Guitarslinger-par-excellence Josh Smith frames his fretboard dazzle and taut, urgent vocals in a succession of markedly vital-sounding originals, seasoned with a sprinkling of “just-right” production touches.  He takes on the high-risk gamble of a slow-tempo leadoff track, “Half Blues”; a brawny horn chart providing ideal propulsion.  The mellow mood of “Through The Night” recalls Boz Scaggs’ ‘70’s heyday.  Other standouts include “Watching You Go”, “Let Me Take Care Of You” and a scorcher of a blues ballad- “What We Need”.