Same Soil is David Michael Miller’s second solo album and the follow-up to last year’s Poisons Sipped. The sound could best be described as “traditional modern”. With its blend of blues, gospel and soul influences, Same Soil is a celebration of traditional root styles. The album opens with the acoustic guitar riff of “All the Blues to You,” which sets the stage for the entire album of soulful songs with related themes. There’s always enough familiarity to make you feel at home and enough twists to keep you interested, but this is Same Soil’s second great strength. The first is the voice of David Michael Miller. This man has a mastery of the human voice that few can match. Dynamically, he is always right without appearing to be showing off. Every line seems to come off his tongue with total and complete ease. From the highest and most intense passages to those that are barely spoken; every melodic figure and soul oozes lyrical.
David explores songs inspired by Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, and Bo Diddley, among others. The main riff of the dirty and dirty “Doing Me In, Doing Me Wrong” references “Manish Boy”, but takes a more modern twist that would make Muddy proud. “Got Them Blues” is a gospel blues improvisation with more of a nod to Robert Randolph. “Friend of Mine” is a soulful blues ballad with sax and guitar work reminiscent of early Tom Waits. When David’s voice comes with the soul and intelligence of Robert Cray and a touch of Al Green, the goosebumps really start. It draws on many influences and styles, but it still sounds very natural and always earthy. This may sound like hyperbole, but all tracks on Same Soil are a total hit. This is one of those rare albums where you’re not jumping around looking for the good songs. “Just Ride” is a great blues rocker. “Shoes To Shine” is a dynamite funk / soul number with amazing chord changes and a great solo section featuring sax and guitar swapping.
No Same Soil review would be complete without mentioning the band David chose to bring the songs to life, including keyboardist Jim Ehinger (Bonnie, Raitt, Albert Collins, Billy Vera, and The Beaters), saxophonist Jason Moynihan (Buddy Guy). and the drummer. Carlton Campbell (of the Campbell brothers). Everyone is giving 100 percent, but no one is “exaggerating.” They all play to perfectly serve the songs, David’s voice, and deep-rooted production.
David Michael Miller has the potential to go anywhere and be whatever he wants in this business. He could easily be the next big blues star like Robert Cray or Bonnie Raitt. In the meantime, we can all move to the same ground as we see what the future holds.