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Long Island, New York is probably one of the last places in America that you would expect to be the hometown of a blues musician, but that is where Dr. Richard Michelson, aka MOTU, hails from. Better known as a blues, rock, and jazz guitarist, MOTU also moonlights as a vocalist (although I have to think maybe he should stick more to the guitar).

Going Back to Memphis, another one in the long line of releases from MOTU, is classic blues, and as some of my friends say, “you can never have too much Blues music.” The record features guitars, banjos, and harmonicas, all mainstays and essential pieces to a good Blues album. Aside from MOTU, there is also a female vocalist, Dolores Chetta, on the record. I’ve heard many more talented artists.. she is just average. Perhaps the best bet for MOTU would be to scrap the extra vocalist or vocals altogether and focus more on the instrumentals.

The Blues genre is always full of comparisons, and there are numerous ones for MOTU. Some of his biggest influences are B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Hot Tuna, and Jerry Garcia, and there's a little bit of each in his music.

All of the songs on the disc are original, with the exception of Smokestack Lightening, which is a traditional Howlin’ Wolf song rearranged for acoustic guitar by Michelson. Smokestack Lightening really shows his genius, as most of the other tracks are average. This is the best song on the disc.

I would definitely recommend Going Back to Memphis to any blues fan, as it is good easy listening and there is some musical talent on display throughout. For those non-Blues minded music lovers out there however, this one may not be for you.