Discriminating fans of roots music in southern New England have known it for years. At long last, the rest of the world is catching on to the fact that guitarist Paul Rishell and harmonica player Annie Raines are among the most earnest and entertaining blues artists active today. Ending a two-year hiatus from the studio with this fourth collaborative album, the pair gives ample proof of their gift for granting new life to old neglected blues and gospel numbers--with a band or without. Deep feeling combines with stellar musicianship on pre-World War II classics like Sonny Terry"s risqué "Custard Pie" and Leroy Carr"s "Memphis Town," while the two tradition-bound originals hold up as well. There"s a new depth to Rishell"s vocals here and Raines adds creditable singing and mandolin playing as this talented duo continues to surprise. --Frank-John Hadley