The formula might seem familiar: older artist strips down to his barest elements, his age injecting a new depth to each turn in his voice, and puts together an introspective, back- to-his-roots album. We re-appreciate the craftsman and toast his longevity. A comeback of sorts, we say.

What makes the latest release from Tony Joe White truly impressive is the way that format reveals an artist still crafting songs that could sell, tracks that might be picked up by others and run with to the hit parade (whatever that is today), the same route his “Rainy Night in Georgia” and “Steamy Windows” took. The best cuts don’t make you think, wow, how wise. Rather, you think about adding a keyboard or a bass line and letting a crooner, a diva, a bluesman, or an American Idol flesh it out and reap the reward.

We’re reminded here of the era when Al Green sang Willie Nelson’s “Ain’t It Funny” and everyone covered old Hank Williams songs. One wonders who in the world of adult R&B will run with one of these tracks, but someone ought to slip “Tell Me Why” to Aaron Neville. Throughout the album, you can hear future horn lines swell around certain lines: “Words are gonna fall / like raindrops froze / Gonna need something / to soften the blow.” As an album, The Shine is nice listening. As a series of choices for other performers, it’s a quality menu, the work of a professional who produces heartfelt work that might yet sell big for another artist.