First of all, let me say that Kevin Deal is not a bluesman, even he cannot be considered as a real blues musician Of course blues influences are present in his music, as well as other musical styles such as folk, country & western or roots Americana music Kewin shows he is an excellent composer too with very poetical literary lyrics that reflect all his deep joyful and sad feelings Deal tells us different stories like a modern medieval poet with a special sensibility for love, joy of life, the pain of death, happiness and sorrow all explained with a real open mind, without keeping anything back, which makes him a real XXI century ‘story-teller’ These three cds are a good example of the refresing vitalistic and sincere message this Iowa born man wants to give out with his recorded or live music Apart from his innovative own style you will discover in his own composition different influences of the musicians he admires such as Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard or George Jones among others Kevin plays harmonica, and acoustic and electric guitar on the three cds and as I have just mentioned, he sings all own compositions included on these cds The three cds are really interesting and i could not stand out one over the other ones but, if I had to choose one I will perhaps choose ‘Lovin’ Shootin’ Cryin’ And Dyin’