John Rankin employs seven different guitars, harmonica and vocals to evoke and pay homage to artists who have filled his—and our—life with music. In simple settings of solos, duos, trios and quartets, the accomplished guitarist suggests the straight-forward funkiness of Snooks Eaglin on his original, “Leavin’ You,” with Johnny Vidacovich layin’ down the essential groove, offers a touch of Professor Longhair’s Latin tinge on the title cut and puts a different spin on Joe Jones’ “You Talk Too Much.” There are also moments of great beauty including “Django’s Tears” and a slowly flowing “If Ever I Cease To Love.” This rendition might change the minds of those who usually cringe at the first strains of the Mardi Gras anthem. With support from bassist Tim Paco, Rankin’s classical guitar and the clarinet of Clarence Johnson dance on “Moonshine Rag.” Both here and on James Booker’s “Gonzo,” the guitarist successfully transforms tunes that rely on keyboards to feel natural in their new environs. A delicately executed “New Orleans” appropriately brings Fess’ Mess to a close with Rankin’s guitar a wisp of Spanish moss stirred by the sultry air of Johnson’s tenor.