A true blues and soul legend, Garrett had big hits like “Shine It On,” “At the Crossroads,” “Turn Back the Hands of Time” and “Johnny Walker Red.” The first time I saw him perform was at the Showcase in Oakland (which was owned by legendary basketball pro Don Barksdale), on a bill with Joe Tex and his band, comedian Rudy Ray Moore, Jesse James and Vernon Garrett; the sharp-dressed man with a ton of soul. There is some ice cream on this CD, but most of it is lowdown downtown-alley blues with a taste of soul. Radio programmers, check out your demographics, and play this one—finally Vernon Garrett is on a major blues label, which he has justifiably deserved for a long time.

Garrett is a master blues vocalist in the style of such greats as Z.Z. Hill, Little Milton and Bobby “Blue” Bland. Best cuts are “Crossfire,” “Walkin’ The Back Streets Cryin'” and “Lonely, Lonely Nights” (previously recorded as a duet in the ’50s). My favorite cut is “If You Can’t Help Me Baby.”