Album Notes

Produced by Mike Strauss, Eric Lovell and Gigi Dover
Mixed and Mastered by Joe Kuhlmann

Features Eric Lovell on Guitar, Dobro, Pedal Steel,Rebab,
percussion and jug(!)
Gigi Dover on vocals
Jon Schigoda on standup bass
Jason Atkins on organ and wurlitzer
Randolph "Rainy Day" Lewis on guitar and vocals
The Near Misses (Etta Lea, Eval Gael, Jill Lurie, Shana Blake and Reeve Coobs) on vocal harmonies
Rick Spreitzer on harmonica
Rony Tel-Or on percussion
Kristin Campbell on vocals
JD Wilson on mandolin


Voted one of the top 10 cds of 2005 by Dennis Jones,
technical director WNCW 88.7fm Spindale, NC


"...Strauss' voice envelopes you with warmth and tenderness -(it's) sandpaper that feels like velvet. His new
album How in the World? makes the most of this paradox, pairing his vocals with gentle accompaniment, dominated by
his relaxed but intricate acoustic guitar picking.
(This record) leaves the listener in a quiet, reflective mood."
- Meg Whalen - Charlotte the City Magazine, Jan. 2006

"How in the World? finds Strauss settling in with full force and focus on his acoustic music side.Lyrically, the new CD offers a collection of songs that reflect a world-weary warmth and a degree of cynicism from the perspective of someone who embraces and enjoys life with all it's twists and turns. Musically, the playing and production are top-notch."
- Michael O'Brein - The Hampshire Review, Dec. 14th 2005


"This dude is unbelievable...an amazing songwriter - a warm, gritty, lyrical storyteller."
-The Creative Loafing - Charlotte, Nov. 2nd 2005


"I was impressed by Mike Strauss. He was playing solo with a bluesy, finger-picking style acoustic guitar. He had a great voice, very reminiscent of Mark Knopfler, and he was a great songwriter. His songs had a bluesy, rootsy feel to them. He seemed one of those genuinely honest artists, shyly geeky and just happy to be up there playing -- which is a high compliment, I think!"

Larry Karnowski, of Hickory Wind.org
a review of a show at the Six String Cafe in Cary, NC
posted 5/30/2005