Buddy Guy
Born To Play Guitar
(RCA Records)

One thing is for damn sure, Buddy’s still got the blues. After the recent passing of B.B King, the once abundant pantheon of blues greats is nearly empty. However the spark of life remains burning with the heart, soul, and passion of Buddy Guy. It’s a daunting task, but one that must be carried on. Homages to liquor and John Lee Hooker can be found on the track “Whiskey, Beer & Wine.” “Crying Out Of One Eye” portrays the sometimes deceptive nature of “wimmen” and perhaps the most relevant tune, “Crazy World,” breaks down just how backwards the world is. Sprinkled throughout the Long Play is a star-studded cast of musicians, including ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons on “Wear You Out,” who helps brings new grit to the down and dirty Chicago blues. Joss Stone and the Thunder Bird, Kim Wilson also makes an appearance. The album is rounded off with homages to heroes and mentors, B.B King and Muddy Waters respectively with Van Morrison contributing vocals to the former. The chapter of the great bluesmen is close to being closed, but Buddy is not going to let that happen without a fight.