The Jackie Payne/Steve Edmonson Band

Payne, who was the lead singer with the Johnny Otis Show for 15 years, is teamed up here with guitarist Steve Edmonson (ex-Eugene and the Blue Jeans, The Dynatones) plus a raft of Bay Area guests—most notably keyboard whiz Austin DeLone, drummer June Core and guitarist Rusty Zinn—on a stellar program of blues and soul. A powerful vocalist who occasionally dips into Bobby Blue Bland’s bag, Payne cuts loose on 13 songs, most of them with backing by two or three horns. Highlights include: “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” Albert King’s “My Money Just Ain’t Long Enough” and “Monday Morning Coming Down,” a band original. Edmonson gets his well-earned kicks on Freddie King’s “Sidetracked.” A solid effort by all hands.