File this one under country blues, but not next to Robert Johnson or Charlie Patton. On Brother To The Blues, Tab Benoit mixes blues and soul material in with country tunes. It’s not a new concept as Johnny Adams, Bobby “Blue” Bland and Joe Simon waxed country albums over a quarter of a century ago, but no blues artist has tried it of late. There’s a few awkward moments here, but the concept works and this one grows on you.

Benoit comes out swinging with “Pack It Up,” a song that sports a Stax/Volt-like arrangement, and he puts his Stetson on the title track and by golly it’s a good fit. He also does a bang up version of Bobby Charles’ “Why Are People Like That?” a country/blues song that was also recorded by Muddy Waters. “I’m On Your Side” and “I Heard That Lonesome Whistle,” are also country tunes that are done up right. They’re rather an odd lead in to Little Johnny Taylor’s swinging blues, “If You Love Me Like You Say,” and the shuffle, “So High,” but you get used to it after a couple spins.

I doubt this CD will get into rotation on country radio (well, maybe along LA Highway 1) but it shows Benoit’s country influences and proves he’s not afraid to take musical chances.