On his newest CD, Bill Johnson - on vocals and guitars - is joined by Rick Erickson on bass, John Hunter and Joby Baker on drums, David Vest on piano, Darcy Phillips on B3 organ, and Bob Belknap and Lisa Mann on background vocals. The disc, titled "Still Blue", contains twelve very blue tracks of which eight are originals. After several previous listens, I've come to the conclusion that I could easily say something good about them all.

On one of his original tracks, Bill describes an ailment that he, as well as most of us, is suffering from - and even his doctor doesn't have a remedy for it. He's being "Worked To Death". Welcome to the club Bill. Good guitar work and vocals backed up by a strong progressive rhythm.

"Half The Man" is an absolutely phenomenal track with sensational guitar work. I swear, when it was over, I felt like applauding. It opens with one hell of a guitar highlight followed by intense, soulful vocals. Then, halfway through this five minute song, Bill goes off on a two and a half minute, song ending solo, equal to the mastery that Ronnie Earl has over his guitar. What a great song, and an original at that.

It may be a song about a guitar, but all the instruments are smokin' on the jammin' "Old Les Paul Guitar". Yes, Bill is superb on guitar as well is David on piano.

The only way to describe this track is to say that everyone's totally "Red Hot". It's a smoker done in the wild style of the wild one himself - Jerry Lee Lewis. Of course that means lot's of hot piano leads, and damn hot they are. Rockin' good stuff right here.

As been the case with most of the tracks on the CD, this is "Another One" where the rhythm section's nailing it. This time it's John leading the way with his solid drum work. Vocally, with beautiful support from Lisa, this is one of the best.

Reminiscent of the late Barkin' Bill, the vocals on "T-Bone Blues" are spectacular. That, combined with the beautifully soft rhythms of Rick, John and David on the bass, drums and piano all make this smooth shuffle another of the disc's many good tunes.

"Remote Control Man" is a short, humorous track that may use different terminology but it boils right down to Bill's woman having him in the palm of her hands. David does some wonderfully light piano playing on this wonderfully lighthearted song.

Other tracks on "Still Blue" include: "Fishing With Your Boots On", "Habitual Survivor", "Experience", "Three Hundreds Pounds Of Heavenly Joy" (something I'm often described as), and King Bee".

With the year coming to an end, it's closing in on that time where I will soon have to pick the winner of the 2010 Blewzzy Award and I may have just listened to it.

Look him up on My Space at www.myspace.com/billjohnsonbluesband. When you do, tell him that the Blewzzman says he one listener who's happy that Bill Johnson is still blue and I hope he stays blue.