Chops Not Chaps

Best known initially as a sympathetic sideman to John Lee Hooker and later as the producer who oversaw the great bluesman's '80s commercial comeback, Rogers is an estimable recording artist in his own right. Chops Not Chaps, his first album, showcases his sterling slide technique over the course of 11 originals and covers. Rogers, who's also a pretty fair singer, is under the spell of Robert Johnson here, covering four of his songs. These versions won't make you forget the originals, but they may help you develop a deeper appreciation of deep blues. --Steven Stolder