Blue Morning

Album Review

While they are dubbed "an all-star band" in their press release, to the average music fan, the Mystix are not going to be mistaken for Blind Faith or Asia anytime soon — there are no renowned classic rock artists included in their ranks. Comprised of musicians from both Boston and New York, the Mystix are a kin to a roots rock-y bar band, as their 2007 release, Blue Morning, would provide a fitting soundtrack to closing time at a New York City bar — as most of the tracks move along at a lazy pace. All its members are expert players, especially guitarist Bobby Keyes, who has played previously with the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Ben E. King, and was a studio musician at Muscle Shoals Studios. Additionally, singer Jo Lily possesses a bluesy voice that sounds as if it's been broken in by years of whiskey and cigarette smoke, as evidenced on such standouts as "Yolanda" and "I'm a Love You." These veteran journeymen have a step or two on all those young roots rocker whippersnappers, as evidenced throughout Blue Morning.