The Blues Rolls On

I've been a blues fan for 30 years now and I'm always on the lookout for any band that plays fresh tunes and keeps the jams short and tight. A welcome record for anyone sick and tired of hearing the Chess songbook over and over and again.

Tight, soulful, and unique. Notables include the long forgotten Roy Milton gem "Keep a dollar in your pocket" and Junior Wells' "I found out." Elvin's next record should be more hidden gems like these. He's got to know tons of other songs like these Roy Milton and minor Junior Wells tunes just sitting around. T-bone Walker comes to mind...

I first heard Elvin Bishop in 1967 playing second guitar in the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Forty-one years later, he's playing second guitar to no one. He has earned his blues and his peers' respect doing the passion of his life. He is the reflection of the gritty and raw music that not only survives but thrives in the souls of those that have lived in tough times, lost at love, or have compassion. While I still prefer his days of trading licks with Mike Bloomfield, this CD and the talent in it are worth the price of admission. Elvin still has a few more notes to share with us all, it's just a matter of listening.

This is a great album and I really like the nod towards the new up and comers. If you have bought other albums from Elvin Bishop this one deserves to be included in your collection. I hope the guy lives for another 20 years just to hear what he's up to. He never grows old to these ears.

Elvin is a legend and this album demonstrates exactly how/why. He's got the best in blues guesting on this CD, but Elvin is the real draw here. His playing is even better and more soulful then the early days (yes, I have some of his stuff on LP!). Blues men always get better with age and they don't make blues like this anymore. "Oklahoma" and his cover of "Night Time Is The Right Time" are highlights and a duet with B.B. King is always gonna be worth a listen.

"The Blues Rolls On" is Elvin Bishop's best album to date. His guitar playing is spot on and he certainly knows how to "strut his stuff"! With special guests such as B.B. King, George Thorogood, Derek Trucks and more, "The Blues Rolls On" is sure to please blues fans, old and new. My personal favorites are "Struttin' My Stuff" and "Keep A Dollar In Your Pocket." This is a great album and I'm glad to see that Elvin is keeping the blues alive and well.