If I were Marc Stone, I’d have a hard time telling people what kind of music I played. He’s certainly a bluesman, but one of the more eclectic ones around. And his latest shows how many ways there are to make a hip, modern blues record without relying on the obvious guitar-slinging thing.

The opener “Whatcha Gonna Do” bears that out—starting as a somber acoustic blues, then shifting into an upbeat ’50s New Orleans vibe for the chorus. It’s an unlikely mix but it works: The verses ask what life’s all about, and the Stone’s groove provides the answer.

The guest list here includes a few big local names, but he takes them slightly out of the comfort zone. Guitarist Leo Nocentelli guests on “Digitize” but plays bluesy electric slide instead of Meters funk (it’s also the first time he’s ever played on a song about internet disinformation). Jazz singer Meschiya Lake appears on a Stax-style R&B duet, “When We Were Cheating,” which isn’t your usual confession song: They sing that they had a great time cheating with each other and wish they were still doing it. George Porter Jr. and his trio are on “Love is Everything,” which has the slow-burn of a vintage Allman’s ballad. And “the Truth” features most of the band that’s played as the New Soul Finders—including the great singer Marilyn Barbarin, who’s been around since the ’60s—and plugs them into a modern bit of funky gospel.

Though a fine guitarist, Marc Stone chooses not to play a lot of big solos, save for an expressive one on the title track. He’s more concerned with serving the song, and these songs are worth the care they get.

Marc Stone performs at Jazz Fest on May 5 at 11:15a Blues Stage.