CD: Above the Bones
Artist: Mishka
Label: J.K. Livin Records


Reviewed by Baba,
Host of Overnight and Baba's Grooves

Listen to samples from Above the Bones:
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Above the Bones
Higher Heights
Guy With A Guitar

It's kind of funny how you come across a name, and you have never heard of the person, and then you see it again, and again…
And then, suddenly you are interested in the person behind the name. That is what happened to me regarding Mishka. Now I see Mishka's name all over the place, and he is going to become even better known (after this review!)

Mishka is the first artist on the J. K. Livin (Just Keep Living) label, floated by actor Matthew McConaughey; the actor was so impressed by seeing Mishka he started a record label. It is probably a good idea to stop mentioning the McConaughey connection at some point, the singer/songwriter stands on his own strength.

Having grown up in Bermuda, he naturally has that "Island" sound; acoustic Reggae is how I will qualify it. The first thing that strikes me about Mishka is how clear and "front" he is in his delivery. The words are meaningful and not hidden behind a wash of music. In his own words, he's a "Guy with a Guitar" with a very clear message to share. Stop yer fighting and self-centered ways, and get real. Themes of deception, corruption, redemption and environmental concerns presented with a genuine gentleness are threaded throughout the eleven tracks on the CD. I think of him as Cat Stevens with dreads - same depth and intensity.

Mishka just passed through Alberta in early March, playing shows in Edmonton and Calgary, and he's got a busy touring schedule. Look for him at the summer festivals sometime soon. When not on the road, Mishka makes interior B.C. his home.