James Armstrong - Dark Night (1998/2020)

After miraculously coming out alive from being attacked and nearly stabbed to death, Armstrong came back strong with this wonderful collection of tunes featuring solid performances on every one. Armstrong turns over the lion's share of lead guitar duties to Michael Ross here, and his silky leads blend with Armstrong's still very potent singing voice quite sympathetically. Highlights include the soulful "Too Many Misses for Me," "Trouble On the Homefront," the Texas shuffle of "The Bank of Love," the proud daddy rock of "Lil' James" and the title track. Guest lead guitar turns from Doug MacLeod and Joe Louis Walker on two tracks apiece make for some nice guitar fireworks as well to spice things up. There are inspired sessions, and there are inspired sessions; these come from a place where a man says no to death, yes to life and stands tall to tell about it and fight another day.