Michael Hurley - Blue Navigator

Recorded with a cast of Northern Vermont hepcats including guitarist Jon Weber (of Dan Hicks’ original Hot Licks), head Rooster William Wright on guitar and mandolin, Nancy Beavan on vocals, Gordon Stone on pedal steel and various other goners, all playing some sweet rural swing displaying exactly how Hurley became the toast of the snowmobile club circuit during his days in the North Country. A mix of old favorites — “Werewolf,” “Open  Up (Eternal Lips)” — new favorites — “Code of the Mountains,” “Ghost Woman Blues” — and even a re-write — “Blue Navigator” — it’s a great, very casual sounding session, revealing more layers the more you listen. The instrumentation varies a lot between tunes, but the music always flows with Snocky grace and assurance.