Bingo

Steve Miller is back with his first new studio album in 17 years, featuring the Gangster of Love's re-discovery of his Chicago blues roots. This album showcases the signature Miller Band sound with the addition of former lead singer and showman Sonny Charles, last seen playing Vegas lounge shows with his ’60s group the Checkmates.

Charles, with his smooth-soul voice, adds authenticity to these blues tunes. His vocal on "Rock Me Baby" is Chicago roots blues at it's best. When he and Miller share the lead on Lowell Fulsom's "Tramp," it sounds better then the original. And Charles belts out Jesse Hill's classic "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" as good as it gets, on my favorite cut. Other notable covers are Miller's classic-rock revival of Jimmy Reed's "You've Got Me Dizzy" and a Summer of Love-sounding "Sweet Soul Vibe."

There isn't a bad track on the album, and you've got to hand it to Miller for adding oldie-but-goodie Sonny Charles to give us a new reason to buy another one of his albums.

• Album: Bingo (2010)
• Artist: Steve Miller Band
• Label: Space Cowboy Records
• Songs: (1) Hey Yeah (2) Who's Been Talking (3) Don't Cha Know (4)Rock Me Baby (5) Tramp (6) Sweet Soul Vibe (7) Come On (Let the Good Times Roll) (8) All Your Love (9) You Got Me Dizzy (10 ) Ooh Poo Pah Doo (11) Ain't That Lovin' You (12) Further On Up the Road (13) Look on Yonder Wall (14) Drivin Wheel