Little Buster & The Soul Brothers take a walk on the soul side of the blues on Work Your Show (Fedora 5020; 51:26). A far grittier vocalist than Shields, Buster is equally adept at Jimmy Reed boogie shuffles like “Down in Virginia” or “Ain’t That Lovin’ You Baby,” righteous slow blues like “Baby How Blue Can You Get?” and soulful serenades like Bobby Womack’s “Jealous Love” and Dave Malone’s gospel-flavored “You’re Gonna Make Me Cry.” He turns in a faithful version of Lloyd Price’s New Orleans stroll “Just Because,” rocks in rowdy good fashion on “Hi Heel Sneakers” and jumps on the unaccompanied boogie “Mojo Hand” with youthful vigor. This is one blues vet who still has fun on his gig. That enthusiasm shines through on each track here.
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