In the listening room with Jimmy Wiggins

In terms of sequels, how many are actually better than the original?. Maybe we would have to delve in to the world of films to find an example- Godfather II as good as or a bit better than the original Godfather?.

Jimmie Vaughan has succeeded in bettering 2010's Plays Blues, Ballads and Favorites. No mean feat when you consider that said album was his best, in my opinion, since 1994's Strange Pleasure. And when your Jimmie Vaughan , one of the finest most economical , stinging contemporary blues guitarists, thats saying something. For the uninitiated, check out Vaughan's playing on "Full time Lover" off the first Fabulous Thunderbirds album, or the little heard "Dengue Woman Blues" from the Dusk till Dawn soundtrack.

The lineup for More Blues, Ballads and Favorites is the same as the the first album (Jimmie Vaughan, Lou Ann Barton, Billy Pitman, George Rains, Derek O'Brien and Ronnie James form the rhythm section). The late organist Bill Willis is replaced by Mike Flanigan. The Horn Section is comprised of Greg Piccolo and Doug James.

With a lineup like that you can't go wrong, as proved on last years album. There's a bit more energy about this album and if anything both Vaughan and Bartons vocals sound fuller and stronger. Vaughan's guitar is his usual biting strat through a bassman , modern day take on the gulf coast style (for those unaware- playing with a capo , no plectrum ala Johnny Guitar Watson and Gatemouth Brown) that has been present in his style for a number of years, he sounds like he has upped the energy level whilst maintaining his laid back economy.

Vaughan's guitar tone , whilst having become a bit thinner and cleaner, is a real turn on for any fan of 50's blues. Like it's predecessor this album has all the good stuff from the 50's without sounding like a corny museum artifact. Stand out tracks for me are the upbeat opener "I ain't never" and the many times covered"Bad Bad Whiskey" (having always loved Jimmy Witherspoon's interpretation I was surprised to hear a version that gave it a run for it's money).

Vaughan and co. got it right the first time, and give a rare example of getting it even better the second. I can't wait for the next installment. .........

So that's it for today's listening room, - I'm off to drink beer until I can't speak .........

Buy this album