Roomful of Blues, That’s Right! (Alligator)

One of the best and busiest blues bands going, this is Roomful of Blues’ 17th album. As per their usual formula, the horn-heavy New Englanders cherry pick the repertoire of their heroes. Roomful visits New Orleans on Smiley Lewis’s “Shame, Shame, Shame,” and on Eddie Bo’s “I’ll Keep On Trying,” a tune which sports an interesting Guitar Slim arrangement. They then head north to Jackson, Mississippi, and recycle Elmore James’ “Stranger Blues,” On the way west, they stop in at Little Rock and sample Fenton Robinson’s “Tennessee Woman.” When they get to the West Coast, they tap Jimmy McCracklin on “I Just Got To Know,” Guitar Shorty’s “How Long Will It Last?” and T-Bone Walker’s “I Know Your Wig Is Gone.” One of the best tracks here, Little Milton’s “I’m Tryin’” indicates a stop in St. Louis too. Check these guys out if they get to your town.