The Clayton Miller Blues Band is building a reputation on its live shows.

Clayton Miller Blues Band

Before the Battle Ground-based family took the stage June 22 at Lafayette's Taste of Tippecanoe, about 50 people gathered to watch dad, Larry, and his three sons, Clayton, 20, Cole, 16, and L.D., 8, set up equipment and gulp water in the wings.

Once the band took the stage, it was evident what those people were gathering for. The band democratically shared solo-honors, winced in unison at sweet blues licks, and smiled when L.D. flashed the "you rock" sign at the audience by sticking up his thumb, index and pinky finger.

This is not your ordinary festival band -- you know, the ones you'll see years from now playing the same old circuit. Instead, there's urgency in this band -- that sneaky feeling that if you miss seeing them for free now, you're going to pay big bucks to see them on tour later.

And so it is with their sophomore album, Gotta Have Love. Though the album was made without a record contract, it seems the Millers are on the verge of becoming a nationally well-known act.

The band has improved ten-fold from last year's live debut album, Live at Duncan Hall, evidenced in everything from Cole's gravely vocals to L.D.'s harmonica licks. Clayton's guitar work is also excellent.

The album begins with "Find A Good Babe," an upbeat, Stevie Ray Vaughan-type of song, and "Illustrated Man," a song about a man with tattoos. It begins with a tantalizing harmonica solo, later followed by Cole, singing mischievously, "I got tattoos where the sun don't shine/ If you show me yours, I'll show you mine/ Cause I'm an illustrated man, baby."

"Big Boss Man" is a great song for singing on the way home from work -- or at work, if you're feeling daring or just frustrated with your boss. It has a driving guitar beat, courtesy of Clayton, and is great for letting out steam.

"Big boss man, can't you hear me when I call?" Cole sings powerfully, as if he is really sick of the management. "Well, you ain't so big -- just tall, that's all."

The band has only been around for a couple years, but already their passion and talent has gotten them far. They've played with B.B. King and Kenny Wayne Shepherd and appeared on Blues Deluxe Radio, a program heard on 100 radio stations worldwide.

It seems their big break could be lurking around any corner. So pick up their album, or see them play Saturday at the Wabash Riverfest.

You'll enjoy their performance, and then one day you'll be able to say to some swooning fan, "Yeah, I knew them way back when."

Grade: A-

FYI

Clayton Miller Blues Band will perform at the Wabash Riverfest from 6-8 p.m. Saturday in Tapawingo Park. Their sophomore CD, Gotta Have Love, will be available at the show. It can also be purchased at http://www.claytonmillerbluesband.com/ or by mailing a $15 check or money order to CMBB, P.O. Box 156, Lafayette, IN 47902.

The Clayton Miller Blues Band have a busy summer ahead of them. Here are some of their upcoming gigs:

•6 p.m. Saturday, Wabash Riverfest, Tapawingo Park, West Lafayette.

•9 p.m. July 25, Lafayette Brewing Company, 622 Main St.

•Aug. 2 and 3, Rib, Rock & Blues Fest, Riehle Bros. Pavilion, 2270 Concord Road.