The Curly "No Shoes" Jr. Band!: Press/Reviews

This old year, 2006, brought into my life one of the best Blues singers that I have had the pleasure of meeting and driving all around OKC and best of all, listening to him moan the Blues. It was this March that Peggy, Karen and the “BluesBaby” went to hear a Blues singer who was sitting in with Magic Mike up in Guthrie. Well, that was one of those “instant loves” at first sight. He has an inane ability to “moan” the Blues like any woman wants to hear. Not only is he talented but also quite the gentleman. Curly “No Shoes” Jr. hails from Colorado and has family who lives in Stroud.

In October he cruised back into town and wanted to get some more exposure in OKC. On Friday night he sat in with Miss Blues up in Edmond and the town has never been the same. Saturday night found us up in a little juke joint in Crescent, Oklahoma where Kenny Ford was gracious enough to let him sing with the band on very short notice.

Peggy Steinke has got to be someone very special. Last month Miss Blues invited Curly to play with her in El Reno For Peggy’s birthday party and he accepted the invitation!! Needless to say the party was a hit!!

Curly says he’s coming back in March and it would be so cool if he had a big turnout. This is someone you don’t want to miss moaning!!

On March 26, 2006 Tulsa Native Mark Muehlberg (whose stage name is Curly "No Shoes" Jr.) blew 'em away with his vocals. He first appeared at Tulsa's Blues City Bar & Grill starting off with a Muddy Waters Tune. He later ventured up to Owasso, where he pulled a similar feat at The Vault. Curly has lived in Denver since 1999 but you get the feeling that he and his lovely wife Janet and beautiful daughter Amanda will be moving back to Tulsa some day. Not only can this Okie sing the Blues, but he's a songwriter as well. He wrote all 12 tunes on his new CD "Make Your Dreams Come True" with either Sammy Mayfield or Gabe Masry. If I have a favorite on this CD it is The Path, where his travels have taken him to lows and highs. It has a real spiritual feel to it. Curly has performed with talents ranging from Lucky Peterson to Texas Slim. During his time living in Dallas his mentor became Blues guitarist Hashbrown. Curly learned something from them all and it shows on this CD. The already gifted Tulsa Blues scene will be even better if Curly comes home.

Last night, Trygve and I went to the premier of the movie "The Surfer King". I got to meet the star of the movie, Mr. Randy Wayne. Nice kid. Good actor too.

I really enjoyed the movie a bunch. It's a fun surfer movie, shot entirely in Colorado (Yeah, you should go see it for yourself and see how that works. Kind of cool.)

This film isn't deep drama. This film is not going to change the world. But it is a fun, safe little escape, and I enjoyed that feeling a lot.

Good music on the soundtrack, too. Featuring one of my favorite blues artists - Curly "No Shoes" Jr. Curly rocks, and I got to talk to him a little bit at the premier. Super talented, super nice guy. I gotta start catching his shows around town. I recommend you do the same. The man wails, that's all there is to that.

The blues is a funny thing. An artist that sounds too similar to other blues performers becomes another unremarkable copycat, while musicians who break with tradition are often accused of not being "true" to the blues. The most successful modern blues artists, Stevie Ray Vaughn for example, tread respectfully between tradition and personal expression. It's tough to get it right, but Curley "No Shoes" Jr. might just be able to pull it off.

Curly "No Shoes" Jr. (Mark Muehlberg) is a Colorado based blues singer/songwriter with a lot on his mind. This barefoot bard of the blues must be given praise for releasing his new CD "Make Your Dreams Come True" without the support of a record label and without compromising his vision of the blues. His album has certainly found an audience with Colorado area blues fans and radio stations. So what does Curly bring to the genre? And what has happened to the poor man's shoes?

