Larry Garner - Too Blues (1994)

On his second JSP release, Garner dishes up a variety of blues, steeped in the post-war tradition but reflecting contemporary influences. He successfully reprises his funky "Shak Bully." "She Should've Been Back" is a soul blues, while "Love Her with a Feeling" is a step-by-step narrative a la Albert Collins. Some of his songs are sprinkled with social commentary, something he's known for. On "Thought I Had the Blues," he lays his Albert King-styled guitar playing over Jimmy Johnson's minor chords and reflects on how his blues compares with others who are worse off. There's enough of his hot guitar playing and songwriting to satisfy his fans. For example, on his Lucille Award-winning "Dog House Blues," he reworks the story about how his dog won't take him in after his wife puts him out.