Mike Miz - Sometimes By Surprise (2025) Hi-Res

This showcase consists of 13 tracks from Northeast Pennsylvania’s Mike Miz (Mizwinski). It was recorded in Nashville live to two-inch tape (like in the old days). Somewhat in a John Gorka, Bruce Cockburn & Stephen Fearing singer-songwriter tradition. Mike’s voice, while good, isn’t yet as distinctive & stylistically acute as Gordon Lightfoot, John Prine or Cat (Yusuf) Stevens. But his material is spirited & well-written. “Out at the Lake” has some descriptive lyrics in a short story type of narrative that flows between the notes of his music.

Produced by bassist Ted Pecchio, Sometimes By Surprise (Drops Sept 19/Blackbird Record Label)?features material that displays melodic energy & excellent playing by a serenely swinging band. “End of Your Rope” & “Birds Don’t Sing” are both capable rockers. In a style done before by many artists with similar pursuits, Mike (acoustic & electric guitars/vocals) has a way of not allowing his music to pour too commercially from his lips. And that’s where the difference lies.

Mike keeps the music’s temperature steady. The band itself applies the contemporary musical colors more than competently. On “Birds Don’t Sing,” the drums are exceptional, both with a persistent aggressive beat & with fills that coat the arrangement.

The guitar playing has clarity & some of the more pensive songs are rendered well. “Trading Seats (On a Sinking Ship),” is clever. Performed with soulfulness, excellent backing vocals & a tight, delicious groove. While the instrumental “The Rope Swing” is impressively pure Leo Kottke/John Fahey in spirit & equally compelling. Lots of energetic strumming followed by precision picking that even Tommy Emmanuel would appreciate. Excellent.

With “No Good Explanation,” Miz slides vocally into a Lyle Lovett groove. The rockiest entry is “Tornado Mind,” which goes from his previous Lyle Lovett vocalisms to a warmer Marc Cohn (“Silver Thunderbird,” “Walking In Memphis”). This has superb instrumental diversification held together by the snap of a drum beat in all the right places.

Mike’s a good singer-songwriter & excellent guitarist. His personality gets through most of the material performed. He does need to find a signature style that stands out as sharp as Cat (Yusuf) Stevens, John Prine, Harry Chapin, & Jim Croce. It’s a challenge, but Miz will succeed. Meanwhile, this album will certainly satisfy listeners.