The album opener "You Ain't the One For Me" is the highlight. Slow and repetitive, it forgoes the standard I IV V blues changes for a trance inducing jam. It's Jr.'s bitter lament on misguided love. Backed by guitar, drums, bass, and keyboards; his gravely croon up high in the mix; Curly reminds listeners that the best blues is simple, personal, and cathartic.

For me, the remaining tracks equal the power of the album's opener. The majority of the material is comprised of top notch blues themes and song structures. Curly sings about woman troubles, hard-won life lessons, depression, and chasing short-lived thrills. "Nuthin' But A Tear" recalls 60's era live at the Fillmore blues. "Well a gypsy woman told me baby/ your love brings nothin' but a tear..." he sings amidst bass grooves and snappy guitar licks. It's fun. "Make Your Dreams Come True" is a Rolling Stones inspired ballad that isn't lacking any soul. The album concludes with "The Path," an intimate and soothing acoustic farewell.

Curly "No Shoes" Jr. may have his faults, but it's safe to say they are lovable ones. The Blues is music belonging to the populace, and Curly's fans have spoken. This is the sign of a successful blues artist. Curly "No Shoes" Jr. is a talented singer/songwriter who hasn't gotten cold feet about making music on his own terms.

A City Of Stars!

Every now and then someone laments to me that the local music scene in Denver doesn't have it going on.

And I think, "Poor you. You are really out of touch, aren't you?"

On any night of the week you'll find local talent on stages across the city that you'll swear should be making headlines and performing at the Pepsi Center. Three clubs visited in three days prove that out.

Friday night I caught Curly No Shoes Jr down at Bushwackers. If Curly's deep, smoky vocals don't get you, the guitar, bass, drums and harmonica are to die for. This is one tight group of musicians and one that you won't be able to watch just once.

Why aren't all these folks out on the national stage with their name in lights? I think that's something that could only be understood by a politician. There are certainly forces at work beyond the talent of the performer.

It's a tragedy, perhaps, for the performers who deserve more recognition. For music lovers, it's akin to having a hidden treasure. For less than it costs to park your car, you can enjoy the finest talent this world has to offer at your local nightclub.

From the first note, there is no doubt - Curly is a bluesman extraordinaire. With smoky, deep throated vocals, Curly lures you into his world of the blues and doesn't let you go until the final track.

Make Your Dreams Come True is a CD you will want to add to your collection!

Curly "No Shoes" Jr. needs no introduction. Since the early 90's, Curly has made a solitary name for himself through the Denver blues scene and has surpassed many other musicians in the blues community. He has not only performed with such artists as "Lucky" Peterson, Joe Jonas, Texas Slim and R.L. Griffin, but he gained his start from the direction of "Hash Brown." His latest solo release, “Make Your Dreams Come True” features a perfect partnering with blues legend Sammy Mayfield. A concoction of these influences, along with pure talent, has made Curly “No Shoes” Jr. a force to be reckoned with.

Curly's soulful style, mixed with a generous sampling of rhythm and blues makes for an ultimate sensatory experience. He takes you on a journey of the heart; euphoric bliss to mournful obsession. "You Ain't the One for Me" is a meltdown of emotions. Curly's lyrics evoke a hard realization of a love gone bad while the guitar resonates a desperate wanting for a different truth. He picks himself back up on "Wanna Be a Better Man." The catchy and good old-fashioned blues rhythms help his plight to win his baby back. The heavy reverb guitar riffs on “Nuthin’ But A Tear” rip into your soul and make you feel Curly’s pain. Accompanied is Curly’s unique vocal styling to create a true blues exploration. This smoky and ruff track should definitely not be missed and is the epitome what I like to call, the “Curly Blues Experience.”

