First, let me say that there’s little in my resume to qualify me as a music critic, but one listen to Larry Perkins / Jessica Wagner – Nite at Willie Joe’s and I was inspired to write. Larry’s song writing is superb, the arrangements top notch, and the talent on this project abounds. What started as a demo recording has turned out to be a first rate production. Congratulations, Larry! “Down To Willie’s” - They say Willie Joe’s is in Huntsville, but the sound took me straight to the Jersey shore, Asbury Park, a club called The Stone Pony, Southside Johnny, and The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen. The Intro to “No Light In The Window” contains strong hints of Christopher Cross’ – “Ride Like The Wind” but a surprising augmented chord in the verse was all it took to tweak my musical ear and grab my interest. Then the rest of the arrangement and Jessica’s vocals held on and wouldn’t let go. The website http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/perkinswagner mentions a Santana influence and the tone of the guitar on the opening of “Cold Hearted Woman” brings that to light. It’s as though Carlos were in the studio that day. The tune itself would make B.B. King proud! Just as the fairly standard sounding “Open Ground” had me thinking I had a bead on what direction the album was taking, along came “Tell Me Your Heart” and once again my ears were smokin’! This is a wonderful tune with some surprises all it’s own! “Leavin’ Tomorrow” – Part show tune, part pop, part lite rocker, this thought provoking tune crosses several musical boundaries in the first minute and forces the listener to pay attention to where this one is going. Love the tension in the horn parts on this one. “Say What You Mean” - Traces of Steely Dan influence can be heard here, but the song has more to say than just “we like Steely Dan music.” It says Larry Perkins knows how to turn a phrase and he has something to say that’s all his own. “You’re The Reason” - The chord voicings on this song are most impressive! The rainstorm at the intro took me by surprise. I used a thunderstorm intro on one I wrote called “Just As Long As You’re Here”. Very effective on this beautiful song with classic jazz and R&B feel. “1st Day of What Now” – When I heard this song I thought, “I’m pretty sure Leon Russell did this one.” Well, if not, he should have! Here’s a great tune with a New York kind of blues feel and some very nice sax work. “Be My Love” – Just when I thought I knew where this song was coming from and where it was going, (at around 1:05) came the key change and sax solo. My ears went, “Whoa, wait just a minute! This is going to be an interesting musical excursion.” And I was not disappointed. Let’s go again! “Without You Here” – “Hmmm…here comes that Steely Dan influence again,” I thought. But harmonies on the chorus reminded me of Joe Jackson. Nice stuff here, Larry. “The Break Song” – Ahh, yes…we’ve all played this one… “Stick around, folks. We’ll be right back. And don’t forget to tip your bartenders and waitresses.” This one has more than a few chuckles and seems appropriate for a closer. It leaves us waiting to see what delights the next set from Larry Perkins will bring. A worthy representation of the musical ability of Larry, Jessica, and a host of others, and an outstanding testament to the profusion of talent at Mill Kids Music, Larry Perkins / Jessica Wagner – Nite at Willie Joe’s is definitely one to add to your collection!