Taking a break from his more religious recordings of late, Blues guitarist/vocalist has produced a fine solo album, a decent blues outing. Handing all guitars and bass himself, it's a lot better than it could have been too.

Opener 'The Mess Around' is an uptempo number, nodding at skiffle/rock'n'roll, while sometimes is more of a grinding blues/rock number; interesting number and a more than decent guitar solo and some sultry vocals. 'Give Me Some Money' is a more traditional blues number, with warts and cheesy barroom organ sound and all.

Most of the songs are self penned, a couple co-written with his better half; one of the covers is Hendrix's 'If 6 Was 9', a dark moody and earthy number. A fine version indeed.

This is very much a blues/rock set, often gentle, it's a far cry from the rocking out he's known for, either solo or with the Winter brothers.

A very slow and easy take on the blues is Ray Charles' 'Funny I Still Love You', an apt closer, as it's one you could drift off to sleep to. And that's not knocking the intricate guitar work.

If you like the blues or Rick Derringer, you'll like this, just don't expect a hard rock set.

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com