Max Hightower pulls off a blues-drenched hat trick, ticking the appropriate boxes with vocals rich in power and personality, rock solid harmonica play and engaging songs.  Originals and co-writes are varied in flavor and feel; the breezy, bluesy style of “Dedicated Fool”, the gutbucket groove of “Train Smoke” and the blues-funk drive of “Relationship Man” provide the evidence. Covering a classic blues tune is always risky business but Mr. Hightower & band pull it off with a highly combustible, gospel-tinged recasting of Guitar Slim’s “Things I Used To Do”- kudos to lead guitarist Joe Moss and pianist Rob Davis. A “Best of Year” candidate.