The title cut of harmonica man/vocalist Jason Ricci and organ whiz Joe Krown’s debut recording as a duo, City Country City, opens with one of Krown’s trademark organ swells evoking the majestic ethereality of gospel. But the tune quickly morphs into something else—sharp bursts of Ricci’s harmonica followed by long tones amid a stuttering drum cadence from ace session man Doug Belote.

The song pulses in a give and take between the two musicians, before breaking down into another utterly danceable beat. Clearly, these two veteran players are onto something and Belote adds considerably to the proceedings.

Krown is well known around New Orleans for his long collaboration with Walter “Wolfman” Washington and his current gig with Kenny Wayne Shepard, as well as his deep catalog of soulful bluesy organ albums. Ricci, at least for this listener, was lesser known until I dove into his career. He is a multiple Blues Music Award winner and is widely regarded as one of the best harmonica players of his generation.

The opening cut is followed by another tune, “Down and Dirty,” that also runs along the lines of 1960s-era soul organ blues amped up by Ricci’s harmonica standing in for a saxophone or trumpet. However, the third cut, “Badger the Witness” treads no new ground though it does a good job of showcasing Ricci’s ground-glass blues vocals.

The standout cut on the album, which works as a statement of musical intent as well as the vocal centerpiece, is “Down at the Juke.” The lyrics are clearly indebted to Ricci’s time spent in the musical company of legendary Delta blues artists like Julius Kimbrough. But he doesn’t slight New Orleans. He references the Maple Leaf Bar, Krown’s musical home away from home as well.

These two artists are clearly simpatico players and they have crafted an album that walks around two different musical genres—the blues and soul jazz—breathing life into what might be heard as hackneyed in lesser hands.