Blues fans know what they’re getting from a Bob Margolin release….a consistently fine mix of original songs and well-chosen covers, along with some of the best blues guitar around.

Margolin learned his craft at the feet of some of the masters. He was a guitarist in Muddy Waters’ band for seven years before forming his own group and has played with a veritable who’s who of blues artists too numerous to mention. Margolin has released multiple CDs on his own for Alligator, Blind Pig, Telarc, and others, but his latest, In North Carolina, on his own Steady Rollin’ Records, may be his best yet. Certainly, it’s his most personal.

The disc features 14 tracks, half of which are compositions by Margolin. He also plays all the instruments, including electric and acoustic guitar, bass, and snare drum. Margolin’s goal with In North Carolina was to show listeners the type music he plays in his North Carolina home for himself and his wife and pets.

Margolin’s taste in cover tunes is always first rate and there are no exceptions here. The opening cut, a tight version of Muddy Waters’ “Tell Me Why,” threatens to jump out of the speakers, while his lively take of Louis Armstrong’s “You Rascal You” is also a highlight. Other standout covers include a mournful version of Bob Dylan’s “Tears of Rage,” featuring some inspired slide guitar, “Red Hot Kisses,” where Margolin’s guitar work is a nice, appropriate tribute to Robert Lockwood, Jr., and “Floyd’s Guitar Blues” is a beautifully played instrumental that pays tribute to another of Margolin's heroes, Les Paul.

As far as original compositions go, Margolin has always possessed a unique lyrical style that’s always entertaining. “She And The Devil” has long been a favorite of his fans, so they will be pleased to have this solo, acoustic version to add to their collection. The title cut does an excellent job of conveying loneliness experienced while on the road. “Just Before Dawn” is an original Chicago Blues tune that would have made his mentor proud, and “Colleen” is a bouncy instrumental inspired by Margolin’s Border Collie, Colleen, who passed away earlier this year (and is pictured on the cover of the CD).

Capping things off is a revealing narrative about a night in the life of a bluesman, “You Never Know,” which is taken from an article Margolin wrote for Blues Revue a few years ago.

As expected, there’s plenty of great guitar to be found on In North Carolina. Margolin has long been one of the most tasteful blues guitarists around, accomplished in a wide variety of styles and never overplaying his hand. Muddy would certainly be proud of his latest effort and you will be, too.