Take The Ride

There are three core members of Hounddog Mike & the Crusade. Nathan Matney, 13 year old percussion protg who tracked all the drums between the ages of 10-12. Hounddog Mike Matney, who learned to finger pick the Blues from his grandfather who in turn learned it from the black coal miners he worked with in the hills of Southern West Virginia. HoundDog plays guitar, bass, organ, harmonica, and does all the male vocals on the album. He is also the arranger/songwriter for the group. The only female in the group is daughter Emily Grace. She has one of the most naturally beautiful smoky voices God ever gave a human! My oldest son Justin plays bass on the title track and lead on Come Ye Sinners. He usually plays a lot more on the albums but his day job is definitely getting in the way. There are several special guests on this album. Greg Martin of the Kentucky Headhunters, Rufus Huff, and the Mighty Jeremiahs is playing lead on 3 of the songs. Mark Kerr is playing lead on the title song, Take the Ride. Below is a list of who did what: 1. Didn't Wake Up This Mornin' Hounddog Mike-guitars, bass, vocals Nathan-drums 2. Resurrection Power Hounddog Mike-swapping leads with Greg, bass, organ Greg Martin-lead guitar (starting with verse 2) Nathan-drums Emily Grace-female vocals 3. Ain't No Grave-cover Emily Grace-vocals Hounddog Mike-guitars, bass, organ, Rhodes Nathan-drums, percussion 4. Take the Ride Mark Kerr-lead guitar Hounddog Mike-rhythm guitars, vocals Justin Matney-bass Nathan-drums 5. Except Through Me Greg Martin-lead guitar Hounddog Mike-rhythm guitar, bass Nathan-drums Emily Grace-backing vocals 6. Just Got Saved-cover (Just Got Paid) Hounddog Mike-guitars, bass, harmonica, vocals Nathan-drums 7. Take Responsibility Hounddog Mike-guitars, bass, organ, vocals Nathan-drums 8. 30 Pieces Greg Martin-lead guitar Hounddog Mike-resonator guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, vocals Nathan-drums 9. Come Ye Sinners-cover Justin Matney-1st lead guitar Jared Carte-2nd lead guitar Hounddog Mike-bass, rhythm guitars, organ Emily Grace-lead vocal Nathan-drums 10. Only One You Can Trust Hounddog Mike-guitars, bass, organ, vocals Nathan-drums Emily Grace-backing vocals 11. God Is! Hounddog Mike-guitars, bass, vocals Nathan-drums 12. You Don't Have to Move That Mountain /Sometimes You Do-cover Emily Grace-lead vocal Hounddog Mike-acoustic guitar (rhythm and lead), bass, backing vocal, harmonica, resonator guitar Nathan-drums Steve Criner-B3 Hammond organ and electric lead guitar We would like to thank all our friends for helping to make this album special and adding a variety that can't be achieved with just three members!