When Ronnie Wood is engaged and healthy, he is one of the best guitarists alive. Such was the case when he created his latest live album.

Mr. Luck: A Tribute To Jimmy Reed was recorded during 2013 at The Royal Albert Hall. The Ronnie Wood Band is enhanced by guitarist Mick Taylor, who plays on 16 of the 18 tracks. Also on hand are Mick Hucknall, Peter Weller, and Bobby Womack.

Jimmy Reed was a significant influence on Woods. This release is the third in a trilogy of live albums following 2019’s Chuck Berry project.

The key to the concert is Taylor. In a live setting, his presence forces everyone to play to the best of their abilities. When he was a member of the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards created some of the best music of his career, and here, Taylor drives the sound.

Wood is an exceptional guitarist, but his vocals are what they are. Basically, he gets by. He has also developed into a competent harpist. During this performance, he is wise enough to know when to dominate and when to share the limelight with Taylor and his other guests.

This was a blues concert, and the blues were meant to be played and heard live. The only studio track is the album closer, which was tacked on at the end of the concert. “Ghost Of A Man” is a heartfelt tribute to Jimmy Reed.

There is a lot to recommend the album. Wood is a terrific slide guitarist, which is demonstrated on “Good Lover” and “I’m Gonna Upside Your Head.” The instrumental “Roll And Rhumba” is a feast for Mick Taylor.

Reed’s signature song, “Big Boss Man,” finds Taylor and Wood trading guitar licks, with Womack providing a gritty vocal. Peter Weller brings the lead guitar lineup to three on “Shame Shame Shame” and provides some vocals as well. “Got No Where To Go” is a slower blues number fronted by vocalist Mick Hucknall, formally of Simply Red.

Live concerts are a look into the heart and soul of an artist at a certain point in time. Ronnie Wood and his fellow musicians shine during this live event. Wood achieves his goal of providing a tribute to Jimmy Reed and carrying his music into the present.

Rating: A-

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