hasn't released a solo album since 2006's , so the 2018 appearance of is something of an event. Its specialness is underscored by cameos by three heavy-hitters of the central Texas music scene: pops up on the opening "Come to Me," swings by for "The Lucky Ones," and 's plays on "Fool's Gold." All three provide with a bit of a signal boost so may be heard outside the confines of Texas blues circles, but the wondrous thing about their appearances is that they're all in deference to , following her own idiosyncratic leads. offers a welcome reminder of how fully formed her voice is as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Firmly rooted in traditional Texas blues, writes winding riffs that skirt the edge of familiar -- her playing follows similarly winding paths -- and she writes songs that avoid cliches, all of which are elements of a strong modern blues album. winds up as an exceptional modern blues album because the interplay between , bassist , and drummer is kinetic and open, finding space for not just the star cameos but organist and , helping to give the record color and swing. After nine house-rocking electric tunes, the album eases to a close with a coda of low-key acoustic numbers, the last two performed by on her own, and far from seeming like a transmission from a different world, these three numbers pull the album into perspective. All 12 songs showcase the full range of 's talent as well as the deep feeling flowing through her music, which is more than enough to make something special. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine