Thomas Michael Riley seems to have a bottomless well of inspiration that overflows with music.  Livin’ This Time is another in his long line of Texas Americana CDs that leaves you greedy for more.  From the thought provoking title track through the humor of "Chicken Chokin’ Blues", the autobiographical "Small Time Big", to the finish with the gospel/benedictory feel of "Three-Part Harmony", this collection has you tapping your toes, smiling with recollection, chuckling, and even, heaven help us, contemplating the meaning of life.  You can count on Riley to always have something for everyone.

The long line of Riley’s original CDs and many covers by artists like Gary P. Nunn (6 covers to date, 2 on his Greatest Hits CD) provides a very respectable pedigree in any Texas music circle.  He and his long standing band of Mark Foche, Bart Trotter, and Randy Johnson create a distinctive signature style.  He also occasionally joins forces with Mike Blakely and John Greenberg as a very interactive and synergistic trio.  Then there is the monthly show at the Silver K Café in Johnson City (Howdy, Kay and Al!) where Riley hosts and collaborates with guest artists from the Texas Americana music genre.  Any way you mix and match Riley, it is sure to be pleasing to your ear and spirit.

But no matter how great the music is by itself, it can be either enhanced or diminished by the attitude of the source.  In this case, I couldn’t describe Riley’s enhancement any better than Riley himself: “The overwhelming support of my fans has been very important.  Every time I get a bit discouraged or tired, something happens that inspires me all over again.  Maybe it is a standing ovation at a show or just a passionate email sent to me that talks about how moved someone was and how I was meant to do this.  I don't know if I would still be here if it wasn't for things like that.” That pretty well sums up how he stays in “tune” with the folks that get his message.

The bottom line is that you can’t go wrong with Livin’ This Time.  It will tickle your funny bone, move your emotions, and fill your spirit.  Riley has our pulse and his music is deeply in sync.  Get yourself a copy from Riley’s web site TMR Original Texas Music, Lone Star Music, or your favorite Texas music establishment.  After a listen or two, let him know what you think at tmr@thomasmichaelriley.com.  Check out the review of Thomas Michael Riley’s Cowboy Church on this site’s Texicana Jukebox.  Ready to hit the streets is Riley’s latest new CD, Live and Unplugged at John T Stiles.  Then in early 2007, look for his next CD of more original songs.  Thank you, Thomas Michael Riley, for having such an undying well of music to quench our Texas thirst.