The former Mountain guitarist has produced an excellent new album, and as the title suggests there's more than a nod to the blues.

West is a good hard rock singer and an outstanding guitarist, and the blues here is done justice. His use of slide is well worth checking out. In fact the whole album is worth having just for the opener 'Blues Before Sunrise'

Sadly no originals here, but 11 excellent covers.

The piano and rhythm guitar fit in well, and well-travelled Aynsley Dunbar does well behind the dumkit. It's a big fat sound that doesn't become easy or commercial. Proper blues.

The whole set rocks.

And the Hagar/Montrose penned 'One Thing On My Mind' is classic. We also get Free's 'Woman' which is worth checking out.

****½

Review by Joe Geesin

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly