Big Dave McLean - Better The Devil You Know (2016)

JUNO-nominated Canadian blues legend Big Dave McLean swears he didn't set out to make a record with a theme, but there are a lot of spiritual references on his brand new Steve Dawson-produced recording, Better the Devil you Know. From gospel-tinged blues numbers to tributes to dearly departed loved ones, the songs on this album betray Dave's roots as the son of a Presbyterian minister -- while also giving the Devil his due, figuratively speaking. Blackie and the Rodeo Kings' rhythm section of John Dymond and Gary Craig bring their kick-ass roots-rock sensibilities to the mix. Legendary Nashville string player Fats Kaplin (Mark Knopfler, Waylon Jennings, the Mavericks, Nanci Griffith) plays heartfelt mandolin and fiddle. And Ann and Regina McCrary's soulful backing vocals help contribute to the gospel feel of "Deliver Me" and "You're Gonna Need Somebody on Your Bond." Ever since getting his start with an impromptu guitar lesson from John Hammond at the 1969 Mariposa Folk Festival, this Yorkton-born, Winnipeg-based artist has been devoted to his craft, touring relentlessly through Canada's blues bars, folk clubs and folk and blues festivals. Along the way, there have been career highs: opening for his idol, Muddy Waters; earning two WCMAs, a Prairie Music Award, a Whisky Award and countless Maple Blues honours -- including the Blues with Feeling (lifetime achievement) Award; sharing a JUNO for his contribution to CBC's Saturday Night Blues Vol. 1 album; and, most recently, garnering his third career JUNO nod for his last album, Faded but not Gone. With Better the Devil you Know, Dave continues to set an example for new generations of musicians by constantly evolving his sound, embracing new artistic collaborations and making records that just keep getting better and better.