is 's 27th album and his 13th for Canada's venerable label. The blues master's playing style has long been celebrated for its iconic tone and deep well of emotion. None of that changes here, but this set is topically contemporary, a reaction to the history-making year 2020. offers tributes to the recently lost, and solace for those continuing to struggle on the front lines for racial and economic justice. Comprised of originals and covers, most of the album's 15 tracks were cut in 's living room studio while he recovered from back surgery; the recording was finished on March 3, 2020. The remainder are live tunes from an earlier performance at 's House Club. The set opens with a solo acoustic, instrumental read of "I Shall Not Be Moved." Closely associated with the Civil Rights Movement, the song's roots lie deep in the Delta blues ( cut it in 1929). The -- keyboardist , vocalist , bassist , and drummer -- enter on original "Higher Love." sings about the rarest form of love, agape, its only concern being the good of the beloved. Simmering Hammond B-3 and a swinging drum shuffle frame 's stinging tone, underscoring the emotion in 's lyric. "Blues for George Floyd" reacts to the brutal street killing of the unarmed citizen by a policeman in 2020, which sparked explosive international protests that continued as the album was released. It's a searing instrumental. wrangles his Stratocaster in pain, anger, frustration, and grief, all while trying to find a way forward. A soulful, humid read of 's "You Don't Know What Love Is," cut live, showcases 's finest vocal performance here. Instrumental "Blues for Lucky Peterson" is a muscular and fitting tribute to the deceased bluesman who was 's close friend. shines in a sultry, steamy read of 's "In the Dark." She dialogues intensely with 's guitar line by line with simmering intensity. 's "Lord Protect My Child" is offered as a stirring gospel-blues, with hovering B-3 atop 's restrained, resonant fills; thoroughly commits herself to and inhabits the loving, prayerful lyric. "Black Lives Matter" is a mournful slow blues with on piano. wails for the lost before interjects with a talking blues, entwining it all with a resolve for justice. After a swinging version of 's "Blues for J," the set concludes with "Navajo Blues," a moody, revealing instrumental, addressing the U.S. government's genocide of indigenous peoples. The twin aspects of might prove initially jarring, as poignant, mournful, and angry blues sit side by side with buoyant roadhouse rockers. But that's 's purpose -- as the son of two Holocaust survivors, he aims to provide empathy, awareness, and healing while unflinchingly addressing injustice and human suffering. You can't ask for more from a blues record. ~ Thom Jurek