BLUES REVIEW magazine ( Issue #109 - Dec/Jan 2008 , page 75 )
Quebec's Mike Goudreau & The Boppin' Blues Band split the difference between seven newly recorded offerings ans eight past glories on the self-released Boppin 15. A hearty vocalist and effective guitarist who plays snarling, tightly wound leads, Goudreau fronts a sharp band featuring keys, a couple of horns, and harp in addition to the basic bass-and-drums rhythm section. The material is strong, with originals like the western swing " Way Down South " and the Francophone Chicago shuffle " Le Blues des Loups "enlivening more traditional fare like the rubbery contemporary funk-blues " I Dig My Job " ( the guitar break, anchored by big doublestop bends and adorned with sparkling pick harmonics is marvelous ) , the jumping " Juke Joint Café " and a reworking that grafts Hank Ballard's " Look At Little Sister " to a backscratching groove. A highly enjoyable set. Tom Hislop
Tom Hilsop - Blues Revue Magazine (Dec, 2008)
Blues Revue Magazine - # 102 OCT-NOV 2006
Mike Goudreau Band " The Grass Ain't Greener " PMG-CD-07 Another quality Canadian blues act largely unknown in the States,guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Mike Goudreau splits his time between jazz and blues bands, He has also released a Christmas album, a disc of pop standards, and even a blues set sung entirely in French, none of which have been picked up by an American label. Yet he toils away, giging steadily in Quebec and creating a buzz that only occasionally crosses the border. In a perfect world , The Grass Ain't Greener would put Goudreau on the radar. Solid and unpretentious, the guitarist's clean lines propel good-time sometimes driving blues that swings with snappy sincerity and crisp energy. Like his home country, Goudreau isn't terribly aggressive, preferring to go about his business without much fuss. While this album pushes no boundaries, it demonstrates a sure sence of style and dedication to craft that separates the good from the mere competent. Goudreau occasionally tears into a meaty guitar solo, as on the tough, Texas-style " I Had Me A Woman", but he generally keeps the flame on low boil. Harpist Harmonica Zeke sings two songs and adds Chicago-style blowing on others. On the title track, Goudreau and Zeke unfurl an upbeat groove that succeeds on chops and energy, if not originality. Covers of " Mercury Blues", " Caldonia ", and interestingly, the Beatles' " Oh ! Darling " providethe most head-turning moments, but the rest slip into the band's tight yet comfortable vibe. Goudreau has a pleasant voice, somewhat like Steve Miller,and never over extends his range or tries to sound artificially soulful. Easygoing ? Sure. Predictable ? To a certain extent. Boring ? Never.Goudreau presents this material with the heart and soul of a musician who just happens to live in a country than his musical inspirations, and he makes the most of his situation. More stateside visibility couldn't hurt,but Goudreau doesn't sound the type who chases fame. If he keeps releasing solid albums like this on his native turf, the audience will find him. Hal Horowitz
Hal Horowitz - Blues Revue Magazine (Oct, 2006)