AC Myles, guitarist and singer, has traveled the United States, Europe and the Middle East as guitarist/vocalist in Blues, Soul/R&B, Rock and Modern Country acts. At times as a journeyman for others, most times as an ever-blossoming solo front man, whatever the destination Myles has steered his career of bringing the masses his very own blues/rock/roots from the off.

Here on his latest studio recording, Reconsider Me he has amassed a collection of songs that outline his ongoing musical development. Recorded and produced in San Jose, CA by Kid Anderson at his own Greaseland Studio, the album combines originals and choice covers. Ergo, Reconsider Me maps out the journeyman's well-traveled roads taken in some style. Some style, indeed.

The album begins with the Jimmy Johnson inspired and Fenton Robinson penned,'You Don't Know What Love Is,' but it's 'Do You Read Me' that brings this album to the fore early on. With a drum and guitar intro, it soon scorches along for nearly five minutes, and it's no shock to come to find out that the song is a Rory Gallagher original. One of the finest guitarists of his generation, Gallagher and Myles seem to be on the same wavelength here. That's backed by the guitar Gospel of Elvin Bishop's 'Rock My Soul,' before the storytelling mid-tempo Johnny Adams title track, 'Reconsider Me' is brought forth.

The foot-tappin' 'Queen Bee' from blues/soul vocalist Roman Carter) is up next, and is followed by the pulsating tour de force that is 'Livin' A Lie.' One of Myles' original compositions, it comes complete with furious slide guitar work and some down and gritty vocals also. Growing up in the migrant worker and blue collar rurals of the Central California town of Fresno, Myles may well have played; like many young musicians, in the school music programs, but it's amazing to think he has not had one ounce of any formal music training!

The gifted musician continues onwards with 'Death Bed Blues,' another Myles original, it's a sultry blues club track that puts you immediately right there in the smokey night club scene. Up next is 'What Is Love,' a cover that shows Myles' love for 60's R&B influences. Borrowing the track from the Bay Area quartet The Loved Ones, they include Bart Davenport on lead vocals (and later, the Kinetics), and man, this Myles cut is just incredible to behold.

Along next is 'Call 'em All Baby,' a track that showcases the diversity of Myles' vocal tones as you would never know it was him based on the rest of this album, trust me! A southern mid-tempo rock country-tinged cut, it's easily another stand out song on this album. Bringing the album to a close are the originally-penned 'Three Ways to Fall,' and then finally the Fillmore Slim Funk arrangement of the Fats Domino R&B classic, 'Blue Monday.'

Reviewed by: Russell A. Trunk

www.ACmyles.com