B.B. KING & FRIENDS: 80 (Universal).

THE greatest living bluesman turns 80 on September 16, and this collection of duets celebrates the event. Mostly a gathering of the usual suspects (Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler) who suit the bill. Others seem out of place (John Mayer, Gloria Estefan, Elton John), but it's a treat to hear fellow blues legend Bobby Bland mixing it up with B.B., who's in great voice throughout and still playing as sweet as ever.

JEFF CRAWFORD