While Mayall's role as the consummate bluesman has led to one of the more colorful and diverse careers in music, the last four decades have resulted in a mixed legacy for the British expatriate. As the multitude of ex-Bluesbreakers has gone on to various levels of success and superstardom (those of you purchasing Eric Clapton's new "Blues" anthology have Mayall to thank), Mayall's own work has been persistently overshadowed by the company he keeps. As he sings during "Always A Brand New Road" on his latest album, "I've built careers down through the years/ Stood back and watched 'em take the credit...I've been addicted/ I've been evicted...It might have made me a bitter man, but I'm much too strong to let it." Like they say, it's enough to give any guy the blues.

In most ways, it's been the perfect motivation for the veteran blues rocker (now nudging into his '70s) as a perennial underdog trying to better his past work, searching for and exposing vibrant new players, while maintaining the lineage of a traditional blues performer who writes autobiographies from the soul. If his latest album is any indication, the combination is also a potent fountain of youth, as Mayall sounds more robust and headstrong than ever.

With a new crop of Blues-kateers roarin' behind him (guitarist Buddy Whittington, bassist John Pallus and drummer Joe Yuele are all names for the future), Mayall barks out thirteen new originals dealing with life on the road ("White Line Fever"), treasured memories ("The Strip," about the Bluesbreakers first LA gig at the Whiskey in the '60s), and tenuous love ("Bad Dream Catcher"). Along with a pair of good-natured duets, trading rugged guitar licks with legend John Lee Hooker, Mayall's underrated piano playing also receives more attention in the gracious mix here, including a New Orleans stride-right inspired "Ain't No Surrender", as well as his wiry, frenzied harmonica work. "If you got a reason and you feel lowdown, start believin'," Mayall reminds the listener near the album's conclusion, "Cause when the blues are real bad, you know they got to be good for you." And a good affirmation for Mayall.