The Blues were once the well- spring of popular music, but it's a long time since they ruled the world – though its spirit, and occasionally its form, still lives on. Ronnie Earl and his longtime band are among those who still carry the flame. A big admirer of guitar legend Otis Rush, Earl was a relatively late convert to the guitar. But the New Yorker immersed himself in blues culture and earned numerous awards for his cultured playing. This mainly instrumental live album comes in Earl's 60th year and is a spirited celebration of both him and the genre. It helps that his band are no slouches: Dave Limina on Hammond and piano is a lively contrast to Earl's tasteful playing, especially on The Big Train and Vernice's Boogie. One for blues veterans of a certain vintage. Ronnieearl. com
Download: Blues for Hubert Sumlin, Vernice's Boogie