This one’s full of surprises. First of all, it’s surprising to see New Orleans’ Eric Lindell on the same Chicago blues label that brought us Hound Dog Taylor, Albert Collins, Son Seals and Koko Taylor. Secondly, out of the blue, this is one of the best contemporary CDs to come out of New Orleans in a long time. Unfortunately, Lindell might provide a headache for music store catalogers — where do you file this CD? (Good thing stores around here have a New Orleans section.) There’s blues, reggae, Latin, old school soul, gospel, vintage rock ‘n’ roll, and funk are all packed in here — and they don’t clash. “Give It Time,” sets the stage as Lindell talks/sings his way over a hypnotic rhythm accented by haunting female vocal accompaniment. A clever songwriter, I’ll bet many listeners will identify with. “Sad But True”? That’s me, I’m afraid. “Uncle John” and “Casanova”? Ditto “All Alone”? A barroom tale of failed romance; who can’t identify with that?

Lindell surrounds himself with different sets of local musicians and the mix is always on the mark. The arrangements here are sparkling. It might sound trite, but Change In the Weather really has a swamp groove that will make listeners think of a sultry summer night on Frenchmen Street. If you play this CD with your windows wide open, don’t be surprised if you neighbors ask who you’re listening to.