Scotlandville blues piano legend Henry Gray is one of those rare musicians—in the blues field they can be counted on one hand— whose style is instantly recognizable. Case in point is the intro on opening track “Trouble, Trouble” from his latest album, Times Are Gettin’ Hard. Now pushing 85—35 years ago the UK blues press reported our man was retired!—Gray is no less than brilliant here.

While he hails from Louisiana, Gray is the heir to the Chicago blues piano throne via 25 years of backing Howlin’ Wolf, J. B. Lenoir, Little Walter and Jimmy Reed on the south side. Today, his playing still recalls the golden age of Chicago blues, and it’s on display here. Playing solo and with an enthusiastic small combo, his repertoire is largely traditional. Besides the aforementioned “Trouble, Trouble,” Gray sparkles on the proven “That Ain’t Right” and the classic “Goin’ Down Slow.” Realizing it’s no longer 1955, Henry came up with the timely title track, as well as the predictable “Katrina, Katrina” and Alex Rawls’ favorite, “Barack Obama Boogie!” Granted, there are one or two stumbles along the way—at times the Cats are a little too enthusiastic—but this is superb release from a true legend. This is what the blues are all about.

—Jeff Hannusch