Leroy Miller - Temple

2013 – TML Records

By Phillip Smith; Aug. 16, 2014

I’m not really sure how Leroy Miller’s five song EP, Temple slipped by me last year, but I am so glad it recently caught my attention.  It is downright phenomenal.  Miller masterfully wrote, sang, and played all the instruments on this album, much like Prince did on his first albums.  Temple is lush guitar-centric blues at its best akin to that of George Thorogood and Stevie Ray Vaughan. 

Miller kicks the album off with “Integrity”, a high-energy track reflecting his preference of maintaining principles and being alone, over being someone else’s stepping stone.  “One Woman One Man”, is blues infused with a lot of soul. The keys give this a little Booker T Jones flavoring while his guitar riffs remind me of fellow MGs guitarist Steve Cropper. 

When “Going Back Home” starts out, I want to reach over to the dial and turn it up a notch.  Exceptional guitar playing and a traditional blues melody give this track an instant familiarity.  Miller enthusiastically lays down more terrific guitar licks on another fantastic track, “Dead Man Walking”.  Soaked heavily in Texas blues, this western-themed melody is sung from the perspective of one whose cards have been stacked against them since birth. 

Temple is as solid as an EP can get.  Every track shines with splendid performances.  I just wish there were more to hear.

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