Robin Trower is one of the all-time great rock 'n' roll guitarists. The hard rock community consistently singles him out for his explosive tone, while his solo albums—after he'd done his time guiding Procol Harum—remain definitive heavy rock records of the early '70s. The 2013 set Roots and Branches is Trower enjoying himself and doing what he does best. He's playing his favorite old blues songs, with inspired conviction and a production job that brings out the best in the music. It's tight, dense, and dark. B.B. King's trademark "The Thrill Is Gone" sounds as if it's being made for the first time, with a touch of Tom Waits' darkness lurking in there for good measure. "Hound Dog" is done closer to Big Mama Thornton's version than Elvis' hit single. Ray Charles' "I Believe to My Soul" is another dark night of the soul, with organ and guitar combining for a sparse but effective growl. There isn't a false move anywhere near this fine album.