Jeff Healey sadly passed away earlier this year just as he was about to release his first blues rock album in many years 'Mess Of Blues' (of late he had been enjoying playing jazz having grown weary of blues rock). This is his second album released back in 1990 and is possibly his best mixing original compositions with a few covers. Having seem him live on his debut UK tour back in the late 80's you just stand there amazed at his playing and not forgetting his rhythm section who acted as a very tight musical unit.

Of the covers the two most notable are 'I Think I Love You Too Much' on which the songwriter Mark Knopfler guests. The other is a sterling version of 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' which features not only George Harrison on acoustic guitar and backing vocals but also Jeff Lynne. Healey really plays his heart and soul out on this one and for me it is a fine example of Healey's work.

Other notable guests include Sass Jordan on backing vocals and Bobby Whitlock (Derek & the Dominoes) on keys. The original songs written by the band 'Full Circle' and 'Life Beyond The Sky' are nice blues rockers and 'Highway Of Dreams' allows the band to stretch their musical wings a little.

A real 'must have' for any blues rock fan along with his debut album 'See The Light' and the mid -90's release 'Cover To Cover'. A great loss to music but at least we have these albums to keep the music alive.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie