TONY JOE WHITE: Uncovered (Warner Music).

TONY Joe White's low-down baritone still sounds like it's emerging from the bottom of a swamp. The singer-guitarist, best known as the composer of Polk Salad Annie, follows up his album of duets with women (The Heroines, with Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Shelby Lynne and others) by gathering some of his favourite male artists together, including Eric Clapton, J.J. Cale, Michael McDonald and the late Waylon Jennings (on the previously recorded Shakin' the Blues). Mark Knopfler, who was clearly influenced by White and Cale, adds fluid Strat to Not One Bad Thought. The impressive company complements Tony Joe's steady roling bayou grooves on a solid collection of new songs and a few oldies (including a soulful take of his own certified classic Rainy Night in Georgia).

JEFF CRAWFORD