Ronnie Earl is not your typical bluesman these days. He doesn’t tour, doesn’t appear on TV, doesn’t play festivals, rarely gives interviews, and is not interested in jumping through any of the hoops required to be a “star.” Recently sidelined by health problems, Earl was given the opportunity to sit back and re-evaluate his life, opting to simplify things. Now his primary focus is on the three “F’s:” family, friends, and faith. He sees his music as a means to “bring healing and love to the people who listen to it,” as well as an opportunity to forge a deeper relationship with God.

Earl’s previous release, Hope Radio (available on CD and DVD), was a magnificent effort that would seemingly be tough to improve on. However, his new release, Living in the Light (Stony Plain) is as powerful a release as its predecessor, fueled by Earl’s incredibly creative guitar work as well as stellar work from his band, the Broadcasters (Dave Limina – Hammond B3 and piano, Jim Mouradian – bass, and Lorne Entress – drums), along with some contributions from a few friends.

Those friends include the Fabulous Thunderbirds frontman, Kim Wilson, who plays harmonica and sings on three tracks: a gentle remake of Robert Jr. Lockwood’s “Take A Little Walk With Me,” “Child of a Survivor,” a song penned by Earl about the Holocaust (Earl’s parents were survivors), and “Donna Lee,” a tribute to Earl’s wife. New England blues singer Dave Keller contributes two tracks: the funky opening track, “Love Love Love,” and a soaring version of Bob Dylan’s gospel tune, “What Can I Do For You,” which also features members of the choir from Earl’s Baptist Church. Keyboard wiz Dave Maxwell also guests on two tracks, Rod James plays bass on one track, and Jason James adds second guitar on one track as well.

Living in the Light is easily Earl’s most personal album, based on the song selection and the passion and sincerity he brings to each guitar solo. The seven instrumental tracks are diverse and spectacular, featuring Earl’s highly distinctive and original playing as well as his interplay with Limina’s B3 and piano. What has amazed me about Earl’s albums is the fact that the most recent ones have featured nearly eighty minutes of guitar work and there’s never a dull moment. You’re on the edge of your seat waiting for his next solo.

Living in the Light will please not only fans of blues and jazz guitar, but music fans in general. This is real soul music of the finest kind.