Skin Deep

The guest stars -- Eric Clapton, Derek Trucks, Robert Randolph, young Quinn Sullivan and Susan Tedeschi -- add a lot, but this is Buddy's CD, and he's at the top of his game. The songs are tight and substantive and the playing is great. Buddy is one of the last connections to the Muddy Waters era in Chicago and the original Chess Studios, and he wants to make sure that tradition gets passed on. As he sings here "Who's Gonna Fill Those Shoes." But there is nothing archaic or anthropological about what he does here. It's great blues played by, as Mick Jagger calls him in "Shine a Light," Buddy "Mother------" Guy.

This is a fabulous CD. Sorry for those that didn't want to see Buddy doing any duets -- but that is one of the great things about Buddy -- he loves jamming with his fellow blues friends. I love thd title track Skin Deep -- simple but meaningful and lyrics I wish everyone could live by. My second favorite is Smell the Funk. I was privileged to see Buddy just a few weeks ago at the Hampton Beach Casino in NH and I will be seeing him again in October for the Hendrix Experience (my 2nd time) tour. This man will rock my world no matter how old he gets.

Great album by Buddy Guy. Those who appreciate the old time blues singers will enjoy this. I had the pleasure of seeing him in person and listening to several songs from the album. Live is better but the treatment on the album doesn't take away too much.

Any fan of the blues knows Buddy Guy. I've been a fan of Buddy's for years now and in my opinion, this is the best effort he's had since "Slippin' In" from '94. Forget that there are great guests on it like Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, and Eric Clapton, this is Buddy at his best. No need to pick a favorite track, they are all good. Great Chicago Blues!

If you're a fan, or even if you're not - this is a rockin'-good release.