This is an interesting and exciting new release from Lucky Peterson. He has surrounded himself with a group of crackerjack musicians he’s working with here for the first time to record a very electric and very urban set of contemporary blues music. I’m sure there were plenty of high fives going around the studio when these tracks were completed because the whole thing crackles with energy from start to finish. I’ve never heard Lucky sound so confident and self-assured as he is on this record. Remember, this is someone who’s latest recordings have been among the best blues albums of the past decade. When it comes to Lucky Peterson I think I might have finally run out of superlatives.

It’s important to mention the supporting cast here. Johnny Lee Schell on rhythm guitar, Jon Cleary on keyboards, Reggie McBride on bass, and Tony Braunagel on drums play on every song. No songs are stripped down and there are no special guests. There’s a horn section on nine of the twelve cuts as Lucky was really going for a big full sound this time. Lucky, as usual, sings, plays lead guitar and Hammond B3 organ.

The first song, "Double Dealin," is the title cut and it literally explodes from your speakers immediately setting the tone for the entire disc. Lucky’s deep, husky voice is instantly recognizable and his high-powered guitar dominates the mix. This song was written by blues great Jimmy McCracklin and that’s another interesting thing about this disc. In the past Lucky has covered material by such artists as Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, Prince, Sting, Earth Wind & Fire, and the Isley Brothers. Here his covers are strictly blues songs written by blues artists. Besides "Double Dealin" he covers Keb’ Mo’s "Don’t Try To Explain," Marty Grebbs’ "Smooth Sailing," and Andre Williams’ "3 Handed Woman" among others.

Keyboardist Jon Cleary contributes two original songs here including "Mercenary Baby" which ws originally titled "Unnecessarily Mercenary" on his "Moonburn" CD from a couple of years ago. There’s some nice interplay between Cleary’s piano and Lucky’s B3 on this tune. Cleary’s other contribution is "Doin’ Bad, Feelin’ Good" which is by far the funkiest track on the disc. The funk sound is something that comes naturally to Lucky (just listen to his ‘Lifetime’ CD), but he pretty much avoids it on this record opting instead for that hard urban blues sound.

Lucky himself contributes three original songs. "When My Blood Runs Cold" is the closest thing there is to a ballad and it features a string bending, gut wrenching solo from Lucky. "4 Little Boys" is a poignant and sad song Lucky co-wrote with his father James about a dying woman’s request to her husband. "Remember The Day" is an overly hyper song that closes out the disc the same way it begins – with explosive all-out energy.

As far as I know this is the eleventh recording of Lucky’s career. I have everything the guy has ever done including a few bootlegs. With each recording he continues to reinforce an opinion I’ve had of him for many years now. He is the most talented blues musician I have ever heard or seen. With "Double Dealin" he is at the peak of his musical skills. I can’t imagine how he can get any better.

P.S. After too long a wait, Lucky will finally be back in our area again at Burke’s Tavern in Niantic on Thursday evening July 12th.

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