, and lacking all pretentiousness, sounding like he’s recorded these songs in the hotel room, alone in a strange city, wondering who he is, who he’s becoming, and longing for all of the things he’s had to leave behind. I’d love to see this band live, where I’m sure he’d keep boot heels taping, and cowboy hats nodding. There are certainly people who are going to say that Reid’s vocals are whiskey soaked, and while he does sound that way for the most part, he can reach any note from a wide range comfortably. And with harmonies backed by a Hammond B3, acoustic guitars, mandolin, and his swinging conversational style, there’s not a lot more that one could ask for.Review by Jenell Kesler