God has smiled upon the patient and lifted a small indy label called Gadfly Records to lead Tonio K.’s long-lost album, Ole, to daylight. Gadfly began its mission of resurrecting old Tonio K. albums two years ago with his early (pre-Christian) classics Life In the Foodchain and Amerika, along with Romeo and the complete version of Notes. (The ccm version dropped one song called "What Women Want" because it was too good.) Ole, having spent seven years in the dark A&M vault, stands the test remarkably and could prove to be one of the best releases of 1997.

With T-Bone Burnett producing (and of course playing in the band), Tonio K. gathered an ensemble that shows just how hip and admired he was. Booker T. Jones, David Raven, Peter Case, David Hidalgo, David Miner, Charlie Sexton, Paul Westerberg and Steven Soles are just a few of the major talents contributing to this project. The group clicks, and with the help of K’s detailed liner notes, you feel like you were right there at the studio. Sure there are moments when the seven years can be heard, but this guy is simply one of the greats, and to finally have legal access to this record is a treat beyond treats. Fans of any of the above-mentioned artists, or newcomers like Wallflowers (produced by Burnett by the way), Dylan or John Hiatt owe it to themselves to discover this long-lost gem. And if you see Mitch from Gadfly, give him a big ol’ hug and a "thanks bro!" cuz he sure deserves it.