Alvin Youngblood Hart's Muscle Theory

Alvin Youngblood Hart's life is deceptively simple. In the central Mississippi town Youngblood calls home, the man enjoys family, fishing, and horseback riding. But beyond this rather prosaic life, the gentle Hart makes beautiful music. Refusing to be pigeonholed into a blues-only niche, this dreadlocked, well-traveled cross between Howlin' Wolf and Link Wray can kick out the jams. Be it his intricate repertoire as a soloist bluesman, an arsenal of American roots music, or the occasional foray into jazz territory, Alvin is always in control. Expect a balanced display ranging from 1996's Big Mama's Door to the more recent Motivational Speaker. An even bigger treat from this "musician's musician" is when he's backed by the Muscle Theory band. I couldn't think of a better place to showcase this Grammy-nominated, blues-industry-lauded talent than Tobacco Road.