How much each guest brought to their given song is unknowable, but to hear is to believe it was a happy sharing of ideas, evidenced by the wholeness of the group’s sound on each cut. Great player collaborations can turn into either head-cutting contests or turn up genuine and unforgettable material. Eric Clapton is no stranger to that phenomenon (for one the huge success of “Layla” with Duane Allman), and it was Clapton who made Landreth the opening act for his Crossroads Guitar Festival, because the Englishman has huge respect for Landreth, many years ago calling him “the most under-estimated player on the planet.” Sonny Landreth is firmly a part of the blues-rock guitar hierarchy, fulfilling Clapton’s continued quote “and also one of the most advanced.” In fact that is exactly what this recording shows, Landreth’s own “reach” as a musician, able to mix it with each of the very different musical approaches from Ford, Johnson, Clapton and Knopfler. Players with prowess of technique must have collaboration and cross-cultural experiences to grow, and these songs shimmer with this fruitful competitive spirit. Landreth already had a song he could hear Dr John playing piano on, “Howlin’ Moon,” which gives a respite from the guitar fury, for Jimmy Buffet to add his warmth to. Vince Gill lends lead (“Universe”) and backing vocals, in his gentlemanly style. Eric Johnson and Landreth produce a remarkably brotherly sound. Robben Ford will be touring the United Kingdom when the album release occurs, but he has put some trademark sweet honey jazz-scale riffs on two tracks, “Way Past Long” and “Blue Angel.”

Up-and-coming guitarists will want to hear “Uberesso” just to figure out how Landreth get its Celtic motifs to jump into outer space.

Never in a hurry to produce “product,” Landreth’s nine releases are spread out with years between, focused on music, not mush. An endearing personality, by turns thoughtful, self-searching and open, Landreth frequently talks about his work using culinary metaphors. He can rest assured that this project – a gathering of illuminated talents – truly cooks. The Louisiana man will play across the US and Canada this spring and summer.

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