Although throat surgery has curtailed James Cotton's singing career, it has opened up avenues for the Chicago harpist to expand his approach. Guest vocalists Rory Block, Marcia Ball, and Bobby Rush maintain the goodtime blues feel Cotton is known for, but it's the influence of others that pushes this album into new territory. Dave Alvin growls through a rootsy "Stealin', Stealin'" while country singer-songwriter Jim Lauderdale adds twang to Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me." Bluegrass legend Doc Watson offers his distinctive high, lonesome vocals to "How Long Blues" and Peter Rowan's yodels reverberate through a sassy "Muleskinner Blues." C.J. Chenier takes the proceedings down to Louisiana for a soulful, accordion-spiced version of Slim Harpo's "Rainin' in My Heart." Even with all the high-profile guests, Cotton never seems like a sideman on his own album. His gutsy, unamplified harp is featured prominently, and all the elements combine to make this a classy and eclectic entry into Cotton's distinguished catalog. --Hal Horowitz