It’s ironic that two ex-bandmates from Austin’s Fabulous Thunderbirds would have overlapping new CDs. Of course, here, Wilson headed up his band on harp and vocals and ex-T-bird six-string Jimmie Vaughan just dropped a new CD too. It’s ironic here that Wilson touts that The Big Tone Sessions was recorded on analog tape just like “the classic music from labels like Chess.” Actually, a lot of the “classic” blues was actually cut direct to disc, but that would be a step too far. No matter, Wilson gets a fat, upfront harp sound a la Little Walter with, as it should be, mostly sparse accompaniment. Wilson liberally picks over the Chess catalog (four Jimmy Rogers originals) as he attempts to emulate the same Chicago sound that came out of that primitive studio on South Cottage Grove. Covers in the mix include a hip version of Jimmy Nolen’s “You’ve Been Goofing,” but re-doing Larry Williams’ “Slow Down” doesn’t translate well. Interspersed with several Wilson originals, the instrumentals stand out, especially on his chromatic, atmospheric “Rumblin’” as well as the raucous closer “Out Of The Fryin’ Pan.” Guitarists in the audience should give a tip of the hat to Jon Anderson, who has mastered the legendary Jody Williams’ touch on the instrument. Honestly, when I first heard The Big Tone Sessions, I thought it sounded manufactured and uninspired. However, this one sounded better with every listen, with no less than 16 blues grooves that will get your feet to tappin.’ And you can’t do better than that.