Blues man Peloquin plays harmonica, saxophone & sings on this rip roarin' album with arrangements that echo the greats from Louis Jordan to Stax/Volt to Tower Of Power; the horns add a punchy fullness & his vocals are expressive & gritty . After twenty plus years as a sideman contributing to other artists (Albert King, Johnnie Johnson, Tommy Castro, E.C. Scott, Mitch Woods, Larry "Arkansas" Davis, Sy Klopps and Rhythmtown­Jive), he is stepping into the spotlight with his first album as a leader. These years have been an education in American roots music that has helped to form his melting­pot sound, as witnessed on this project. Featuring special guests: Tommy Castro, (Blind Pig Recs), Mitch Woods (Blind Pig Recs), Larry Batiste, and Steve Freund (Delmark Recs). A must have for all blues lovers!

'From the "Horns of Dilemma" to guitarist Tommy Castro, Peloquin assembled an impressive group of friends to help out with this fantastic recording, which features his smooth West Coast vocals, fat sax playing and in-the-pocket harp work. The material moves from the straight blues of "23 Kinds of Fine" to the funky jazz of "Maceosity", with a side trip to Louisiana on "What's Yours is Yours." (Globe Records)' - ROOSTER PICK!- Blues Access Issue 44/Winter 2001

"Harpist, sax player and vocalist Michael Peloquin offers his debut as bandleader after having been a side player for much of the past 20 years. He's contributed to the work of such artists as Albert King, Johnnie Johnson and Tommy Castro (who guests on this disc), but here Peloquin delivers his own attitude-laced soul-blues at times crossing into R&B, funk and jazz.

House of Cards is a spirited, rhythmic work with maximum groove. The horn arrangements are tight and well written, and though Peloquin occasionally pays tribute to others, he avoids generic formulas. And unlike so many blues releases where the vocal tracks pale in comparison to the instrumentation, Peloquin really can sing. With a swaggering, soulful resonance, effective phrasing and an engaging vibrato, Peloquin uses a vocal style not unlike Castro's. He also produced the album himself and wrote nine of the eleven songs.

The repeated rhythmic change-ups - from funk-influenced straight eights to swing shuffles - show fine songcraft. Midtempo lament "24 Hours in a Day" jumps out of the speakers as Peloquin pumps tongue blocked harp notes against Castro's stinging guitar lines, the horn section providing full-bodied, soulful color. The title track, with its R&B horns punctuating a fast triplet rhythm, features some of the album's better lyrics. "Maceosity," a full band funk workout and obvious tribute to Maceo Parker, has Peloquin taking a supportive chordal harmonica role. The acoustic, Delbert McClinton-penned "Maybe Someday Baby' showcases Peloquin blowing bluesy country soul.

The album's drumming, by four different percussionists, is notable for its focus and feel, and Steve Lucky's and Mitch Woods' piano work are also key contributions. Peloquin covers many bases with House of Cards, proving he's one sideman who deserves to be front and center."
- KEITH A. MULHARE, BLUES REVUE #62