Been a Long Time
Double Trouble withoutStevie Ray Vaughan? Drummer Chris Layton and bassist Tommy Shannon get by with a little help from their friends, on an album of musical depth that will surprise skeptics and delight fans. Amid the varied shades of blue, highlights find the ace rhythm section reuniting with formerArc AngelsbandmatesCharlie SextonandDoyle Bramhall II,Storyvillesinger Malford Milligan, and Stevie's brother,Jimmie Vaughan. There are passing-the-torch contributions fromJonny Lang,Kenny Wayne Shepherd, andSusan Tedeschi(the latter two on a thunderous revival ofLed Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll"). But it's Bramhall's power-trio transformation ofMuddy Waters's "She's Alright" that evokes the strongest memories of Stevie. The album ends in expansively sophisticated fashion, withDr. John, guitaristWillie Nelson, and a string section on "Baby, There's No One Like You," one of the four songs cowritten by Layton and Shannon.--Don McLeese