Here’s a guy that looks ike he should be playing surfer music, yet sounds like he was adopted by a family from Chicago’s South Side or Memphis. Mark T Small plays it smart by keeping it essentially acoustic here n this tribute to guys like Elmore James and Reverend Gary Davis; you know, the guys everyone loves to hear and play but are afraid do it the way they really want. Small shows no fear as he boogie shuffles on tunes like “ My Daddy Was A Jockey” and picks it daintily on Charlie Patton’s “Stone Pony Blues.” He sings on most of the tunes, and his voice is red clay earthy on “Step It Up & Go” and the backyard intimate “Sell My Monkey.” He’s got a great touch on the dobro, shown on a neck swagging “Walkin’ The Dog” and is fun on the frets during “Buck Rag.” He even shows a fun side on an “American Medley” that combines “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” with “America The Beautiful” and other flag waving themes. He’s got his own touch on the strings, and the heart of a lion here. You’ll like this if you want the real deal unfiltered.