by Eric Hancsak
October 17, 2005

The Bloomington, Indiana-based bluesman Jason Fickel learned his craft while playing and traveling with several blues masters down south. They seem to have taught him a thing or two. The offspring of his knack for blending straight-ahead blues with folk and an upbeat sound, is his newest release Kerosene Cologne. This is pure Americana.

On several tracks, Fickel comes across as a much-admired older brother, telling his stories of the road. While on other tracks, he takes on the role of reminiscing lover. All that story telling, mixed with simple and clean instrumentation, and the occasional slide, makes for a record worthy of attention.

Pay attention to: "Bells of Avignon," "All Your Bad Habits (Rubbed Off On Me)," "Most of All"

Rating: 4 out of 5