MICHAEL PACKER - MY TIME TO CRY

MICHAEL PACKER - MY TIME TO CRY Produced By Alan Lorber

1. My Time To Cry 2. Wicked Feeling 3. Bullfrog Blues 4. Love Comes Easier 5. She Left This Morning 6. My Woman Tonight 7. Bad Times Jackson 8. Can't Find The Way Outside

Blues comes in many disguises. Musically it can be cloaked in a man and his guitar; in country-blues; rock blues; folk-blues; blues-blues, whatever mask, Michael Packer has worn them all.

From his early days, Michael, by his own confession was a bad boy: “I must admit I was born a bad boy,” and he went out to prove it—and pay for it—paying his blues so to speak.

His redemption is his legacy, his testimonials, his recordings—his confessions. And what a legacy it is.

From his first solo days, still a teenager, to his innovative Papa Nebo, Free Beer bands (the period from which this set comes), to his many invocations of his blues bands, Michael has always counted the word, “blues.”

“My Time To Cry” is the 11th CD in the growing continuation of preserving Michael Packer’s story.

AMERICAN BLUES NEWS REVIEW BY ROBIN MURRAY JULY 13, 2011

In my prior travels on the " Blues Highway", I told the story about the new venue in Middletown, NY (Brian's Backyard BBQ). I not only went to see Brian and Robin Remaley but also to see the Michael Packer Band. I met Michael some years ago and he can reach into your very soul with his powerful blues sound. He had his own stage at the prestigious Junk Joint Festival in Clarksdale, MI this year and also played with Honeyboy Edwards. He gave me his newest CD at that time and asked if I would review it..."My Time to Cry". The title "My Time to Cry", takes off with a solid guitar beat and Michael's powerful high tenor voice as he sings about his sins and sorrows, Michael's real time to cry. "My Time to Cry" is the llth story of Michael's ever growing life as a bluesman extraordinaire. Packer's career is a fascinating one to say the least, his first gig, at the age of 15 was at the Bitter End in Greenwich Village, NY. This multi-talented singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboards formed Papa Nebo in 1969 and later Free Beer band. Traveling to the West Coast, Michael met George Thorogood who turned him on to the blues and he eventually came back to New York City. Packer's career soared and so did his drinking. In the late 80's and early 90's, Michael bottomed out and after an attempted robbery, did a year in jail at Riker's Island. Amazingly, this became the turning point in his life, Michael has maintained his sobriety since leaving Riker's. Music and Blues flowing in his body, Michael formed a band while at Riker's Island and appeared in an HBO special film called "The Prisoners of Riker's Island". I'd like to mention that Michael made a CD later on called "Riker's Island Blues"; it's solid, tight, deep down, nitty gritty, blues that can be exciting for listening or really liven up that party of yours. Track 3 "Bull Frog Blues", Michael's version of this song featuring harp player Jon Paris and a prominent bass guitar will leave "tad poles swimming up and down your spine" an excellent choice of traditional blues here. The other artists that performed on this CD were not mentioned on the CD jacket but Michael Packer told me that Jon Paris was on Harp in "Bull Frog Blues", Bob Mintzer on Flute and Conga along with Bernard Purdie on Drums. An exciting eight 8 track of songs from 40's years ago that were never released. On track #7, "Bad Time Jackson", Packer's guitar starts, then he sings a tale of "he has to set his woman free" and along with a powerful flute solo will put a blues spell on you. Track 8, now remember these songs go back 40 years but I'm glad that this was included and puts you in the 70's mode, "Can't Find The Way Outside", a tale of looking for love on those dangerous streets, I'm sure some readers remember those times. Packer's dynamic singing, background singers and the typical sounds of that era add an excellent ending to this CD. One might say, how can a Rock song be acceptable but after listening, I am sure that you will come to the same conclusion. The entire CD is filled with some of the greatest music that you will be chomping at the bit to hear more, there is such tightness amongst the band, Packer's voice rings in your ears, electrifying guitars, flute solos, the entire CD just flows with no mistakes. I have seen Michael live and whether I see a show or listen to a CD, songs from that phenomenal voice of his keep on playing over and over in my head. I am happy that I am able to tell you a little about it before you get your copy!!!

Robin Murray American Blues News July 13, 2011