Members of the second-generation blues revival, these guys started making names for themselves back in the mid-1980s. Hard workers and prolific to say the least, this new release is very much a strong and enjoyable listen for blues aficionados. A good balance between covers and oft-times witty originals, the curtain opener is their treatment of The “5” Royales upbeat and timely “Don’t Give No More Than You Can Take.” (The last five years has finally seen a refocus on how remarkable that group was and their jaw-dropping guitarist Lowman Pauling). Completely re-gearing, the duo’s cover of Otis Spann’s truly mournful “What Will Become of Me” is complete with true vamps of “Snake Boy” Johnson’s guitar fills by Little Charlie.

No surprise here that Sugar Ray samples his favorite harmonica player’s songbook citing the first Sonny Boy, Little Walter, and surprisingly, Jerry McCain. Speaking of the harmonica, Sugar Ray blows the back off his Marine Band on the rousing instrumental “Reel Burner,” that might even have impressed Walter. However, the original that is a real kick in the behind is the swamp pop ballad “Too Little Too Late.” This song must go into heavy rotation on KBON and KLVP. The title track is in the tradition of drinking songs by Sugar Ray, but this song doesn’t do it for me. “Numb and Dumb” does, though, and the band takes us on a swing. Another track that might just get you dance is “From the Horses Mouth” which rocks. Certainly, a great workout from beginning to end. A great effort from a bunch of great veteran blues musicians.