The long established musical relationship between guitarists and goes back nearly 20 years, when sought out as a guitar teacher. They have shared many stages, but this marks the first occasion that they have recorded together. In the best of the tradition as illustrated by the legendary label, is a loose, swinging, tough date filled with great tunes, inspired playing and loose-groove vibes. While has become well-known for his jazzy playing, his former teacher has stayed close to the roots of the Chicago sound. That contrast works beautifully here on both covers and originals. 's tunes are some of the bets on the set as evidenced by the opener One of the reasons for this is his deep, clear soulful singing which adds punch and nuance to the dueling guitars brings classy elegance to the set in his instrumentals, like the title track that carries a deeply Southern-fried to the more urban Chicago sound and the shuffling gutbucket stroll of where the two players wind around and through one another exuberantly. Other highlights include a beautiful reading of 's with guitar interplay that is every bit as symbiotic and sensual as ' Elsewhere, an instrumental version of adds colorful textures between the inventive rhythm performance by 's careful yet innovative play on the melody. The stomping slow in is raw, raucous and tough. Again his voice pushes the guitars into the pocket and keeps them there. The stinging, hip-shaking read of and a graceful are wonderful surprises, as is the gorgeous version of that closes the set and caps a banner date. ~ Thom Jurek