Mike Hollon - Irving Park (2025) Hi-Res

A groovy blend of funky roots and bluesy Americana. Heartfelt songwriting and conscious lyrics with a workingman's sentiment. Inspired by hopeful prospects and blue skies a little further on down the road.

This is an interesting musician who’s had a life both in Nebraska & Appalachia (North Carolina). The title place is a tribute to a park in Lincoln, NE. where Mike spent time when circumstances prevented Mike from playing live & interacting with people. Instead, he took his guitar, notebook & a bottle of wine to a place to find the necessary peace to be creative…it worked & produced the 11 tracks of Irving Park. But Mike Hollon offers inspiration & positivity, the belief that things will get better, & I’ll support anything that has an optimistic approach. The album starts with a positive intro on the John Prine-like “1000 Days,” & Mike’s upbeat melody & acoustic guitar shimmers. Wonderful vocal tonality, the crisp drums & acoustics are ear candy. Nice high-hat swish really colors the tune. Creativity at work with a relatively simple progression. Well done.

The whole album sounds well produced with clarity on every instrument & warmth in the singing. There are no showboating type of runs, exuberant vocals or sprawling compositions. Mike’s a troubadour, a balladeer, a polished storyteller who adds enrichment through his acoustic guitar picking.

OK, there isn’t much creativity going on when you title songs with one word “Love” & “Go,” – but on “Love,” the gentle Kyle Carson trumpet adds the necessary torque. An easy listening tune with good percussion, drums & a little jazz sugar. Well integrated.

“Go,” is more like an ignited haybale – the flames are high & warm. The tune has style & substance, a little more speed than the others. Quite impressive energetic playing. Mike’s vocals are also effective as he sprays the melody out of a musical aerosol can & spreads it over the room. Nice stuff.