After two successful albums this versatile musician in his thirties still attempts to mix things up in the blues circle of Chicago. In his career he used to play in the bands of Jimmy Dawkins, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith and Jimmy Rogers. While recording a new album - except of inviting musicians from his own band The Flip Tops - he approached many prominent blues figures. There are Curtis Salgado, Sam Myers and Lynwood Slim switching with each other on harmonica, Anson Funderburgh on guitar, Bob Stroger on bass and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith on drums.

The album is dangerously stuffed: 77 minutes of music with 18 numbers including even 5 bonus tracks. Most of recordings are Moss’ compositions, who’s free with his guitar gimmicks of uncommon intensity. Moss’ guitar has a piercing sound with a sharp reverberation and it reminds of the “cold ice” guitar by Albert Collins. In succeeding tracks Moss makes show of a rich catalogue of guitar figures without missing enthusiasm and inventiveness. From a reckless opening in Heavy On My Mind, the tempo of tracks oscillates between medium and fast. The instrumental Panic Attack may grow up with time to the leading display of Moss’ guitar vitality. Though listening to Curtis Salgado playing harmonica or hearing stylish, sometimes wild, passages of the pianist Barrelhouse Chuck seems to be a special experience, the greatest “run to the homeplate” is demonstrated by Nick Moss. Not less exciting is the second (bonus) part of the record consisting of blues standards. The vocal side has been taken over by Barrelhouse Chuck, Sam Myers, Curtis Salgado and Lynwood Slim. After an album like this you can only have one dream: to see it all live or watch DVD. Chicago blues in its best performance sustaining all noble elements, moreover dynamic and cool. Moss is a real “new kid in town”, indeed.

— Ryszard Gloger