Jimmy D. Lane

Although formative influences include Chicago legends Howling Wolf and Muddy Waters, Jimmy D. Lane's allegiance to Jimi Hendrix, Albert Collins and Stevie Ray Vaughan shows in the passionate flamboyance of his singing and guitar playing. While a cool rapport with his band results in compelling slow blues, like "Four O'Clock in the Morning" and "In this Bed," his upbeat originals, "Baby's Mule," "Dem Blues" and "Pride," convey a contemporary driving style. Guests include Hubert Sumlin, plus Lane's father, Jimmy Rogers, whose wonderful version of "One Room Country Shack" was his final recording. Despite the poignancy of that, Lane's music is a defiant celebration in the face of adversity and inevitable loss.