Curly "No Shoes" Jr. (Make Your Dreams Come True)

We originally reviewed this artist on a single track called "Hide Me From Myself". When we received Curly's cd, we just had to review the entire cd.
"Make Your Dreams Come True" is a stylish and "down in the trench" type cd with song collections that contain the best in electric blues peppered with great Delta, KC and Chicago stylings. Curly's vocals were made for blues as his tonal qualities matches the genre and he has the perfect vocal cuts and sustains to make the blues convincing. As Curly is a "Bluesman" at heart, there is a lot of "heart 'n' soul" in this cd and a lot to get excited about. The songwriting reflects the artist's experience in life and has great qualities lyrically along with great melodies that brings the trials and tribulations of life in blues. If you're not a blues fan before listening to this cd, you will be afterwards!!

Also, THE GOLDEN WAVE AWARD goes to CURLY "NO SHOES" JR. for his tireless efforts on behalf of the COLORADO COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS. Curly and Mayor Hickenlooper will join hands on Wednesday Dec. 21 @ 5:30PM on the steps of the Denver City Hall Building singing "THE PATH" in remembrance of the homeless who have died on the streets of Denver. A not-so-gentle reminder that there are plenty of people who don't have it as good as most of us. Pitch in....thanks Curly...And proof positive that MUSIC IS LOVE.

Curly "No Shoes" Jr.: Song Review "Hide Me From Myself"

This is an artist that I found quite amazing. Curly "No Shoes" Jr. is a bluesman at heart and performs that part in extreme fashion. From the very first note, you know this is hard hitting blues. Curly seems to bring in various styles of blues into this song as it has elements of Delta , KC and Chitown blues in one cool package. His vocals are second to none in this genre as he has the tremendous vocal cuts and sustains needed to make this genre convincing. His contemporary fashion with traditional tendencies gives you the feel of newness and familiarity

He might be one of the most inspiring "You Gotta Knows" Musiqtone has ever had. Not everyone's path in music is paved with gold and for Denver native Curly 'No Shoes' Jr, the path wasn't always paved with gold. Like every person who has tried to make their own mark in the music industry, there are inevitable struggles and hard times. After years of battling with a myriad of challenges that threatened to derail his dream of making music, this man has reinvented himself and four years later, he is ready to finally take on the blues world with his take on old school blues.

With vocals evoking some of the great blues masters of our time like Buddy Guy and B.B. King, Curly is certainly poised to put his own name in the pantheon of blues legends. His own past struggles are often subject matter in his pieces, which accents the blues mystique because blues isn't always about the positives, it can also be about one's struggles.

It is his story which has inspired us at Musiqtone and it is his reemergence in life that makes Curly our "You Gotta Know" for the month of November.

Curly “No Shoes” Jr has been a staple on the Denver blues scene for a long time--known not only for his upbeat and joyous personality but for his talent as a blues musician as well--and finally, finally we have his 1st solo CD. The wait has been worth it. Produced by local hero Sammy Mayfield, who also played most of the instruments on this recording, we are presented with a CD that has a touch of humor, a touch of love, a touch of heartbreak, and even a touch of America in it. A very traditional blues CD with 12 original songs.

A special mention has to be made of Sammy Mayfield’s guitar playing on this recording--not only is it excellent but he manages to cop a tone very much like the tone Clapton used on the song, “Strange Brew”. It is a tone that fits well with Curly’s voice.

A couple of cuts worth mentioning. “I sing the Blues” is a very traditional number but the lyrics are great! Another one is “American Boy”, which harkens back to Curly’s days in Dallas.

Definitely worth our time and money, I give this one 4 mojos out 5.

(Special mention that a portion of the sales of this CD are being donated to the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.)

Denver based blues singer Curly "No Shoes" Jr. (Mark Muehlberg) has learned the genre from some of its best performers and he fronts this quartet with an effectively tremulous vocal rasp that conveys a dark, moody aura. Add Sammy Mayfield's smoldering guitar and you've got a brooding mixture that's sure to lure electric blues devotees. Originals "You Ain't The One For Me", "Nuthin' But A Tear" and the Stones-ish " Wanna Be A Better Man" are solid workouts....

