If he's 71, no one told Buddy Guy

Buddy Guy

Skin Deep (Silvertone/Zomba)

ESSENTIAL "Every Time I Sing the Blues"

On his new album, "Skin Deep," Buddy Guy is caught asking a question at the end of "Who's Going to Fill These Shoes," his tribute to great blues guitarists: "Did we do it?" Damn straight he did.

In fact, the 71-year-old Chicago legend nails virtually every song here, sounding focused and committed throughout. Guy's recording track record is spotty, but here he captures the explosiveness of his live shows and trims the shtick. Much of the credit should go to former Bostonian Tom Hambridge, who produces with lean efficiency and keeps the focus on Guy's singing and fretwork. And Guy's playing is muscular and penetrating, especially on "Lyin' Like a Dog" where he leaves you cross-eyed. He trades licks with Eric Clapton on "Every Time I Sing the Blues," and their work leaves vapors.

With Guy on his game, the many guests are unnecessary. "Too Many Tears" with Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks never takes off, and Robert Randolph takes two turns but seems superfluous. Guy provides sly vocals on "Smell the Funk" and "I Found My Happiness" and punctuates them with frisky, expansive leads. The title track is the sole ballad, a sincere plea for tolerance that works.

This is the kind of record Guy should always make - a prodigious talent dealing with good material and a determination to deliver the blues without bloat. [Ken Capobianco]