Kenny Neal: Louisina Stew

Over the course of more than a dozen releases, Kenny Neal has established himself as one of the leading blues stars of our day. He draws on his home town roots for his "Louisiana Stew," a good-times tune with a very danceable beat. When New Orleans partyin' meets the lowdown blues, something's gotta give. The festive mood wins out here, and blue moods are put on hold for another day. Neal's vocal adds to the upbeat attitude, but his harmonica playing is the highlight of this performance. Even with trumpet and sax parts in the background, the humble harp holds its own. Neal, who recently turned 50, has been working the 12 bars on stage since he was 13, but these blues musicians just seem to get better as they get older.