This is Curly "No Shoes" Jr's new track,and it is absolutely a killer! Very, very soulful blues with great guitars and wonderful vocals! An old friend of mine said to me: "what makes a great bluesman is something that can't be bought or bargained for, it has to be earned....and it is earned with "mileage".......this guy has been doin' it long enough, and has enough mileage to be part of that group they call "bluesmen".
Welcome brother! I really am diggin' your music!
Give a listen to "Curly", you wont be disappointed!

DREAMS CAN COME TRUE,
A review of Curly “No Shoes”, Jr.
By Chad Velvin
“Make Your Dreams Come True”, the latest effort from Curly “No Shoes”, Jr. is certainly a dream come true for all of you Blues enthusiasts. With the guitar talents of Sammy Mayfield, Curly has compiled a CD that tears at your soul one minute and has you tapping your feet the next. Curly’s accomplished voice has just the right splash of soulfulness to combine with memorable melodies, making this original music far more than just another Blues CD.

The guitar shreddings on tracks like “Hide Me From Myself” and “Live, Learn and Love“ will have you believing you are hearing B.B. getting the most out of Lucille. Mayfield is one of the premiere guitarists in the Blues genre and shows why throughout this masterful work. “Wanna Be A Better Man” and “Finally Found My Baby” will have you bopping your head and tapping your feet all the way through, while songs like “It’s Gonna Be Hell To Pay” and “I Sing the Blues” bring you back to Blues roots with the strong influences of Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson present in gripping fashion. The fiery “Nuthin’ But A Tear” is a blood boiler that is a powerful piece of song and makes even the most die hard Blues lover nod in admiration.

Curly has put together a group of songs where the listener can relate to all the lyrics. Everyone has lost a girl or two; everyone has made a mistake or two; everyone has done a bit of crying in their heart from time to time – Curly makes you feel all of this and more. The production of this CD is fantastic, and the creativeness flows in a style that can only be Curly. Don’t pass on this wonderful CD which proves that the Blues are very much alive and kicking.

Great blues --straight up----electric chicago style--this is what its all about--this is the stuff that the universe is based on ---this is the core of the apple--the spring from wich a fountain of music flows-----keep it up !!
Artists like you are the foundation for all that is rock and blues--and we thank you!
Keep it alive!---Rev

Oh my heavens what a great intro and then the voice! Holy blue hell it is low down and cookin' - piano and the whole shebang on the job, love it, love it!!!!
A team that knows their stuff, this is so cool it is sizzlin'...
Great guitar lickin' like fire around the song, and this real deal vocal just rocks the joint, wonderful band!
Bluer than blue, YEAH!!!!

My favorite is "Hide Me From Myself"...Oh that 'ha ha ha ha' on the opening - now that is how to open a song....DAMMIT yeah!!!
You just know this one is gonna blow your socks off...!!!
My kinda blues, phew!!!
Love these lyrics, and the vocals just have so much authority, you won't argue with this song, it rules!
Curly, you are a serious bluesman. You are going to stir a lot of attention.
I have to say that this is the best blues performance I've heard for a while.
Loren

Perfect example of players working as a team and the vocals are the icing on this big blue cake of mighty proportions, yep it is cool and hot all at the same time.
Enjoyed every track and will be back to hear it all again, fine band and singer keeping the backbone supple!
Hell Yeah!!!!

This is some of those ass shaking blues like they play up in the "windy city" and down in the Delta!
Cant get enough of this kind of blues!
Curly............You gotts it!
*******************************
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! ! ! !
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Is There Anything But The Blues? I Loved this from the first note of the opening guitar solo. That super clean T-Bone Walker guitar sound gets me everytime. The whole groove is very sweet, sultry and powerful. Good energy all the way through.
I like the vocals, straight ahead and pure--makes the songs sound like a true confession (which I gather they are).
Tasty. What a great bass lines, soulful guitar playing, and soulful singing. Make that guitar cry brothaman!!!!