The last time
Lester released an album was 1988's Harp & Soul on Alligator, an uneven affair. This 1999 effort for Antone's is a vast improvement with producer
Derek O'Brien providing linchpin guitar support and fronting a band that includes stellar contributions from
Mike Buck on drums and Sarah Brown on bass. Although the intervening years have added a bit of rust to
Lester's vocal chops, the added graininess just enhances the performances of old chestnuts like "Strange Things Happening," "If You Think I've Lost You," "Irene," "I'm a Lover, Not a Fighter," "I Need Money," and "The Sun Is Shining." The classic Excello is called on for most of the album but the big surprise comes with two solo performances by
Lester, singing and playing guitar on
Lightnin' Slim's "Nothing but the Devil" and
Lonesome Sundown's "My Home Is a Prison." His most cohesive album since his first for Excello. ~ Cub Koda