Multi-discipline singer-songwriter/band leader Dr Richard Michelson (stage name: MOTU which is Music Of The Universe) is known for his ability to play any string instrument with expertise as well as being a prolific poet, master engineer.

Past SEMI-FINALIST WINNER in both the ISC and IBC, the NY-based multiple BEST OF LONG ISLAND WINNER has performed world-wide and has a huge on-line following demonstrated by his over 9 MILLION views on YouTube and over a QUARTER OF A MILLION FOLLOWERS on Facebook.

This new 2023 album, THE WATER IS HIGH: Songs of Love, Lies, and Freedom, is his 22nd official release which follows up his 2022 Grammy 1st round ballot album, BACK TO THE GARAGE with return performances by Dee Michelson (Vocals), Bob Rush (Keyboards, Harmonica), Ed Modzel (Drums), and Dr Rich (Vocals, Slide Dobro, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Banjo, Mandolin, Sitar, Bass, and Pedal Steel Guitar).

1. I’M JUST HERE PLAYIN’ IN THIS BAND (4:39)
2. THE WATER IS HIGH (3:46)
3. THAT LAST SUMMER BREEZE (3:59)
4. THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN (3:09)
5. ARE YOU THE MAN I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR? (3:49)
6. LOVELY DAY FOR A MOON WALK (4:39)
7. CAN WE ALL RISE ABOVE? (5:02)
8. DON’T YOU WORRY, IT’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT (4:56)
9. I’LL FLY AWAY (3:53)
10. WALK WITH ME FOR ONE MORE MILE (2:31)

This vibrantly astute and wholly organic new album opens on the soulful electric jazz vibe of I’M JUST HERE PLAYIN’ IN THIS BAND and then serves us up some cultured Delta-styling within the titular THE WATER IS HIGH, and they are followed by the bluesy jazz of the aptly-named THAT LAST SUMMER BREEZE, the acoustically-imbibed, melodious THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN, and then comes the raw blues rock of ARE YOU THE MAN I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR?

Along next is the fusion instrumental LOVELY DAY FOR A MOON WALK and that is itself followed by the informative prose within the strong CAN WE ALL RISE ABOVE?, then comes the rhythmic hipsway within DON’T YOU WORRY, IT’S GONNA BE ALRIGHT, the album rounding out on the lighter, albeit driven by guitar fare of I’LL FLY AWAY, coming to a close on the beautiful WALK WITH ME FOR ONE MORE MILE.

On the surface THE WATER IS HIGH has a wonderful Blues-Rock feel with strong harmonies by MOTU and Dee. However, beneath that surface is a unique poetry in motion with a variety of current events commentaries, via socially conscious lyrics, describing the struggle of the human condition.

Also, in contrast to prior Delta and Electric Blues MOTU albums, which were dominated by Dr Rich’s outstanding slide guitar leads, THE WATER IS HIGH has Dr Rich covering a spectrum of guitar styles ranging from John McLaughlin, Jimi Hendrix, to Jeff Beck, and even playing jazz leads on mandolin and sitar!

Bob Rush is amazing on his Chicago style harmonica riffs and Dee Michelson shows she is a dominant force as a lead jazz-blues vocalist along with being an expert at harmonies. Ed Modzel backs it all magnificently on drums sounding like Charlie Watts at his best.

In short, “THE WATER IS HIGH: Songs of Love, Lies, And Freedom” is a musical piece of art showing that this 22nd MOTU album is a maturity of expression beyond the normal.

www.MOTU.net