As one might surmise by the title, Keith Stone left the Crescent City only to return with an even greater appreciation for his native city. Eventually producer/bassist David Hyde convinced Stone to record his songs, hence this debut that includes such luminaries as pianist Dr. John, background vocalist Elaine Foster and accordionist Sunpie. Naturally there’s an autobiographical theme, given the title track and “Take Me Home,” but New Orleans itself is also an immense part of his sonic DNA. He pays homage to his city on various levels, most notably by bookending the proceedings with Dr. John’s eloquently played “Prelude” and a moving interpretation of “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.”

Other indigenous references are perhaps more subtle and embedded, such as the swanky uptown instrumental “Buster’s Place,” a nod to the long-shuttered restaurant Buster Holmes. A few songs synthesize elements of classic songs to be relatively familiar-sounding. The beat-crazy “Make Me Feel Alright” is quite the hybrid: a guitar part paralleling Fats Domino’s “I’m Walkin’,” a zydeco bass line and Dave Bartholomew–like tenor sax growling.

Given that Stone was a sideman for most of his career, he plays well with others, seamlessly melding in with a tight horn section and avoiding guitar hero histrionics (though he does get his sinewy licks in) just because it’s his show.

The touching “New Orleans Moonlight” is when things really hit their stride. The performances get stronger, suggesting that Stone’s future as a frontman is a promising one indeed.